OK, here’s what’s going on right now: I resigned from my full-time day job because it just was not working out. I struggled with the decision for a full three months. Finally, I had to admit the the toll it was taking me. Walking away from the security of a regular paycheck is extremely hard for me, but it became clear that I would never thrive in the situation I was in so I let it go.
After I resigned, for two days, I felt very relieved. I thought about how I’ve neglected the cookbook proposal I have halfway done and all the freelance work I’ve done and want to do. I felt optimistic and ready for the future.
And then Dan was called into the HR office where he works and informed that his full-time job would be cut to part-time hours, effective immediately. Gulp.
I am determined to maintain a positive attitude about this, but it can be hard. I have spent–fruitlessly–hours ruminating on the unfairness of it all, particularly when I think about what a hard working, loyal employee my husband is. I have wondered aloud how great it must be to work as a freelancer in a country with universal health care coverage or where student loan debt wouldn’t be the burden that mine is (and will continue to be for another two decades).
So if you sense a certain renewed enthusiasm for budget ingredients or cheap restaurant eats, this is why. I hope to stay focused on my projects and all the things I will now have more time to achieve. I’m trying to remember all the things Dan and I have going for us that so many other couples do not–affordable housing in a place we love living, freedom from credit card debt, no offspring to feed and clothe, our shared love of life’s cheap, small pleasures like home-cooked meals, watching movies on our sofa, library books, and walking around the city together.
Another plus in all of this is that I plan to be a better blogger. I miss posting regularly and sharing my meals and musings with you. More regular dispatches from whatever this new lifestyle is going to be are coming your way. Words of encouragement welcome in the comments.
“They” say – things always work out. Not sure how, but it really is true. I’m struggling to keep believing that myself given our situation similar to yours. I like how you are focusing on the positives & having a gratitude attitude. Yeah Joy! looking forward to reading more of your blogs…….
Thanks, Helen. I really believe the more challenging a situation is the more essential it is to focus on the positive and being grateful for what you have to make the most of it/get through it. I’m glad to know you’re reading.
I applaud you, Joy, for having the guts to follow your dreams. Yes, it may be tough at times, especially with your poor hubby having his work hours cut but have faith. Helen is right-everything will work out for you guys. Personally, I am looking forward to more blog posts.
Thanks, Julie! I just told one of my friends my plan here is to remaining stubbornly optimistic and I’m sticking to it!
Tough times! I’m glad you’re not living in a place you hate to add to the stress. But it sounds like you listened to yourself and your job was not the right thing for you. It’s not like it would suddenly feel better if you were still working there when Dan’s hours were cut – in fact you might have forced yourself to stick it out, unhappily, for who knows how long? Good luck getting through this. Bring on the frugal foodie recipes!
Thanks, Bethh. It is true that loving where I live helps a lot!
I’m so sorry to hear about Dan’s job. I’m really glad you’re self-employed again though. What timing.
I could go on and on about freelancing in a country with universal health care. It’s totally amazing to be able to focus on your art/craft and not have to stress about medical bills. And it’s even more amazing that I was so impressed by that feeling. It should be the standard.
I’m still getting to more NHS posts on my blog, but one of the things that really affected me was thinking how completely different it would be to raise our baby in Scotland. The two biggest worries we have in the US are health care and the cost of college. If we had stayed in Scotland, both would have been free (at least for our baby — i’m still paying back NYU, of course). Imagine all the things we could have focused on without having to struggle and fight for those two expenses. Volunteer? Write? Save the world?
Anyway, I’ll be watching for budget tips, as we’re not working at the moment — and not by choice.
Thanks for pointing me to your new blog. I’ve missed your posts.
Brigid, I read those posts about healthcare overseas with great interest. I couldn’t believe what good care you compared to what we have here. I might even consider having a kid if I lived someplace like that! I’m glad we are once again together in self-employment, too. Here’s to economical vegetarian bean dishes.
Ohh, just now caught up on all my neglected online-reading to find your news. Needless to say, I’m full of empathy. Brian and I are up for making thrifty home-cooked dinners with you anytime. Love you guys.
Thanks, Susan.
Joy, I’m sorry about you income situation.
We’ve had an 85% cut in income, and the last 5+ years have been very difficult because of it. I’ve learned to do things differently. I feed 9 people for $100 a month (.40 per person per day). I don’t shop where you do; it’s WAY out of my price range. You say that you only spend $100 a week, no matter your income, but when income changes, that’s one of the first places to cut. It doesn’t mean I don’t eat wonderful meals. It does mean that I shop differently. I spend a lot of time in the kitchen, not just cooking, but washing the pots and pans and other things that are required to cook so much food from scratch for everyone (3 meals a day plus a snack each day).
My best advice is: cut now. Cut everything you can cut, and then reevaluate, and cut some more. Then do it again. I STILL find ways to cut expenses even after 5 years, and so does my husband. It can be done.
Wow, Brandy. I have been looking at your blog and you are such an inspiration. I have added your blog to my RSS and plan to try to learn some of your strategies. There’s a limit to how much pantry goods I can accumulate in my tiny house, but there still a lot to learn for me on your site. Thank you commenting!