Feeling all of this. It's frustrating and exhausting. I find myself questioning every purchase. And I HATE that we are making date night decisions based upon cost of the meal, not our stomach's cravings. All of these are small luxuries, I know. You perfectly captured so many little annoyances I hadn't put into larger context.
Well I don’t want to say “thank you” because I hate it — for all of us. But it’s real. And it’s easy to try to gloss over it. And why is it so hard for us to talk about money — with ourselves and each other?
for all of us! At work it's typically been a "do not discuss" topic. Now that some states & countries are requiring pay transparency, salary ranges have to be displayed on jobs. I have to imagine that will shift perceptions and bring about conversations.
If it were 10-15 years ago, the need to cut back would have bothered me, but I find these days I’m more interested in down scaling in order to retire at an age that allows a longer stretch of living and mobility. Less stuff and riches? Yeah, but enough to enjoy a pied-de-terre somewhere where I can walk to get bread and fresh food daily.
PS-I find I am taking more guilt free “work-life balance” time while getting my job done…especially after surviving a large down sizing.
To touch on the second part first, and sorry for the confusion, but I was not let go…that’s what I meant by surviving the downsizing. This latest round was particularly large and difficult; so many great, talented people lost their jobs.
Now, the fun part! So far, France or Greece are on the radar. 🙂
James -- you had me at bread! I agree 1000% and those are the mindset adjustments I'm working to make. It's slow and I definitely have days where I regress. But that's the shift I'm working on. I am curious where / what country this is where you can get the fresh food that you walk to? It sound dreamy.
I am sorry to hear about the down sizing. I've been there -- more than once. And it's happening now so frequently, it's an ever-present reality. Just ick.
Have you shared any advice / suggestions on how you've moved through this? I'd definitely love to check if out if you have.
I never considered myself a "brand" person until reading your comments about cars. I keep my cars a long time and I know it's time to replace one when I start apologizing to "car guests." Sorry about the whirring sound. Please excuse the coffee stains. Don't worry about the dysfunctional side mirrors. Right now, it's time, past time, to retire my Infiniti. But, what I've learned after ten years with Nissan is I am a Toyota girl. But, can I afford the Lexus I have been eyeing? I am thinking about your comment - weighing decisions I normally don't. The economic uncertainty, the loss of jobs due to AI, stagnant wages, and gender inequality in pay has me hesitating and thinking - maybe I can get one more year out of my Infiniti? Or, maybe settle for a Corolla? If only I could bump up my pay 54% like the big boys (and 6% of girls) - problem solved.
May we all get those giant pay boosts! The car angst is so real. I love a Lexus - it's one of the best rides I've ever driven. I'm with you on Infiniti -- done. It' doesn't maintain it's integrity after months. I cannot even imagine after years. Sadly, few cars do -- and the maintenance is insane. When the warranty goes away - you have to decide if you're going to buy an extended one or risk a huge payment. I've been at the dealer when they're telling an older person they recommend they just get a new car. It's like "are you kidding me? are you going to pay for that for her?" I've also sadly watched someone who couldn't afford it buy another luxury car because that was their "brand" -- it was a horrible financial decision. Seeing that really shook me to my core. A friend has had more than 1 Acura & loved them. KIA has really come in with high-end features as a way to compete, so also worth considering.
Feeling all of this. It's frustrating and exhausting. I find myself questioning every purchase. And I HATE that we are making date night decisions based upon cost of the meal, not our stomach's cravings. All of these are small luxuries, I know. You perfectly captured so many little annoyances I hadn't put into larger context.
Well I don’t want to say “thank you” because I hate it — for all of us. But it’s real. And it’s easy to try to gloss over it. And why is it so hard for us to talk about money — with ourselves and each other?
OH it's so taboo to talk about money and I'm so over it. I've tried to break that habit myself, but it's always a work in progress.
for all of us! At work it's typically been a "do not discuss" topic. Now that some states & countries are requiring pay transparency, salary ranges have to be displayed on jobs. I have to imagine that will shift perceptions and bring about conversations.
If it were 10-15 years ago, the need to cut back would have bothered me, but I find these days I’m more interested in down scaling in order to retire at an age that allows a longer stretch of living and mobility. Less stuff and riches? Yeah, but enough to enjoy a pied-de-terre somewhere where I can walk to get bread and fresh food daily.
PS-I find I am taking more guilt free “work-life balance” time while getting my job done…especially after surviving a large down sizing.
To touch on the second part first, and sorry for the confusion, but I was not let go…that’s what I meant by surviving the downsizing. This latest round was particularly large and difficult; so many great, talented people lost their jobs.
Now, the fun part! So far, France or Greece are on the radar. 🙂
YEAH! Thrilled to hear you've kept your gig. I've been on both sides -- neither are fun. And it's all hard on everyone.
France & Greece -- wow...keep me posted. I want to live vicariously through you! Right now I can't even commit to window coverings.
James -- you had me at bread! I agree 1000% and those are the mindset adjustments I'm working to make. It's slow and I definitely have days where I regress. But that's the shift I'm working on. I am curious where / what country this is where you can get the fresh food that you walk to? It sound dreamy.
I am sorry to hear about the down sizing. I've been there -- more than once. And it's happening now so frequently, it's an ever-present reality. Just ick.
Have you shared any advice / suggestions on how you've moved through this? I'd definitely love to check if out if you have.
Oh and about that calling in sick, I feel a sore throat coming on...(wink! wink!)
I never considered myself a "brand" person until reading your comments about cars. I keep my cars a long time and I know it's time to replace one when I start apologizing to "car guests." Sorry about the whirring sound. Please excuse the coffee stains. Don't worry about the dysfunctional side mirrors. Right now, it's time, past time, to retire my Infiniti. But, what I've learned after ten years with Nissan is I am a Toyota girl. But, can I afford the Lexus I have been eyeing? I am thinking about your comment - weighing decisions I normally don't. The economic uncertainty, the loss of jobs due to AI, stagnant wages, and gender inequality in pay has me hesitating and thinking - maybe I can get one more year out of my Infiniti? Or, maybe settle for a Corolla? If only I could bump up my pay 54% like the big boys (and 6% of girls) - problem solved.
Tariffs: if you don't already have an agreed upon price for an imported car, wait to buy. This month tariffs on imported cars is jumping 25%.
Good info. I'll be waiting.
May we all get those giant pay boosts! The car angst is so real. I love a Lexus - it's one of the best rides I've ever driven. I'm with you on Infiniti -- done. It' doesn't maintain it's integrity after months. I cannot even imagine after years. Sadly, few cars do -- and the maintenance is insane. When the warranty goes away - you have to decide if you're going to buy an extended one or risk a huge payment. I've been at the dealer when they're telling an older person they recommend they just get a new car. It's like "are you kidding me? are you going to pay for that for her?" I've also sadly watched someone who couldn't afford it buy another luxury car because that was their "brand" -- it was a horrible financial decision. Seeing that really shook me to my core. A friend has had more than 1 Acura & loved them. KIA has really come in with high-end features as a way to compete, so also worth considering.