Background: I grew up poor and had to string together 2-3 part-time jobs (that I hated) in my early 20s to make a living while I was a full-time college student.
I now have a decently-paid job with great benefits and generally low stress, so I live comfortably (for a single person with no kids in Kentucky). However, I check Indeed at least 2-3 times a week because I can't shake the feeling that I need to be making more money. Idk if it's an adjustment thing where I'm just not used to having one job, or if I'm buying into “hustle culture.” All I know is when I get home from work, I feel like I should be doing something “productive.” Even when I try to focus on hobbies or relaxing, I ponder on how I could monetize my hobbies, and feel lazy for relaxing. I know that these are unrealistic thoughts and I do a good job of talking myself back to reality, but it's a constant battle with myself, even though being a workaholic is not at all aligned with my values (or my current work ethic, tbh). I don't want to, but I feel like I HAVE to. The ugly part is the low-maintenance part-time jobs I'd be willing to work wouldn't even hire me because I'm “overqualified.”
In looking up a term for this issue, the closest thing I came across is “scarcity mindset.” But I feel like it's a natural consequence of capitalism, especially for people who only have one foot in the door of financial stability and know one major crisis can snatch them right back into poverty. I'm comfortable, but I'm not at peace, and of all things, more work is the first thing I can think of as a solution.
Anyone else have this problem? If so, how do you cope? If not, how do you suggest I deal?