I worked my way into a specialized field. Spent significant years beyond undergrad upping my education. Landed in a track that is highly relevant to my field of study, essentially made use of everything I learned. I believe I get paid very well for what I do. My hours are intense and it’s incredibly competitive. I’ve never stopped working and have handled things like spouse having serious medical diagnosis to parents dying. Parents left only problems behind, nothing to inherit except cleaning up their mess. I’ve been like a machine for a long time, but I’m tired. I want balance.
The thing I can’t understand— all my stocks have dropped, rates have gone up, but real estate hasn’t budged. As I’m getting older my goals are now out of reach, despite my high income. I feel as though most of my successful peers have close families and get a lot of help. I came from a family of deadbeats and my escape is what fueled my “success,” however, I have now landed in a social class of people with more privilege/pedigree and I’m at a disadvantage. For the life of me, I can’t figure out a scenario where I can “win” through steady savings and hard work. Busting my ass and gaining no ground. What will it take? Are we fools to even try breaking into a higher class through hard work? It seems like high earnings isn’t enough. Without a safety net everything seems incredibly fragile, and 10 years ago life seemed so much easier.