That Sinking Feeling of Falling Financially Further Behind
Do you ever feel like you’re falling behind financially, no matter how hard you try to keep up with others? I know this feeling all too well, especially during the pandemic when many people are struggling.
On my days off from consulting, I usually teach tennis to make extra money. I have a student who is eager to learn, which makes teaching a joy. She pays me $80 for each lesson, handed over politely before we start. We practice until sunset, and while $80 seems like a decent amount for 1.5 hours of work, considering I’ve been working since 1994, I sometimes wonder if she realizes how much it is. Maybe she values the lessons more because her parents are paying for them.
Despite the satisfaction I get from teaching and earning, the money feels fleeting. For instance, after one lesson, I filled up my car with gas, costing nearly the entire amount I just earned. Then, a quick stop for orange juice wiped out my modest profit. It’s ironic how hard work can sometimes yield so little financial progress.
“Progress” defines happiness for me. But when everyday expenses eat up most of your income, feeling like you’re making progress is tough. With the pandemic halting my consulting work and the added responsibilities of homeschooling my kids, money has been tighter than ever.
Cutting costs and finding new clients are my only ways forward. It’s frustrating when I hear about the wealthy making millions effortlessly—like a friend who earned $12 million in one year just because his investment fund performed well. It feels almost obscene compared to the effort others put in for much less.
As my physical ability to work hard may decline, I joke about needing a smart microphone in the future so I can continue working just by speaking. Despite the current challenges, we must focus on the journey and stay hopeful. With vaccines and economic measures in place, I believe things will improve.
We just have to keep going, pushing through the setbacks and focusing on our long-term goals. Even when progress feels slow, it’s about the persistence and the little steps we take that count in the long run.
