So lately I am having a hard time figuring out what I want to do with my life. Right now I am in the US visiting my family and it's so depressing here ![]()
My dad is out of work and has been since last May. My mom has to start working tomorrow at a crappy call center job and is constantly complaining about it. It will be a terrible job but at least it has benefits. My sister just had a baby and won't be able to stay home and take care of him because she has to work for the benefits because her husband owns a small business. She works for a small business (45 people so no FMLA) that treats their employees really badly but can't find anything better. She is trying to breastfeed and they don't have a room for her and told her to do it in the bathroom - how gross is that?
My brother probably has an ulcer and can't go to the doctor because he can't afford it and doesn't currently have insurance because he got laid off a month ago.
My entire life my family was upper middle class ... I just feel like we are falling backwards and I am not sure why/how to get ahead? All my siblings have college degrees and have been good, hard working employees but haven't gotten raises/pay increases in years.
I am returning to Australia next week for a few months and I am just shocked by the difference in lifestyle between our two countries. They all have medical insurance, a year maternity leave, 4 weeks annual leave, minimum wage of about $16 per hour. It's so tempting to tell my employer that I want to transfer more permanently because it's just an easier, less stressful place to live but I would miss my family
Australia isn't perfect obviously they have problems also but they are in a much better place than the US right now.
Myself - I am doing great... I have a good job/insurance but I know that can change quickly and it's more about the future.
Re: Having a hard time
Im sorry you're going through so much.
I know it seems overwhelming but just try to stay positive and focus on what you do have and the positive aspects in your life (employed, health, friends, etc).
I am sorry you are going through this. I think feeling down can make things seem worse than they really are. Sure, life does not go how we plan it but sometimes it ends up being better than what we thought and it just takes time to see it. May your family find their silver linings through their obstacles.
I too hate that I have to work for insurance reasons when I wish I could be a stay at home mom. But, I found I am so excited to see ds after work and that he often has play dates with my co-workers children and thus I feel like I have a very huge extended loving family because of this.
Today has enough worries of its own so try not to worry about your future as it has not happened yet.