My Friends Earn More Than I do, And I Can’t Keep Up with Their Lifestyle – What Do I Do?
Eunice*, 29. “I’m a teacher at a private secondary school who is struggling to make ends meet and stay afloat. Although, I have a small fashion accessories business on the side, it still isn’t enough to afford me a comfortable lifestyle.
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My friends on the other hand, are in the corporate world and are making really good money, but I feel like I can’t keep up with them because of the huge gap in our financial realities. They offer to pay for me most times when we all go out, but I don’t want to be seen as a leech.
With the cost of rent, bills and basic groceries, it’s impossible for me to keep up with expensive dinner dates and luxurious maintenance lifestyles. They recently suggested that we visit Kenya for the Christmas holidays and I know I won’t be able to afford it. What can I do without drifting away from my friends and making everyone feel uncomfortable?
As adults, it is only normal that we’re all in different economic tax brackets. The cost of living affects everyone in one way or another – depending on your income level. However, it is only normal to feel uncomfortable about not being able to financially “keep up”.
Having money conversations with your friends is nothing to be ashamed of. Money conversations in any kind of relationship can be uncomfortable but it is necessary. It is only normal for people to make assumptions about your financial situation, but hiding your money status from your friends in the bid to keep up will only make you overspend, enter cycles of regret and then resentment will be in tow.
When your friends consistently ask you to do something with them that you can’t afford and you constantly decline, your mental health and self-esteem may suffer so it is essential that they understand and accept your current financial circumstance.
Spending time with your friends is important, therefore if you were ever in this situation, I would advise that you opt for outings that you all can afford and have a great time.
At the end of the day, we’re all in a cost-of-living crisis and not everyone will be on the same boat financially.
Are you in a similar situation or you’ve experienced this before? Share with us in the comments on how you were able to navigate the situation.
Well I was once in such situation I choose to go low with expensive life style….. and am good at the moment I can afford some basic things 😌