Why am I not happy being poor?

Question

I live in a one bedroom apartment with my husband and daughter. Despite going to college I don't earn enough to move to a bigger place. I have to think about the cost of everything I buy even down to toilet paper. I thought by now I would be living the American Dream. Why can't I just be happy with getting by?

Answer 1

Because being poor isn't fun, getting by is hard, and you have a child in a one-bedroom apartment with a husband.

But look. There are ways around. First, know every day that this isn't forever. Start today.

Then follows the rationale. You might add up every repeat purchase to a total, and deduct that once a month/week. Use a calendar to prevent running out, buying on time. Never think about the individual prices again. Take that amount with you for those repeat purchases, and a little extra, for an ice cream on the way home.

Then let go of the American Dream for now. Feel no shame and let go of the disillusionment. Feel instead the luck in having a husband and a daughter, compared to women who wish they did.

If your daughter is toddling yet, and sleeping with you, consult with your husband about ending that. Begin the switch for her to the sofa, outside the room. One of the tricks I read somewhere was to get a jar of buttons or thimbles, empty for her at the sofa, full, by your bed. Each night she sleeps in her new place she takes a button from your jar and puts it in hers. When hers is full, she gets to go skating, or to a movie.

Answer 2

You can be. You need to view your life and thank God for all that you have. Living with an attitude of gratitude helps one focus on the positive side of life instead of focusing on what you don't have. I have to remind myself that once our basic needs are met then happiness is more a choice than a condition. Try to see the beauty in your daughters eyes, the love in your husbands touch the magnificence in nature these are all gifts.

Answer 3

Hey, that's a sad fact of life. Having a husband and child and living expenses is very expensive. Hang in there and keep working hard....you will one day be able to afford more but it takes hard work and doesn't happen overnight. If you have gone to college you should be able to establish a decent career which means eventually you will have a better income. Seriously, it just takes time.

Answer 4

'cause the sad truth is that just getting by sucks.

but it's not forever and you have to just take that in stride.

things could always be a lot worse...... you could be homeless, living in your car with your family with no creature comforts what-so-ever.

you have a roof over your head, warm running water whenever you need it and food.

when you come out on the other side, and you will, you'll look back on this as a learning experience, as not being the way you want to live life.

that which does not kill us makes us stronger.

keep your head up and don't lose sight of your goal.

Answer 5

Having financial wealth does not ensure one will be happy. Being able to pay one's bills, have a roof over your head and enough to eat, with people who love you is more important. Having been poor the majority of my life, I learned to cope with poverty. Love your child and your husband. Someday, you will be financially stable, you will look back at your early life and remember. Hang in there!

Answer 6

well i understand how you feel, i'm in a similar position except i'm not married and i have no kids. the fact that you are in school indicate that you want something better for your family and yourself. nothing happens overnite so i suggest you try to be content with what you have and continue to work hard for what you want. i assure you, you will be happy some day. you have life, love and good health (i think). that shud make you happy but like i said keep on trying.

Answer 7

properly, i'm undesirable, yet this is to be envisioned thinking i'm a cutting-edge intense college graduate incomes minimum salary, yet no longer unemployed. So, in different words, i'm completely wonderful. i'm sticking with President Obama.

Answer 8

Because we live in a country where materialism abounds.
We are made to believe that if we don't have "it all" somehow we are "losers"
But the bible tells us that we are to be content with "covering and sustance" and you have those things......a roof over your head and a loving family and food to eat.
I understand your need for more space, but that will come in time, keep up your studies and I wish you the best.

Answer 9

because you're living in a country that pushes for success in everything as it revoles around money! no matter how much you get, there will always be people who have more. thus never satisfied. ita an endless cycle.

there's only one way out. that's JESUS. happiness on earth, true happiness can only be found in GOD. look at what you have not at what you don't. are the three of you healthy? any of you could be struggling with handicapps. you do have a place to live? some people are homeless. so far, you eat everyday, there are people who are hungry. etc.you may be poor but you have alot with your family.

recall or re-read the Holy BIBLE where JESUS says worry not for tomorrow and where HE says FATHER in Heaven will supply all your needs. it doesn't say He will give you everything you want but your Needs! consult with HIM daily and trust in HIS promises! you have to do your part too.

Answer 10

We are all fated to have different lives. Have you thought about changing jobs to a higher paying one. Did you marry someone who is not a high earner? It's all these that adds up to what you are now........and it's your fate in a way.