I recently read an article posted by TSM that you can read here, about how her parents pay for everything and she's not ashamed. **Cue entire post of a humble brag.** Not only did it make me feel ashamed about paying for my own education, but it made me feel sad for her. The poor girl has not seen the value of money (although she does state "People love to make a big deal out of money. They’re quick to make assumptions, like I’m stuck up, I’ve never worked a day in my life, and I don’t understand the value of a dollar. I do know the value of a dollar — it’s one dollar.") So today, I raise my clearance rack champagne glass and toast to the students kicking ass and taking names while working full time.
You have learned so much about money management.
Seriously, this may be the best part about being financially independent. Although it seems a little excessive sometimes when I think "is this worth 4.75 hours of work?" when I look at a shirt, but it is definitely not excessive when it comes to the end of the month and I go to pay my 68.75 hours worth of rent and I'm not left with negative numbers in my account.
You appreciate what you have.
Don't get me wrong, I would lose my mind if I got those $300 pair of shoes I've had my eye on for forever or those sunglasses that cost more than my entire paycheck, but there is no better feeling than saving up to buy yourself something nice. Whether that 'splurge' be a nice meal or a new outfit, you walk out of the store with your head held high because that overtime two weeks ago really paid off today. #flawless
You know how to adult.
Most people go into a serious panic whenever the word 'graduation' is brought up. To those who are financially independent, the thought of graduation is music to their ears. Just the thought of only working one job and not having to balance class on top of thought makes me so excited to "adult." Not to mention, you can pay rent, file taxes, make cell phone payments, and handle your car insurance like a boss.
Sure, it sucks sometimes when you can't go out to dinner because you don't get paid until next week and you hate not going to that party because you have work at 7 a.m. But one day you will wake up, hop out of the bed you bought in a house you worked hard to afford, sip your delicious cup of coffee, and be able to say I made it. And for that, I will be forever grateful of my 40 hour work weeks and last season's purses.
"Here's to the nights single shifts that turned into morning doubles, with the friends coworkers who turned into family."
