Is money making you miserable?
<div class="user-question">Hi Kristina! I'm writing in for general advice. I'm 22 years old, just got my first job and I'm living the life I had waited for so long but it's just so overwhelming! I'm so scared that I'll end up getting stuck in my boring corporate job, won't ever reach my financial (& life) goals and will just end up being miserable and living paycheck to paycheck. I really think I should start seeing a therapist, but I barely even have any extra money left to save up or spend time with my friends so how could I ever afford to pay someone $100/h??? Long story short, I think I just need general life advice. Please help!!</div>
Hey there!
First off, take a deep breath—seriously, pause for a moment and just breathe. I know it can feel like everything is coming at you all at once, but you’re going to be okay. ✨✨✨
Your mindset is everything. If you're stuck in a scarcity mindset, you'll always feel like you don't have enough—even when you do. Right now, you have so much going for you just by having a job at 22. Did you know that around 12% of people aged 20-24 are unemployed? When I was 22, half of my friends didn’t even have a job, so the fact that you are employed is already an amazing feat!
It’s important to acknowledge that being in your early twenties can feel overwhelming. You’re expected to figure out your career, manage finances, maintain relationships, and somehow still enjoy life. It’s hard, no doubt about it, but you’re in a really good position. You have a job, and that’s a significant achievement. The fact that you're reflecting on where you are and where you want to be is a sign that you're already ahead of the game!
✅ Feeling Stuck in Your Job? Let’s Get You Unstuck.
It’s completely normal to feel stuck in your job, especially when you're just starting out and haven’t tried switched roles. But here’s the good news - there are actionable steps you can take to shake things up & keep your options open⬇️
1️⃣ Try Side Hustles and Hobbies: Side hustles can be a great way to try out a new career path and get some extra income without committing to a full career shift. I started making blogs and videos explaining the stock market and before I knew it, I got the opportunity to work with some amazing brands like Frich! I got to try out what it was like to be a content creator without the commitment of shifting my entire career path. If you’ve always wanted to be a TikToker, just make that post. Or if you’ve dreamed about being a fashion designer, try creating some outfits and put them up on Facebook marketplace -- you never know what could happen if you just try!
2️⃣ Upskill with Courses and Certificates: Most of us don’t have the time or money to go back to school to shift our career paths, but showing dedication to a few online courses can help you to 1) learn more about an industry without the commitment 2) beef up your resume to potentially pivot careers or get a promotion. Platforms like Coursera, Udacity, and LinkedIn Learning offer a wide range of topics that can help you stand out in your current job or even pivot to a new field!
3️⃣ Network, Network, Network. Your network is your net worth. Don’t be afraid to DM people you want to connect with or would love to meet. Some of my most meaningful clients and connections came from my DMs (including Frich)! Your dream job could be just a DM away! Don't know what to DM someone? Use this template below:
✅ Reaching Financial Goals. The earlier you start, the better.
It makes sense you are worried about money especially if you’re just entering the workforce! Remember, you are not alone; 43 million Americans have student loan debt and are trying to figure life after college just like you.
Here are some things to keep in mind while navigating this new financial landscape:
1️⃣ Define Your Goals: What do you want to achieve financially? Do you want to save for a down payment on a house, pay off debt, or build an emergency fund? Be specific. Think of this like a financial mood board and keep it top of mind (but don’t obsess over it).
2️⃣ Break It Down: Divide your goal into smaller, manageable steps. For example, if you want to save $10,000; break it down into saving $833/month or about $28/day, and you'll get there within a year! I remember setting a goal to own an entire bitcoin. It’s a lot of money all at once so I broke down this goal monthly and set automated buys to eventually achieve this goal over the years!
3️⃣ Automate where you can: Set up automatic transfers to your savings or investment account. Whatever goal you have in mind, set that intention and try to automate as much as possible to release some mental overhead. Here are some ways I automate my finances:
✅ Automatic transfers to an investment account
<div class="frich-tip">Frich tip: Try Public!</div>
✅ Credit card payments every two weeks
<div class="frich-tip">Frich tip: this helps to keep your balances low & improves your credit score!</div>
✅ Student loan payment twice a month
<div class="frich-tip">Frich tip: don't forget about student loan refinancing, this could significantly lower your monthly payments!</div>
Remember, you're young, and it’s okay to give yourself permission to enjoy life while working towards your financial goals. You don't have to have everything figured out immediately, and part of the journey is learning and growing along the way. When I first started my job on Wall Street at 22 I was living paycheck to paycheck, but not because I had to—I was spending all my money on trips, shopping, and drinks because of all the stress I was putting on myself (and a demanding boss).
It’s all about maintaining a balance while still investing and keeping your money goals top of mind. You live and you learn, and trust me, the earlier you start investing and the earlier you start living your life and NOT letting life live you, the better!
✅ Staying one step ahead of lifestyle creep.
Here are some strategies to avoid falling into the trap of lifestyle creep (unlike me when I was your age 😜)
1️⃣ Start an emergency fund: Having a small cushion can reduce financial stress. Aim to save enough money to cover 1-3 months of expenses in your emergency cash savings fund!
<div class="frich-tip">Here are our team's favorites!</div>
2️⃣ Stick to a (Simple) Budget: For some guidance, you can use the 50/30/20 rule: 50 % for needs, such as rent, utilities, and groceries; 30% for wants, like dining out, entertainment, and shopping; and 20% for savings
3️⃣ Save Raises and Bonuses: Instead of increasing your spending with every raise or bonus, consider saving or investing that extra income. This helps build wealth without adjusting your lifestyle unnecessarily. I made a promise to myself that my bonuses would go straight into the stock market every time.
✅ Consider Therapy as a Resource
Health is wealth! Mental health is just as important as financial wealth. If you're feeling overwhelmed, therapy can be a valuable tool. Cost might be a concern, but there are lower-cost options available, such as sliding scale therapists. These income-based discounts can make it possible to see a therapist for half of their listed rate—or even less. Platforms like MyWellbeing and Headspace can also provide affordable and flexible options for counseling. Zocdoc can be a good resource for finding a therapist covered by your health insurance too. Remember, it’s okay to seek help, and taking care of your mental health now will pay off in the long run.
🥰 General Life Advice: Books, Podcasts, and Content Creators to Inspire YOU
I just want to let you know that everything you are going through and the uncertainty that you feel is completely normal. Sometimes, all we need is a bit of inspiration or guidance from others who have been in our shoes to normalize this situation. So here are a few of my personal favorites:
🥰 Books:
"Atomic Habits" by James Clear: This book offers practical advice on how to build good habits and break bad ones; perfect for anyone looking to make positive changes in their life.
"The Defining Decade" by Meg Jay: A must-read for anyone in their twenties. I actually read this every year after turning 21 to make sure I focus on my goals and on what’s important.
🥰 Content Creators:
Kristina Tubera: it’s me! Haha but in all seriousness, I post videos about transitioning from engineering - to finance - to startup life - to having my own business. Use me as a resource if you ever want to feel a little bit of inspiration or are thinking about a career shift.
Her first 100k: content creator who shares tips on personal finance, investing to get her first 100k, and breaking barriers for women and investing!
Btw - here's how others are doing👀
How does money make you feel?
👏61% Confident & empowered - I got this!
🥺14% Confused and uncertain about my next steps
🛠️22% I’m in need for some help & guidance
🚨3% Absolutely clueless & struggling
Remember, life is a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on building a strong financial foundation, keep your mindset positive, and give yourself grace as you navigate this new chapter. You've got this!
xx, Kristina
