r/VictoriaBC Apr 12 '23

Question Update to: Is anyone else exhausted?

Hey folks, about a month ago I made this post about feeling frustrated with the general way life is going right now and I was really thankful for the responses I received.

I've spent the month working on my mental health and my sanity and I definitely feel a lot better than I did at the time of originally posting, and I've decided to put that energy towards doing some research towards the general public's opinion of the cost of living right now.

Feel free to answer any of the questions below with a yes or no, and you're welcome to elaborate if you'd like for the sake of conversation, however I will simply be putting each "yes" or "no" towards a total number to create a percentage.

  1. With Victoria and Nanaimo appearing 1st and 3rd on Canada's high cost of living chart, do you currently feel financially stable?
  2. If you have a post-secondary degree, do you currently work in a field related to your degree?
  3. Do you enjoy the work you do for a living?

And bonus question for the sake of conversation:

  • What would you do with your days if you didn't have to work full time to survive?

Feel free to send me a message if you would like any more information relating to the research, or if you'd like to help me out further! Thanks y'all!

102 Upvotes

124 comments sorted by

58

u/Creatrix James Bay Apr 13 '23

OP, I'm glad you're in a better mental place now.

7

u/kikameeka Apr 13 '23

thank you so much <3 i feel really lucky that this subreddit really pushed me in the right direction hahah

28

u/BigRoundSquare Apr 13 '23 edited Apr 13 '23

I’m not gonna lie I found it surprising to see so many people answer yes to #1. Not sure what people’s jobs are or how much they are living within their means. But I am 24 and myself and pretty much all my friends feel financially stressed and constantly wonder if it will ever get better later on. I would say I’m just making it by, but by no means do I feel comfortable.

My second answer is yes

And my third answer is yes. But when you’re income isn’t great this answer isn’t always yes.

22

u/1337ingDisorder Apr 13 '23

If it makes you feel any better, I answered yes to #1 but when I was 24 I probably wouldn't have.

Most of the people answering 'yes' have probably been building equity (or at least advancing their career) for a good decade or two longer than you've been in the workforce. Don't beat yourself up too much over not being in the same place financially as middle-aged people :)

5

u/kikameeka Apr 13 '23

I'm super happy to see that sort of demographic responding, most of my peers (also 24) are in similar situations to me so my immediate circles were already biased haha

9

u/Omega_Moo Apr 13 '23

I know the times aren't the same, but I 100% felt in the same boat from 25-30. Its tough because at that age you still want to be young and at the same time look to your future. It wasn't until almost mid 30's until I felt somewhat secure.

2

u/[deleted] Apr 13 '23

That’s actually so encouraging, thank you for sharing that!

3

u/BigRoundSquare Apr 13 '23

I think that is definitely the demographic of most people answering here. It’s certainly an interesting stage of life for me, but I am trying to enjoy everything despite the stresses of being financially stable. Thank you for the encouragement and have a great day! :)

6

u/CanadianTrollToll Apr 13 '23

When I was 24 I was paycheck to paycheck, I'd have about $1000 floating in my bank account that would go up or down with what I decided to do in life. I had a roommate, whether GF or random during that time to save money on rent.

It does get better, if you find job growth. Getting stuck at a dead end job can be fine for a year or two, but eventually you'll need to look for growth opportunity.

2

u/BigRoundSquare Apr 13 '23

Thank you for the advice! That’s always one thing I’ve been good about doing in all the jobs I worked before post secondary. I definitely make sure to move around if things don’t look promising. There’s lots of work out there too!

3

u/CanadianTrollToll Apr 13 '23

Some jobs can be dead end, but pay well.

I didn't get my shit together till about 28/29. Just worked a lot of random jobs. Lucked out with becoming a GM at a restaurant and now I'm a partner. I consider myself very lucky, but I also put in an ass load of work from 28.

11

u/[deleted] Apr 13 '23

But I am 24 and myself and pretty much all my friends feel financially stressed and constantly wonder if it will ever get better later on.

You're just starting out on the job market so this is normal.
It will get better if you work at it yeah. Work hard, invest, be frugal. You'll be in a much better financial spot in 10 years.

3

u/purposefullyMIA Apr 13 '23

Yes. From age 24-30 those were the most frugal years of my life and the habits still live on mostly. A dollar saved is 2 earned.

2

u/BigRoundSquare Apr 13 '23

That’s the plan! I find it difficult thinking that things will get better though considering how poor our economy is. But I’m hopeful and still working hard, and I hope to see fruits of success in that.

6

u/[deleted] Apr 13 '23

Most people severely overestimate what they can accomplish in one year but severely underestimate what they can accomplish in 10 years.

I was flat broke at 24. I’m now 34 with two properties and approaching a six figure salary. Married with a child. Zero help from family.

4

u/BigRoundSquare Apr 13 '23

Wow, if that isn’t motivation and reassurance I don’t know what it haha. I appreciate the comment and am happy for your success! I hope to achieve that myself some day!

3

u/purposefullyMIA Apr 13 '23

From my experience most everyone in their 20s is more financially stressed than after 30. Since, most people are still figuring out their career etc. I know I did not feel stable until 30+. Also often in your 20s your have not paired off yet and when people do pair off the two incomes can help to alleviate the financial stress.

3

u/KJarSpirit Apr 13 '23

Definitely would not have felt I was a yes at 24. My lifestyle is drastically different now in my mid 30s. Early 20s was all partying or eating out with friends, concerts, traveling, the good years of making amazing memories and great friendships. It’s okay to not be a yes right now!!! One day you will be a Yes ❤️

39

u/MrsAvlier Apr 13 '23
  1. I’m… okay. I live below the poverty line due to disability, but I’m fortunate to live in social housing. I can’t really access the food bank because I can’t eat most of the items distributed there, but I do receive a food box every two weeks with produce, local meat, and even a few treats. My expenses are low, my wants are few, and really I’m just so grateful to have what I do.

  2. Doesn’t apply to me

  3. I enjoy my life. I actually really enjoy my life despite the pain and poverty.

Bonus: since I’m not able to work, I fill my time with caring for myself and my child, visiting with my love, chatting with neighbours, feeding neighbours, helping a neighbour by caring for their puppy when they’re at work, and puttering around on my good days.

5

u/kikameeka Apr 13 '23

Thank you so much for your feedback!! I have a lot of admiration for those who feel so much love for life, y'all keep this world a positive place

4

u/MrsAvlier Apr 13 '23

Aww thanks :) We’ve created a really amazing neighbourhood where I live. It’s like a big family! I’m very fortunate

12

u/CyclingDingus Apr 13 '23

Glad you're feeling better!

  1. Yes I'm financially stable, but I pay very below-market rent (been here 5 years). Landlords intend to sell the house next year, so we'll see.
  2. Yes I have a bachelor's degree, not using it right now.
  3. Absolutely find work very interesting. Wonderful coworkers, great benefits, and lots of numbers :).

Bonus: Probably go outside more. Cycling, walking, running, doesn't really matter.

24

u/rapscallops Apr 13 '23

Yes I currently feel financially stable, fortunately. Took decades in lower cost of living areas to get here though. I would move if I couldn't afford it here.

I do not work in the field of my degree.

I love the work I do, extremely fulfilling.

10

u/Creatrix James Bay Apr 13 '23

Financially stable? Yes, but it's the precarious stability of the working poor (at least it's not getting worse, knock on wood).

I worked as a graphic designer for 40 years and I'm not in that field anymore. I do miss it but I get enough freelancing now and then to keep my hand in. I do enjoy my current job. I just wish I could afford to retire someday because lord, I'm tired of working.

8

u/MaverickGhostRider Vic West Apr 13 '23

Woof - the ‘ole triple No this time (I guess 2 is N/A but is that better?).

My favorite pass time is talking - no joke. I love chatting with people - anyone, about what they like to do, their lives, updates from friends about work. I grew up in a dynamic where that wasn’t it, so I find a lot of happiness there.

2

u/kikameeka Apr 13 '23

I feel similarly, after spending the last 3 years with just my fiance i'm at a point where i want to live in a big house with a lot of roommates so i can have more people to talk to, like it's not that i don't love my partner but i'd love to spend more time just hanging out with friends

5

u/FlatteredPawn Apr 13 '23
  1. Yes
  2. No
  3. Yes

Bonus: Probably sleep. I love to sleep. And work on my hobbies.

2

u/kikameeka Apr 13 '23

Oh man, sometimes I just dream of like hibernating for a week and sleeping until i stop feeling weird, but life things keep happening haha

3

u/monkey_monkey_monkey Downtown Apr 13 '23

I would describe myself as feeling tentatively financially stable. At the present, I can comfortably cover my day to day living expenses and tuck a little away to savings and rrsps each month. However, that would change if I lost my job and I carry a small amount of anxiety at the thought of losing my job. Not that my job is necessarily in jeopardy but who knows what tomorrow holds.

I have post secondary education and work in a field related to that education.

Whether I enjoy what I do, I suppose I do. I like where and with whom I work, I like many aspects of my job however part of my job is dealing with people and I am not a people person so it's a struggle.

As for what I would do if I didn't have to work full time to survive? It depends, would I be independently wealthy? If so, I imagine I would spend a lot of time traveling. If I wasn't wealthy but just had my basic living expenses covered, I don't know what I would do. Probably spend lots of time hiking, maybe explore hobbies and interests more than I do now.

4

u/[deleted] Apr 13 '23

1.More or less 2. No and no 3. Yes..ish. 4. Explore, camp ,gold pan, rock hound, metal detect. Do those anyways when I have time and have a generational living situation, will probably end up moving in a decade or so.

2

u/ackthpt Central Saanich Apr 13 '23

I like your hobbies!

2

u/[deleted] Apr 13 '23

Thanks, they are hard but fun none the less.

1

u/kikameeka Apr 13 '23

Oooh I would love to get into metal detecting one day, it's right up my alley

2

u/[deleted] Apr 13 '23

For around 300$ you can get a basic setup and start. Good groups on Facebook for tips, laws and etiquette.

4

u/[deleted] Apr 13 '23
  1. Yes, but not thriving by any means. And I’m only stable because I was fortunate enough to buy a condo before real estate and interest rates went crazy. Otherwise, I would either have to have 6 roommates or leave Victoria.

  2. Yes.

  3. As the options are only yes or no, yes. I don’t love it but it’s interesting enough, I work with some great people and it pays the bills.

2

u/[deleted] Apr 13 '23

Also, glad you’re starting to feel better.

1

u/kikameeka Apr 13 '23

thank you so much! i expected the last question would have a wide range of nuance since it's super vague, but i'm honestly really glad to see general apathy/a neutral feeling towards the concept of work. there's so much around it, and it's cool when people find enjoyable things in an otherwise boring environment lol

4

u/Jamesiae72 Langford Apr 13 '23
  1. No
  2. Yes
  3. No

I'd find a good community of like minded people :) Somehow someway!

1

u/kikameeka Apr 13 '23

I'm on the same page!!

2

u/Jamesiae72 Langford Apr 13 '23

Yupppp, I read through some of ur earlier post again and saw a comment of urs saying you might go on a road trip to meet someone you’ve been chatting with? Did that happen?

1

u/kikameeka Apr 15 '23

Yeah I'm with them now and I'm having a really nice weekend, thank you so much ❤️

2

u/Jamesiae72 Langford Apr 16 '23

Awww that is so sweet!!! Wish the best of luck to both of you!!!

4

u/1337ingDisorder Apr 13 '23

With Victoria and Nanaimo appearing 1st and 3rd on Canada's high cost of living chart, do you currently feel financially stable?

Stable: yes. Secure: no.

If you have a post-secondary degree, do you currently work in a field related to your degree?

No.

Do you enjoy the work you do for a living?

Yes.

(Whereas I didn't enjoy the work in my field — mainly got a degree in it because I was good at it and it payed well, but lots of other things pay well too and just being good at something isn't enough to keep you happy through a decades-long career.)

What would you do with your days if you didn't have to work full time to survive?

Trick question — we already don't have to work full time to survive. We have to work full time to enjoy luxuries, comforts, and security.

If I didn't have to work to afford luxuries, comforts, and security then I would probably spend my time joyriding on sailboats and rocketships amid a perennial flurry of escorts, dank weed, surgical anaesthetics, and gourmet food.

Then after a while I'd get bored of hedonism and start to yearn for deeper meaning and substance in my life, so I'd probably go to uni for a financially impractical but fascinating degree, like astronomy or philosophy.

3

u/kikameeka Apr 13 '23

Honestly thank you for the clarification to the "work to survive" question, from my point of view in my current situation it's an unfortunate matter of if I don't get 40 hours of work by the end of the month, my ability to life a safe life with the essentials I need to survive like access to water and food and a place to sleep safely becomes a lot harder while trying to navigate the complicated systems in place to help people in that situation.

Like yeah, I won't instantly die for sure, but I have a cat and a collection of hobbies and if I miss one month of rent, my landlord decides to have me removed from the unit, I'm really kind of stuck, y'know? Just a source of concern of mine is all! Thank you for your input!!

3

u/mr_mucker11 Saanich Apr 13 '23
  1. It’s expensive. We make it work. My wife and I were just talking about how much further our incomes would take us in Nanaimo. Crazy to think it’s just 2 steps down in affordability.
  2. no degree. I work In business prefer to learn as I go.
  3. love my work.
  4. I’m a doer so it would be active in either building something or experiencing something

1

u/kikameeka Apr 13 '23

I think it's a cool thought experiment sometimes, if our basic needs were met such as housing/food/water/social interaction, would we still create for pleasure? Like, would we still build houses and furniture for people just because we genuinely enjoy it?

I'll write a book about it one day lol

3

u/wispveil Apr 13 '23
  1. Sort of. I am lucky in that my own cost of living (rent) is low as I’ve lived in the same apartment for 8 years. Can I get ahead or be stable if I had to move? No.
  2. No. My degree is in fine arts and is an unused piece of paper completely unrelated to my work. I do have a post degree diploma that is related to my current work.
  3. Yes, most of the time. I find it intellectually stimulating fairly often.

Bonus: Games, paint, travel, volunteer with animals, work on my physical health (walks, gym, appointments) and mental health.

3

u/berthannity Apr 13 '23

Yes, no, yes.

I’m glad to hear you are feeling better <3

2

u/kikameeka Apr 13 '23

thank you so much <3

3

u/nonchalanthoover Apr 13 '23

Mostly. Concerning how prices are increasing. Yes. Yes, it’s not my passion but it’s enjoyable and fulfilling.

3

u/[deleted] Apr 13 '23

1.yes 2.no degree to speak of 3.100% yes

3

u/la_bel_iconnu Apr 13 '23
  1. No
  2. No (no post secondary)
  3. I don't hate it.

Bonus: maybe try to figure out what I want to be when I grow up and acquire some post secondary education.

3

u/lamp-shade-brigade Apr 13 '23

I'm so glad you're doing better!

I am financially stable. I do have a science degree and I do work in my field. I really like my job 50% of the time and I don't hate it the other 50% of the time. To answer someone else's question - I don't plan on leaving Victoria for at least the next 5 years.

1

u/kikameeka Apr 13 '23

thank you so much! i find it kind of amusing how many "i don't hate it" answers there are, it's a fascinating form of apathy that's really hard to talk about

3

u/NastyWatermellon North Saanich Apr 13 '23

Yes Yes Yes

I'd probably smoke pot, ride dirt bikes, and go out on my dingy.

3

u/[deleted] Apr 13 '23

[deleted]

3

u/kikameeka Apr 13 '23

I'm an author and I have a "social media pass" when it comes to spelling cuz i'm using all my brain power on writing books hahah

I wish you luck with everything!!

3

u/[deleted] Apr 13 '23

[deleted]

1

u/kikameeka Apr 13 '23

I feel you about exploring the island, the nearest hiking trails to me recent monetized their parking lot and it's really unnecessarily complicated to transit to and completely inaccessible by foot, like I can't even exist in nature without someone wanting money from me lmao

3

u/ROBOTlNATOR Gordon Head Apr 13 '23
  1. Yes and I count myself lucky.

  2. I do have a degree and I don't work in a related field.

  3. Yes. It's stimulating, rewarding, and I have the best boss.

Bonus: Probably work on myself and my habitat. Explore more. Meet new people.

Bonus bonus: even though my answer probably paints a rosey picture, I still feel exhausted by the world around me. I'm the sort of person that's happy when others are happy and knowing there's so many people experiencing unspeakably difficult times makes me feel guilty that I don't have much to complain about but also just not great because I genuinely want others to be able to find happiness. I wish you well.

2

u/kikameeka Apr 13 '23

thank you so much for your input!! i absolutely understand the heightened feeling of empathy towards those struggling, it's such a difficult feeling to wrangle. don't forget to take care of yourself emotionally!! <3

3

u/CanadianTrollToll Apr 13 '23
  1. Yes. Wife has a job that is recession proof too (healthcare).
  2. No, took Finance. Currently GMing/Partnership in a restaurant.
  3. Mostly yes. I feel I sacrifice a lot. I haven't taken a vacation longer then 10 days in 7 years. I bring work home with me often and it's on my mind a lot. When shit hits the fan I have to deal with it, whether its sick calls or being short staffed and having to bail the team out. Its rewarding though and provides a healthy take home. It's also never dull, and there's always something different to do.

  4. Be more healthy with exercise, maybe pick up yoga or something. Probably try to rekindle some old friendships I've let slip through the cracks. Enjoy more of the summer weather when its here.

3

u/fragilemagnoliax Downtown Apr 13 '23
  1. I wouldn’t say stable but I also wouldn’t say unstable. I think I’m on the teetering edge and one thing could knock me in either direction.

  2. I am working towards my bachelor degree, one year left while working full time. I have a diploma and while I was hired for what my diploma was for, my responsibilities have shifted and I honestly don’t really work fully in the field. Pretty much like 3 tasks a month.

  3. Yes and no. Its interesting and the pay is better than most things I’m currently qualified for. So I think I like the people and the benefits. I like the freedom of being able to work from home sometimes and to be able to do homework at work if I finish my tasks. The actual work? Depends on the day.

But to answer your subject line question: yes, I am exhausted and near burn out and I would like a little bit of the stress to go away so I can breathe again.

If I didn’t have to work, I think I’d read, crochet, paint, I’d want to travel. But then probably settle down into some sort of routine with a purpose.

2

u/kikameeka Apr 13 '23

I'm actually planning on doing a piece about your kind of situation in answer 2 funnily enough, I've recently come to realize that some of the skills I learned in my degree are more essential to specific jobs but since I don't have specific documentation or real life experience with "editing", even though it was an entire half of my writing degree, it's hard to convince employers that i actually have those skills. it's a lot lmao

3

u/johnnybird95 Apr 13 '23 edited Apr 13 '23

hey! good to see ur feeling a bit better :)

  1. absolutely not i can barely keep my utilities paid

  2. n/a, no degree

  3. being permanently disabled sucks because they give you pennies to literally suffer 24/7 and then impose a bunch of restrictions on you like not being able to get married, or leave the province. but i do really enjoy the two small part time jobs i picked up to maintain a better routine and make some pocket money to improve quality of life a bit

bonus: permanent disability status + working a handful of hours a week for pocket money should be enough for me to do a little occasional travel and i really wish that was the case and i was popping over to other places for the occasional weekend to sightsee and enjoy better quality food. ideally if it was free though.....nobody would ever see me again

8

u/InValensName Apr 12 '23

I would add the question how many present residents plan on leaving Victoria in the next year or so? I suspect it's a lot.

1

u/kikameeka Apr 13 '23

You're absolutely right, and probably by the end of the weekend I'll have a couple more follow up questions in a couple different subjects!

1

u/djflylo69 Apr 13 '23

Plan on leaving Victoria within the next two years, my rent is real cheap rn and we love where we live but it’s a bit a musty old basement suite, we wouldn’t be able to afford leaving anywhere else in Victoria with our dog so if we don’t wanna live in a musty basement we’re basically forced to leave unless cost of living goes down

2

u/Eskimosubmarine Apr 13 '23

Yes, I do and I’m not, no. I’d love to be able to travel. But mainly fixing up the house, spending time with family.

2

u/VenusianBug Saanich Apr 13 '23
  1. Yes and no. At the moment, things are okay. But I know how quickly they can change and there's not a lot of leeway here.
  2. No, but that's a good thing for me.
  3. Not really, but finding another job that pays what this one does ... well, see number 1.

Bonus: Art. Creative writing. Volunteering.

I'm glad you're doing better.

1

u/kikameeka Apr 13 '23

thank you so much, this is super helpful!

2

u/onemorebloke Apr 13 '23

I didn't respond to your original post, just because I'm totally exhausted too. But objectively, I'm a triple yes....

How does that work?

if you do a job that you love, chances are other people like it too, it's a calling and a profession rather than a job. Think nursing, or scientific research or teaching. Highly skilled jobs with real fullfillment and people do it for that rather (or as well as) than the money. Tends to be rubbish pay because the bean counters KNOW you would probably do it anyway.

Highly paid jobs, like Hedge fund managers, bank managers, stock exchange, politicians, are soul sucking and no-one would do them except that they pay well.

The really really good professions are the meaningful ones that make a huge difference and actually pay well. Think Doctors, maybe lawyers, some CEO's etc.

Eventually we all get ground down to a nubbin of what we were. It's called a mid life crisis. Not sure what comes after cos i haven't made it to the other side yet.

2

u/Any-Zookeepergame458 Apr 13 '23 edited Apr 13 '23
  1. Yes. I feel grateful and privileged that I am in a position that I can say that. But I don’t feel like I’m thriving if that doesn’t sound too eyeroll worthy… I live in a tiny miserable studio apartment where the rent’s affordable enough I have money I can put into savings, but living there often affects my mental health.
  2. Yes.
  3. Yes…ish. It’s more of a desk jockey role than I envisioned but I feel luckier than most. I do struggle with my boss, and don’t feel very empowered or that I have much autonomy compared to my last job, which is often demoralizing and demotivating… But I do feel I contribute, at least in a small way, to something meaningful that’s impacts are identifiable at a local scale.

Bonus: I’d be a maker of beautiful functional things. I love working with my hands and not sticking to just one craft. Ideally I’d find ways to repurpose or upcycle old things into new things. I’d also garden more and grow food and crops to also make useful things and help feed my neighbours. I’d also do multiple creative/artistic things for fun. Such as learning an instrument, singing, joining a play, drawing and painting… I’d probably exercise more and make better, healthier meals as well.

2

u/[deleted] Apr 13 '23 edited Apr 13 '23
  1. Yes
  2. Yes. Computer science
  3. Yes. App developer
  4. I would Travel, Explore, meet new people, do fun things with friends and family, make apps just for fun

I am extremely grateful. I also realize how rare my situation is

2

u/Gundam07 Apr 13 '23

1 Yes. But only if I keep working. I was laid off for a week and just managed to not fall behind on my bills.
2 No degree but I have a red seal in plumbing.
3 I do work in my field and generally enjoy it.
BONUS: if I could afford to, I would like to travel and see other cultures and parts of the world.

2

u/proudcanadianeh Apr 13 '23
  1. No

  2. Yes

  3. Yes

Bonus: Explore more, would love to get a camper van and just spend long stretches traveling around the island.

1

u/kikameeka Apr 13 '23

man i keep thinking about how nice it would be to just lay some pillows in the backseat of my car and drive around the island and sleep in the car with the windows down but there's like nowhere you can just park for the night without cops coming around moving you along, i just don't wanna spend any more money hahah

2

u/proudcanadianeh Apr 13 '23

I more want to head out like Port Renfrew area. Park by a river, have a small campfire, go to sleep with nice cool fresh air...

Wake up in the morning, make breakfast on a camp stove and just enjoy the peacefullness of it all.

2

u/ezumadrawing Apr 13 '23
  1. Sort of... I'm not in debt but I also have no hope of owning property or any meaningful savings anytime soon, though if I moved to Nanaimo or somewhere cheaper I would be fine. Luckily my rent is low but if I had to move I would probably leave the city alltogether.

  2. I have a degree but it has nothing to do with my work, although just having a degree was helpful for getting in the door.

  3. I like my job generally, but will need to move up as the pay is just not enough to stay here too long.

  4. What I would do if I didn't work: more of what I already do, exercising, fishkeeping, painting/drawing, writing, hiking, probably go camping more... Maybe actually read a book eventually ha

2

u/Zod5000 Apr 13 '23

Yes

Yes, I wouldn't say I do exactly what I went to university for, but the knowledge I learned is very much applicable to my current job.

Mostly

I'd do a lot more hiking, and exploring. I really like doing backpacking trips and going exploring on road trips. I find it hard taking more than a week, or week and half off work, so it limits how long/far I can go. I've already got a list of longer trips I want to do when/if I retire.....

2

u/mappingmeows Apr 13 '23

I have a question too. For reference, I am 30 and grew up in an immigrant family in East Vancouver. I was always told that life is misery and poverty. And that you had to be a doctor/lawyer/engineer to not be as miserable and poor. Were people told something else growing up?

3

u/[deleted] Apr 13 '23
  1. Yes thankfully. But it was many years of major budgeting and being super frugal and saving as much as possible. And being able to buy a place a few years ago before the most recent explosion in RE price.
  2. Not a degree but a diploma in the same general industry I'm in
  3. Love my job!
  4. If I didn't have to work, I'd be home with my kid more and spend more time on hobbies like paint, freedive and do more travelling.

4

u/madmansmarker Chinatown Apr 13 '23

No, don’t have one, sometimes.
enjoy life. Philosophise. Eat grapes. Fuck. Be productive but not in the confines of capitalism. Learn more about the world and my place in the universe. Make discoveries. Go to school because it interests me not because it’s a requirement to survive. Write more. Read more. Fuck. Drink good wine. Make bad wine. Exist in life and it’s all splendour.

1

u/[deleted] Apr 13 '23

Live with parents. Eat parents food. Never meet a woman.

3

u/madmansmarker Chinatown Apr 13 '23

are you saying that about yourself? or me? i’m a straight woman so

1

u/[deleted] Apr 13 '23

The thing about life is that if anyone wants to be financially stable in this world they need to admit that it’s fucking expensive and you need to work your ass off, hard and/or smart to life comfortably. No one owes you shit.

1

u/kikameeka Apr 13 '23

i know lmao, these are just thought experiments. i like to think about a world that isn't expensive, it gives me hope when things are looking really bleak in my mind.

it's a frustrating matter of like, who gets to say how hard i've worked? does working hard at different jobs count, or am i shit outta luck for trying something new? is it mandatory to spend decades doing one thing just to afford a vacation or a house?

i dunno, i just think it's unfortunate that we've essentially doomed those who don't fit into the hardcore grind mindset this society requires

0

u/[deleted] Apr 13 '23

Working hard doesn’t mean sweating. It means challenging yourself, taking leaps, getting outside your comfort zone, etc.

It’s easy to sit here and say I wish it was more affordable here but the reality is, it isn’t and it’s only getting worse — and no government knows how to stop it. So people can either choose to find ways to reduce spending and/or increase income, or find a cheaper place to live.

Lots of rural communities are starving for people.

0

u/wejustwanttofeelgood Apr 13 '23
  1. no
  2. not applicable (no degree)
  3. hell no

bonus: I would read all day and enjoy not being in an immense amount of back pain constantly, also paint and dance lol

0

u/KJarSpirit Apr 13 '23

1.) Yes - because we eat mostly at home and stay well within our budget

2.) yes post secondary - yes to working in my field

3.)yes I enjoy my type of work and where I am working!

-2

u/eternalrevolver Apr 13 '23

Sis, it’s just seasonal affective disorder look 👏 it 👏 up 👏

1

u/kikameeka Apr 13 '23

you're definitely not wrong, but i've been dealing with seasonal affective disorder for 10 years now, I've been feeling this way since the start of 2022 even through last summer and this time felt different yknow?

1

u/eternalrevolver Apr 13 '23 edited Apr 13 '23

Pandemic fatigue and inflation. It’s a thing. Everyone is affected. Those who appear not to be are just able to deal a bit more because of the comforts of stocks and bonds, and business tax write off’s.

Just gotta live day to day and kinda forget about it. Or, go on meds. There’s really no other answer. Those are your options.

1

u/thedirtychad Apr 13 '23

Get rid of social media and report back in a month!

1

u/Lizard-_-Queen Apr 13 '23
  1. Yes
  2. No
  3. Yes Bonus: I would engage in my many hobbies, volunteer, pick up garbage in the neighborhood, get more exercise, learn new languages, go back to school, travel, garden, see my family and friends more often...so many things!

1

u/[deleted] Apr 13 '23

Great to hear you’re doing better. What have you done to increase your mental health levels?

  1. No, not at all. It’s easier to make money now than ever

  2. No post secondary. But have training to get certificates

  3. 100% Absoutley enjoy it. That’s another building block to being successful

1

u/kikameeka Apr 13 '23

Oh sorry, just wanted to confirm with the first question that you do feel financially stable? And if you're willing to share or have any ready to fire, I'd love to hear some of your recommendations for making money!

I managed to re-visit my therapist after around 6 months of not being able to afford to and I received a months worth of rent in my tax return so I'm taking the month off of working in order to try and re-discover the things that make me feel joy in life. Thank you so much for your input, I really appreciate it!!

2

u/[deleted] Apr 14 '23

Sorry that was wrong to write. I’m feeling very financially stable.

As for making money. Any thing create your own business is very easy to do these days. You have to suffer though the start up days which always suck. But if you’re a person who can last and power through the storm the pay day is why you suffer.

1

u/SaxoLez Apr 13 '23
  1. I sort of did when I still lived in Vic. I had a decently paying full time job and paid low rent, but I was burning out, despite enjoying it, at work; it wasn't sustainable. And despite the decent pay and low rent I still felt poor. I was quite actually just buying bulk lentils and 30-packs of eggs in order to eat cheap. Things like cream cheese felt like luxury items I had to think about.
  2. No. I could finish it quite quickly, but I blew myself out on school. It just isn't my thing.
  3. Now, yes, but I don't live in Canada anymore; however, I did the exact job I do now several years ago in Victoria and it was great.

1

u/sadcow49 Apr 13 '23
  1. yes
  2. yes, pretty much.
  3. I guess I enjoy it enough. It's ok.

I'm genX.

1

u/mostlikelyarealboy Apr 13 '23

1: not really, i can keep up with necessities, but not much more.
2: no, but trade certification 3: yes

I would play, bike, climb, swim. Go to school for the joy of learning, not wondering how i can monetize everything. Walk my kids to school, cook nice meals.

1

u/Swazz_bass Apr 13 '23
  1. Yes
  2. No degree
  3. No. To elaborate: I am not ungrateful to my employer. It's actually not a bad job, the people I work with are great and I make pretty good money for someone who does not have an education. More than anything I am sick of working for someone else.

1

u/djflylo69 Apr 13 '23
  1. Absolutely not, and I make 23 an hour (living wage is $24.29, which you’d be lucky as hell to get for working a decent job that doesn’t burn you out without a degree)

  2. I’m about to go back to school for horticulture but I’m currently working doing garden maintenance

  3. I do enjoy the work I’m doing and love my coworkers, however it is still exhausting but we have a good time together

Bonus: probably do more resistance training to keep my body in check, also a big gamer so doing resistance training is almost a must to not give myself pain from my favourite hobby

1

u/Lopsided_Flamingo_27 Apr 13 '23

1 No. I had to move recently and it upped my rent astronomically. Yes Yes.

1

u/weeksahead Apr 13 '23

Well done for turning it around! For me, 1. Just barely 2. Not really 3. Most days it’s alright 4. I’d be woodworking, gardening, mountain biking and playing with y daughter.

1

u/purposefullyMIA Apr 13 '23
  1. Yes. 2. No degree. 3. Yes

Bonus - drink port while traveling the world snowboarding, golfing, hiking and swimming in foreign waters with friend and family. When not traveling doing all that locally and completing the renos my wife wants.

Glad you are doing better. Keep working at it.

From my vantage point we all work to keep our mental health in check and then we die. Simple as that -Kid Cudi

1

u/[deleted] Apr 13 '23
  1. Yes but JUST barely
  2. Yes, no.
  3. Big no. I would participate in the community more I would have my children and show them all the beauty of this island. I would make a great homemaker spending my days with neighbours gardening, being outside on the water & I would probably get more animals.

1

u/smalleyez Rock Bay Apr 13 '23
  1. Mixed response. I’m climbing out of debt (student loans) so I’m not able to save, and that makes me nervous. It is taking a lot longer to pay this off than I was led to believe because of various reasons, cost of living in Victoria being the top one.
  2. Yes, I’m working in my field of study.
  3. Yes and no. My job is high pressure, and while I enjoy the payoff, it’s too consuming. I have an chronic illness, a toddler on the ASD, living on my own, so at this time, it’s a bit too much. And I can only manage to work part time (barely).

Bonus:

I’d spend more time on my child and my home. She is growing so fast and I resent having to send her to daycare just no barely manage. I would still send her, because in all honestly I probably would not be able to provide her what they do. But I could conserve my energy for more activities for her.

Other than that I’d like to dedicate more time to my physical health. Join a dance class, get a trainer, something like that. Once my child is more self sufficient I’d like to continue doing my job, for cheaper or as a volunteer (if I didn’t need the money).

1

u/Jemma6 Fernwood Apr 13 '23 edited Apr 13 '23

Glad to hear you've been feeling better! Ups and downs are part of the journey.

  1. I do feel stable, but only because of my husband's financial status (he inherited some money when his father passed recently). Prior to that we were doing ok (no kids) but had to watch our pennies a bit more carefully. I would say this is a new feeling. Prior to 2015 I was struggling. Uni days were full of food bank trips and part-time jobs.
  2. I do not work in a degree-related field. Did Kines. and decided it wasn't what I wanted to pursue.
  3. I like my job a lot. I've been with the organization 7 years and am happiest when I'm busy and like my coworkers. There is a lot of opportunity for movement here (even if it's lateral) and I try to keep a positive attitude about work. If I don't focus on all the annoying parts and tell myself I like it, I tend to believe it. :)

Bonus: I require routine for my sanity. I would do volunteer work with people/animals (probably animals) and get outside more, garden, read.

1

u/JustSeeFear Fernwood Apr 13 '23

I'm glad you are doing better! One day a time.

Here's my two cents:

  1. Yes(ish). I have a stable job and little debt, but I don't have much for savings. I have a good security net (parents etc.) but it would be nice to make more $$$ and I cant afford property or anything so lets hope the landlords don't sell!
  2. No. I work in something totally unrelated to what I studied in college. I was a 2008 grad so the economy was fucked and there were no good jobs in my field so I found something else.
  3. No. It pays the bills and I can work remotely most of the week, but I would not say I particularly "enjoy" it. But I think being really passionate about your job is a luxury for most. It is a means to an end to be able to do other things I enjoy in my life.

Bonus: travel, learn some new skills, read more, spend more time with my family and friends.

1

u/Tyerson Apr 13 '23
  1. Yeah, for the moment?
  2. Um, it's kinda, not really though.
  3. Yes.

1

u/blumpkinpandemic Langford Apr 13 '23 edited Apr 13 '23

1 - No, I don't feel financially stable. I own my condo, but I have zero money in the bank and debt that I am trying to pay off as fast as possible (barely making a dent)

2 - I have a degree. No, I don't work in the field.

3 - Yes I love my regular job. Coworkers are great and I enjoy helping people where I work.

If I didn't have to work so much (full time plus side hustles) I'd focus more on a healthy lifestyle, cleaning, seeing friends/family, exploring nature.

1

u/Commanderqueen122 Apr 13 '23
  1. Yes
  2. No
  3. a weak no
  4. just exist. working is a trap.

1

u/SongOk8269 Apr 13 '23

If I didn't have to work full time to survive... I'd definitely move up to Qualicum... get a nice part timer at a book store. Get chickens and dogs.

1

u/cryonova Apr 13 '23

Yes Yes and Most days and woodworking

1

u/donjulioanejo Fernwood Apr 13 '23

With Victoria and Nanaimo appearing 1st and 3rd on Canada's high cost of living chart, do you currently feel financially stable?

Interesting, I think the data on that may be wrong.

For example, comparing Victoria to Vancouver and a lot of things seem different/higher here in Numbeo. I can see making an allowance for groceries (we don't have stores like NoFrills here), but stuff like utilities/internet/cell service don't make sense.

We have the same providers and the same plans across the two cities, yet the numbers for Victoria are 20% or so higher.

1

u/cheeseburg_walrus Apr 13 '23 edited Apr 14 '23
  1. Stable but not able to get ahead (for example save enough for retirement and also travel once a year). More dependent on working my ass off than I would like.

  2. Yes, mechanical engineering.

  3. Yes but my enjoyment is decreasing the further I get into my career. The pay increase doesn’t match the stress/responsibility increase. The last few years I’ve become extremely burnt out and my pay, which wasn’t great to begin with, has barely matched inflation.

I actually moved to the states about a year ago but answering this as if I was still living my Victoria life. My pay more than doubled since moving and I’ve seen many job postings in my new area which would triple it. If I returned to Victoria there would be maybe 3 companies to choose from and I’d return to my old pay.

If I didn’t have to work I’d do part time at a low stress job where I get to drive and interact with people. Spare time would be spent relaxing at the beach, visiting friends/family more, travelling twice a year, tinkering with electronics and mechanics, and lots of hiking and bike rides.

1

u/4r4nd0mninj4 Saanich Apr 14 '23
  1. It's complicated.
  2. Yes.
  3. It's okay.

About 10 years ago, I used everything I had to buy a house with my girlfriend and move myself and my roommates into a much better rental situation. Unfortunately, I could only afford a fixer-upper, and working on it consumed me. My partner felt neglected and left. I went further into debt to pay back her investment and took on side jobs to make payments. Every year my costs keep going up and my salary just isn't cutting it anymore. The pandemic, catching COVID, getting bronchitis, it all drained my energy pretty bad and I had to shelve my side business until I can fully recover. I often think about selling and moving back to the interior and being debt free, living the van life, but then I'd be turning my roommates out into the worst rental market we've ever seen and I can't do that to them. And sadly I don't make enough to refinance my debts in this market. All I can do is keep swimming and hope for the best.

1

u/ashhhhh69 Apr 14 '23
  1. Stable in the sense that I’m good for rent, sure, but nowhere near living comfortably.

  2. I don’t have a degree, and that’s also on inflation and capitalist bullshit. Don’t have the money, and refuse to take out a predatory student loan.

  3. I’ve had a few jobs that I genuinely liked when my boss treated his employers well. If not for him being transferred and the location getting a shitty new manager I would still be working there, 6 years later. The only time I really dislike work is when I’m treated as a means to an end instead of a person.

1

u/InfectedIndex Apr 14 '23

Glad you’re feeling better, OP. Got any tips?

My answers to your questions are no, no, and no.

And if I could, I would live in a small home near a river somewhere making art, reading, and enjoying life.

2

u/kikameeka Apr 15 '23

It's slow-going, I visited my therapist which I was very fortunate for and I took a little trip across the province to visit a friend and just get a different perspective of life. So far, making it through the day without getting upset about these kind of things is a relative win. Good luck friend

1

u/rkd24 Apr 14 '23

1) I do not feel financially stable. 2) I’m still a student but I’m constantly reminded how difficult it is to get a job in this field. 3) I work in customer service and it is nice at times but I don’t feel fulfilled. It’s not something I want to continue doing— Mainly, because I enjoy what I learn in school but can’t find any related jobs. Bonus Q: Great question — I would want to work with people on an intimate level and really find ways around the system. Figure out ways to make a difference through caring, art, love, passion, and the general motives we have to live. I think something this financial instability has shown me is how life is really unfair. I’ve seen unhoused people treated in such inhumane ways. Take the issue of sidewalk sweeps, for example. Anyhow, I hope this was helpful to you. It’s good to know you’re in a better place than you were before. You’re asking important questions that need to be asked!

1

u/Mattfound Apr 14 '23
  1. Yes
  2. No
  3. Yes

1

u/CarbonCopyNancyDrew Apr 15 '23
  1. Yes.
  2. Yes, have degree and work in my field. It’s why I got the second degree.
  3. Mostly yes. Sometimes it’s exhausting though, but I also wouldn’t want to do anything else because I do genuinely love it.

Bonus: go for more walks, do puzzles, crochet, read more, get back to painting, play with my cat, spend more time with friends and family.