I’ve worked full time since I was 16. Apprentice wage was £2.97 back then and I managed to maintain a rented house on my own by working ridiculous hours and eating mostly noodles & bread.
I’m 23 now and I’ve somehow fumbled my way up the ladder to a 30k sales role. I’m good at my job, it’s secure, it’s fulfilling and I don’t despise it like almost all other jobs I’ve had. But I feel no happier or successful than I did 7 years ago.
That realisation got me thinking. Is accommodation (in the conventional sense) really worth the cost? Is it worth sacrificing most of my waking life for?
I’ve been unemployed for 3 months of the 7 years I’ve lived independently and despite the constant financial stress; I felt so much more free. I managed to lose weight, kick bad habits and get my life together.
You have the choice to pay £200 for Jordans or £20 for ShoeZone. Easy decision.
I’m sorely tempted to sell everything I own and live in a van, but could you even maintain that (fuel, road tax, insurance etc) without a part time job or running around for Uber Eats or something?
Rant over. Food for thought, I guess?