Warning: corporate life, might be boring for some people.
In the early days of my career, I was eager to follow all the financial advice shared by so-called “money influencers.”
Their guidance seemed sound—meticulously managing savings, building emergency and sinking funds, delaying big purchases, and planning for investments.
At the time, I was a fresh graduate earning a respectable starting salary of RM 3,700. Like many others, I believed that diligently following these steps was the key to financial success and stability.
But as I threw myself into this rigid system, I began to experience an undercurrent of stress that slowly consumed me.
1- The Early Struggles: Following the Rules at All Costs
As a new graduate, I adhered strictly to these guidelines:
• No new car. I drove my family’s old car, grateful to have it.
• No frivolous spending. Nights out or treats were carefully rationed.
• Buy a house within a year. That became a looming milestone I felt pressured to achieve.
I tracked every cent I spent, calculating how much I had left for savings and investments. My life revolved around meeting financial “goals.”
I went to bed thinking about how much I had spent during the day, guilt clouding my mind if I veered even slightly off track.
Eventually, my dedication to these rules crossed the line. I started skipping meals to ensure my savings goals stayed intact.
Social invitations were turned down not just out of frugality but out of fear. I was obsessed with following the rules—and it made me sick. Anxiety crept into every corner of my life, and one day, I was formally diagnosed.
2- The Turning Point: Realizing the Rules Aren’t Universal
It took me years to understand that these financial guidelines, while well-intentioned, weren’t one-size-fits-all.
I realized that comparing my situation to others was neither fair nor productive.
Everyone has their own circumstances and commitments, which deeply influence how they manage their finances.
Some examples became clear to me:
• Different starting points. While I had access to a family car, others might need to buy their first vehicle to commute to work.
• Family responsibilities. Some individuals support low-income families, allocating much of their income to necessities like food and medicine for their loved ones.
• Unique priorities. People with aging parents or siblings still in school face different financial pressures compared to those solely focused on themselves.
I realized that success wasn’t defined by how much money I had saved, how many investments I had, or how lavish my vacations were. Success is deeply personal—it depends on what brings you fulfillment and peace.
3- Finding Financial Balance: A New Perspective
It’s okay to follow financial advice, but it’s essential to adapt it to your own reality. Over time, I developed a healthier mindset:
• Work to live, don’t live to work. Money is a tool to enhance your life, not the sole purpose of it.
• Your priorities matter. If saving a lot is feasible for you, that’s wonderful. If it’s not, that’s okay too.
• Listen to yourself. You know your situation better than anyone. Be realistic about what works for you and your loved ones.
In the end, life is about balance. Yes, we should save for the future and invest wisely, but not at the expense of our mental health or current happiness.
4- The Final Lesson: You Are the Captain of Your Life
The financial advice we encounter is just a guideline, not a rulebook. Only you can decide what’s best for your life.
Your journey is unique, shaped by your experiences, responsibilities, and dreams. The ultimate goal isn’t just financial success—it’s living a life that feels meaningful and sustainable to you.
So, to anyone feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of financial literacy ideas: take a step back. Evaluate what truly matters to you. Because at the end of the day, you’re the one steering the ship.
Make sure it’s heading in a direction that feels right for you.
This journey taught me that it’s not just about money—it’s about living well, in whatever way that means for you.
– Not A Freshie (Bukan nama sebenar)
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