I am by no means a rich or wealthy woman (in monetary terms anyway).
Ever since I was 16, I've always worked, which in turn has meant I've always been able to do and buy what ever I wanted, within reason. I've also always been a saver, putting away money every pay round for a rainy day.
When David and I moved to Sydney three months ago, I really did think it would be quite easy for me to get a job with my experience. And as those of you who have been reading my blog for a little while now know, that was not to be the case.
Just after we arrived, I paid off the entirety of my student loan, which took the majority of my savings (but also meant I am officially debt free!!) and the rest was spent on settling into Sydney. Finding a rental property and buying necessities like a fridge, a washing machine, a bed, towels, drawers, plates, cutlery etc can all add up to quite a bit when you are buying it all at once, even if you do buy it cheaply.
So there I was, somebody who is very independent, jobless, savings-less and all of a sudden needing to borrow money - a position I have never really been in before.
David had no problems lending me money while I searched desperately for a job, he does after all, know where I sleep. And while we both knew I would pay him back when I eventually found a job, I still hated knowing I had to ask for money. I hate asking for money, it makes me feel needy, especially asking to borrow money from your fiance', your partner, the person who is supposed to be your equal.
We have always been equals. We have both always shared in equal amounts the rent, the bills, the house work and the mundane day to day business of sharing a life together.
Last week, I got my very first paycheck and it was sooooo exciting! I felt like I could finally function as a real human being again. We could go out for dinner (which we did), we could look around town and do things without fear of needing to pay to do something or seeing something we wanted to buy - we felt liberated!
And now, after I've paid back David, I can start to build up my savings again and we can start saving for the wedding (which, in the past week, we have really started nutting out - very exciting!).
I can hang out with my lovely bloggy friends and do fun things without needing to worry if I can afford it. This Saturday I am meeting up with Eileen again and also meeting Eunice for the very first time. I've also been invited to a high tea at some point in the future with two other bloggy ladies, one whom I've met, the other who I haven't, but who has just recently got married. I get to pick her brains - but more on that when its confirmed.
XX
Jen
Photos by David. Taken on Sunday on our way to do groceries. It was a beautiful day and you can see the Harbour bridge just a few meters down the road from our house. Lovely.
27 comments:
Your t-shirt and shorts are so so perfect!
good luck for the wedding planning, it will be so fun!
Sydney looks glorious, love the short and stripy tee! It's all bbrrrr cold here in Melbourne.
Sleekit x
Hi Jen
Im glad to see that you have found work and feeling a little better! I know exactly how you feel. I have always worked except for a period of illness just before moving to sydney. We have been here as students for almost two years and im still finding it hard to find work. Im currently working at a creche but only for a few hours a week so I know how fustrating it can be not to have money to buy or do things!
I remember starting from scratch when I moved to Chicago and again two years later when my husband and I moved back to Maine and I agree - even when you buy on the cheap it feels as if you're left playing catch up for a while.
that said, it's always exciting to get the first paycheck at a new job and a huge congratulations on paying off the student loan - being debt free is a great position to be in, because then you can focus on looking forward instead of paying off your past.
Yay for getting your first paycheck!:) I felt the same way too about having to buy everything from scratch! it really takes a chunk out of your savings, but it'll build up again and I see it as an investment after all :)
looking forward to seeing you this saturday! I hope it'll warm up and we'll get soaring temperatures like last weekend :)
I love your shorts! I have been looking all over for a pair of high waisted shorts, thinking it would be an easy mission. Definitely not!
you look so adorable!!! hehe.
I adore those shorts and that outfit.
And I know what you mean. I am like that as well when it comes to money. I save a lot of my money becuase I know that eventually I will need it for a big purchase of something unexpected. And when I was unemployed for 9 months about a year ago... it was really stressful for me money wise. My parents were helpful, but I don't like relying on them because they've given me so much all my life, so the least I can do it be self sufficient after the money they spent on college.
And I remember when I got my friend pay check for the job I have now... it as like Christmas day being able to know I could do whatever I wanted, with in reason of course.
Dear Jen,
So glad to know things are working out for you in Sydney! I am very jealous of your little sailor outfit.
Congrats! It feels so good to have a paycheck and not have to depend on anyone :) I love your shorts! :)
yay shorts and wedding planning! both good things :)
I love this outfit! I have a pair of similar shorts in red but haven't worn them yet its like winter here. Have a lovely evening xx
Yay for getting paid again and being employed! It's never easy to have to borrow money from someone (even if it's your partner), but I think it's much better that than to still have student loans hanging over your head.
I just love these shorts, and they are perfect paired with those stripes!
教育無他，愛與榜樣而已...............................................................
Congrats on getting back on the road again! I still live with my parents so I don't have to worry much but I know that when I start to live on my own I'm not going to be a student that will rent money to go out or shopping! Hearing how you managed to safe, work for yourself and get rid of your debts makes me me inspired (or does this sound too much? haha)
being in debt sucks...I'm so happy for you that you've managed well. I'm saving up to move to San Francisco within the year and I'm so excited and scared! I have no idea if I'll find a job! But I need to do it
Love the nautical look! So cute!
My husband and I are exactly the same way! I've had to borrow money from him before because of being jobless too but after I paid him back, we're back to splitting everything. I love the independence and equality in our relationship!
iamemmamusic.blogspot.com
Wow, you are one responsible gal. I must admit I don't technically work, but I've always been the penny pincher in the relationship and obsessed with saving money. I'm just learning to let go a little bit and let myself buy little joys.
Those shorts are amaaazing!
Those shorts are just perfect! I have a rather similar pair that is light blue, and I'm really happy that it's warm enough to wear them!
you look lovely in that sailor style
Hi Jen,
Just wanted to welcome you to Sydney! I am also a Sydney girl... you will love it here, so much to see and do!
I found your blog via Solanah of Vixen Vintage.... like your style! Don't worry, we don't all wear back and grey (maybe in the city!)
xx Lucy
tres jolie tenue!
Wow, still so warm and sunny in Sydney! Love the sailor-y outfit :)
ummmm pretty much I love those shorts ssooooo much!
lovely outfits !
i just stumbled upon your blog--your photos and outfits are so cute. i love wearing navy with white, such a classic look.
I love you blog so much! I read through this post and..I am going through the exact same thing. I just moved to Dunedin from the US and have finally found a job! Thanks for your comment on my blog and I am quite happy to see more of your fun blog posts in the near future. great clothes by the way! you have a very cute style. good luck in sydney its so gorgeous there:)
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