When I was a kid in the 70's and 80's, we had a good life. We weren't rich, but we were comfortable. We had a nice house, a big yard. We went on modest vacations once a year. We had new clothes for fall and spring, and lots of parties. I went to the doctor and the dentist whenever it was needed, and the fridge was always full. AND all this was done on my dad's salary - my mom was at home for the majority of my childhood.
I do not think it is unreasonable to expect that as I enter my fourth decade on this planet that I would have AT LEAST the same quality of life that I did when I was 14.
I graduated high school with honors. I went to a big ten school and got my architectural degree from one of the top 20 architecture schools in the country. I lived, worked and studied in France. I speak and write fluent French, and I dabble in Spanish. I have won awards for my work, and I have many happy clients who are enjoying the homes that I have designed for them.
I am a leader in my local sustainable design community; my commentary and expertise is often sought out by the local newspaper and various organizations.
Please don't misunderstand this diary as an ego-fest (although architects do have a reputation for this!) -- I am simply outlining the fact that I am a successful, licensed and accredited professional.
In the late nineties and early 2000's, I was employed. Once I got rid of a non-revenue producing husband, I was finally able to live. I paid my bills on time. I thought that I was finally on my way to financial success. I started my own firm in 2004 and for the first four years I did well. Again, I could taste financial security - not quite there, but I could see it on the horizon.
Now, I am flat broke. I don't know what to do. I am two months behind on my rent, and almost got kicked out of my office. My mother has been incredibly generous, helping me with her goddamned RETIREMENT MONEY. I can't do it anymore. One of the neighborhood bars was looking for a part-time bartender. I went as soon as I heard, but alas - after two days they had over 200 applications.
My architect friends are all suffering - that is the only consolation. There are no jobs. I am considering looking for a retail job; I have looked for side jobs in the past but I always run into the same thing: "so you're an experienced architect. How am I supposed to know that you will be committed to this job?" People don't like hiring folks whom they suspect are just looking for a temporary gig. And, I do need to maintain my business. I have small projects at the moment; if I ignore my business my doors will close. It needs to be my first priority; if I'm working a shift at Nordstrom and I get a call from a client I need to go.
I don't need to be rich. I just want to pay my bills and have enough left over to save and to live. Is it too much to ask to have the same quality of life that I had growing up? I've worked hard, I've made good decisions. I take care of myself as best I can. And yet, I can't make it work.
Maybe this is whining; I really hope it doesn't come off that way. I am frustrated. I am sad. I wanted to cry on the DKos community shoulder because I feel at home here. No one else knows what to say. Thanks for listening.
UPDATE: I want to address some of the great comments below regarding materialism and what exactly quality of life is. That is why I wrote this diary - I've been thinking a lot about it lately. But please understand - I am NOT a consumer. I reuse. I recycle. I walk. I don't commute - my office is 1.5 miles from my home.
What can we expect? Is it fair to expect to improve our quality of life over that of our parents? And by quality of life, I do not mean possessions. But I do mean security and happiness. Not paying the bills and having an empty fridge and not having health care is not happy.