Julia Magsombol
Getting my paycheque last week felt good! It’s been months since I earned a decent salary on doing what I love: writing stories.
But within a few days, my entire month’s salary—my hard-earned money—was gone!
My salary might seem enough, but it isn’t for my current situation. After paying rent, groceries, debts, car insurance, and loans, what’s left?
Just enough to stagger through another month. My broken car mocks me from the driveway; it seems like a reminder of how stuck I am.
To give you a better idea of why things are tight, let’s talk about my debts and school loans for a moment.
It all started when I got laid off from my previous job. Unemployment in Canada is high, but that’s for another topic to discuss. From there, I only saved a little. I only had enough money to survive for a few months until I found a new job.
Debts and student loans account for approximately 70 per cent of my salary this month.
But at least this month, I paid part of it!
I racked up credit card debt paying the family’s house mortgage when I had the job before. I also helped my dad with some bills when my mom was laid off.
My school loans have not changed because I’m on a repayment assistance plan. The balance stays the same since it’s a large amount and will take time to pay off. University is expensive!
At one point, I got a new job at a gown shop; they barely gave me any shifts. My salary at the time was just enough for meals. Thanks to my parents and partner, who supported me with expenses.
My debts kept piling up. Thankfully, I now have a job I enjoy, and I can maybe finally get out of this financial ruin!
I started paying what I owe. Yet it’s exhausting just to survive and pay debts. It’s depressing. I crave stability—to be debt-free, enjoy occasional treats, and own a home. Why is a basic life now my dream?
Lately, I’ve thought of my dad. He works two jobs, waking up at 3 a.m. and coming home late—doing what parents do: providing for their family. I thought about giving him part of my salary to save or spend on himself, but he refused.
“You should enjoy it. It’s your hard-earned money,” he says.
Since I finally got a job, he suggested I save it but also treat myself. As he added, “not everything is about work.”
I wondered how he treats himself. Maybe for him, seeing his family happy, successful, and safe is enough.
He never buys himself anything. Gifts usually come from my mom, siblings, or me.
The next day, I treated myself to a McDonald’s meal. It felt like holding that warm bag full of fries was a small rebellion against my struggle. For a moment, it felt like hope was within reach.
It may sound naive, but I dream of paying my debts, treating my friends to dinner, taking my parents on an overseas trip, owning a home with someone I love, and finally living without struggling from one paycheque to the next.
Life just started anyway! I’m only 23!