Debt free and staying that way while I re-evaluate life and keep blood sugar levels down

Sunshine_girl2

Good luck on your electioneering Humdinger. I am vote counting and am actually looking forward to it , to see how it all unfolds overnight with the results . 

As you say no point in your daughter carrying on if her heart isn’t in the degree anymore . It sounds as though she may well have found a career path elsewhere. She could always do something with amateur acting as a hobby I guess . 

Look after yourself during your campaigning. 

foxgloves

Morning @Humdinger1, You do sound busy! I haven't put my hand up yet for election volunteering, but I have certainly done it in the past & it is intense work. I may be of 'rosier hue' than you, but am counting on the yellows to make some serious dents in southern blueness. The people for whom you were working? You do come across people who think the world will cave in around their ears if there is a change away from their preferred political colourway. I have encountered them too. One of our workmen to whom our builders subcontracted some of our renovation work....well, I don't think he'd met any lefties for decades as he reeled off a number of policies he clearly found terrifying but which haven't been anywhere near a manifesto for decades.  Same as an elderly relative of ours who said she couldn't vote the same way as me because she doesn't support abolition of the monarchy. I had to explain that whatever some individual party members might think, it is no longer 1917! Anyway, my best wishes for a successful campaign. We have popcorn on order.
Agree if your daughter doesn't want to pursue acting, there seems little point in continuing to rack up student debt & do something she isn't enjoying. Hopefully she will be able to access management training/advancement schemes with the company for whom she's working. Enjoyment is important too. It is one of the things which gets us out of bed in the mornings, is it not?
Anyway, good to hear from you,
F x 

jwil

Good news for DD and congratulations on the City Councillor result.  Good luck with the elections

Watty1

What an incredibly brave daughter you have raised. To quit midstream because it is not her thing is a wonderful recognition of what she wants.  I'm proud of her so you must be so much and great news re test results.

Congratulations on the City Councillor - now to get door knocking!

beanielou

jwil said:

Good news for DD and congratulations on the City Councillor result.  Good luck with the elections

From me too. 

Spendless

Just catching up. Agree no point in your DD continuing if her heart isn't in it. My DD has also questioned dropping out of drama school  recently, not helped by events at home that had her coming home early from 1st year but she's decided to see it through but is starting to think more about what she sees herself doing after graduation, not just working in the entertainment sector  .Yes the huge majority of actors also need a 2nd job, and quite a lot do also work in hospitality., DD has tutors who are the offspring of famous actors or are seen on TV in sitcoms but they still have their teaching job to pay the bills, even really well known ones often have a side line too. I wouldn't worry about the student debt, regardless she will pay back on what she earns not what she owes. My DS has £50K worth and into his 3rd year since graduation has yet to pay back one penny as he doesn't earn enough. At the end of the term whatever is owing whether that's £4k or £40K it will be written off. Most important thing is your DD's health so glad something has been ruled out. 

Congratulations  on city councillor and good luck with elections

savingholmes

Glad you are doing okay. 

Humdinger1

So, emerging from the void...I have been trying to get a job that fits around being city councillor, where it's an asset.  My last self employed job ended when one of the directors took great exception to the  yellow ticket I'd been elected on.  I had to point out that councillors aren't employed but are elected and that terms restricting activity are impossible to enforce in zero hour, self employed contracts.  I think his reaction reflects the big trouble the company was sailing into.  No joy yet; a few second interviews but I need more political organising experience. So what I have decided to do is to be a voluntary campaign manager for the county council elections in May.  In the meantime, I will draw down a few hundred pounds per month from my pension to cover costs, not taking out more than the average annual growth. I'm now 60 and I have 7 years (barring changes!) till I receive the state pension.  It won't be living high on the hog, but it will be a civilised yet strictly budgeted life.  It will give me time to spend with much loved husband and dog.  I'm living a happy, meaningful life consistent with my values.

My blood sugar levels are quite stable; a little raised but given the emotional roller coaster I've been on since May, surprisingly good.  Lots and lots of walking...delivering election leaflets. 

Darling daughter is doing well.  I have lent her some money (£500 with the same again as a present) which I'm now going to agree a repayment schedule with her on.  She is deffo in the right sector at work and will be the next to be promoted, probably by this time next year. 

I've been used to earning a lot but using most of it to pay off debt and large fixed costs: mortgage contributions, colossal debt and at one point school fees.  I know there will be mixed views on this and I was conflicted on it myself at the time but undiagnosed ADHD made mainstream options difficult for her.  Now I have no debt: credit cards are cleared monthly.   I am grateful that I had my lightbulb moment in time as I can now budget.  Every penny I spend has been reviewed.  I'm allowing myself a few treats such as haircuts, face waxing and good skincare.  Important to feel good without undue extravagance. 

I've gone through all my clothes and know that I need new undies, one cardigan and replacement walking shoes. I'm also getting a good bag repaired. I've also sold books, netting just over £14.  I've complained to 2 banks and have had £50 from one and am due £150 from another.   

I'm going to stock up the store cupboard with pulses and other low cost basics.  A monthly order from H*ll*nd and B*rr*tt is being put on hold as i have plenty of noodles and walnuts are a treat.  I have 4 packets per month and they're all eaten by the end of the first week!

Thanks again everyone for reading.  Onwards and upwards love Humdinger xx 

jwil

Loads of good stuff there!

lucielle

Good for you humdinger, recognising what you want and need. Hope you find the perfect job. 

L