ÑDP
It feels so good to finish college and start a career. Have a job, get paid, save up and buy all the things you want. Oh how I wish the reality of life can be that simple- but it’s not.
Can I go back to college please? I’ve only been working for almost a year and I tell you, it’s difficult- not my workload, but budgeting my money based on my expenses. To be frank, salary gives me more stress than the accounts I handle. Anyway, let me share my reality (so far):
Having a job means not asking my parents for money- no more allowance; no more baon. Every pay day I plan my salary. I set aside money for daily expenses, bills and savings. Daily allowance must be prioritize- or else how will I go to work ‘til the next pay day? I mostly allot money for transportation. I bring my own food to work- especially my lunch meal and this saves me more cash!
I give my fare share for household expenses so you can only imagine how this sets me back. To add, in an attempt to be a responsible adult I started a savings account and, I have to admit that it’s difficult to sustain.
Like me, you probably would want to hang out with friends all the time. Ka-ching! Treat the family on a meal out. Ka-ching! Browse through Instagram shops and department stores. Ka-ching! Ka-ching! Ka- ching! But can only cry after realizing that all these involve money. Money I (and perhaps you too) don’t have enough of. As hard as it may be, contemplate on the wants. We are just starting our career, with a basic compensation- there will come a time when we can treat our family to the grandiose feast or hang out with friends on a daily basis.
For now, think deeply about every lakad, if you really need that pair of heels from Instagram, that new shade of matte lipstick or that promo flight fare to Boracay. Think long term! As much as possible buy what you need. If you really need that pair of heels from Instagram then buy it. Though please don’t buy something then regret it later cause you don’t have money after- restrict the impulsive buyer in you.
Not sorry to burst your bubble, your salary will never be enough- especially when you’re a fresh grad. You can’t demand for higher compensation because you lack experience. What’s worse is that you can’t ask money from your parents anymore.
Why don’t I quit my current job and find another?- you may be thinking. Here’s where I tell you the consolation to all the money related-stress I have. I’m happy with the job I have. I don’t drag myself to work every morning (like my college batchmates). I don’t feel the need to job hop. The gist is, though money plays a big role in this world, happiness and sense of fulfillment is more important- no amount of money should ever be superior to that. That’s the hard truth we need to live by.
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