[MissyChrissy]

As some of you may know, I just landed my dream job. I haven't started yet, but I'm finding myself worrying about a new thing.

My entire adult life has revolved around worrying about money. Even when I was working full time (before my lay off 3 years ago) we worried constantly because daycare was costing us 350/week during the summer and winter breaks...we'd spend the entire year trying to catch it up.

Now, my new job is nearly what our combined income was back then. It is TWICE what I made when I was laid off. Not only that, but I only have 1 child to worry about daycare expenses as the girls are old enough to get themselves on the bus and even be home all day during the summer.

All this good has happened, yet I have this empty feeling in the pit of my stomach. Almost like worrying about money was comforting...I know it wasn't-but it's what I was used to.

Anyway, I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced anything as bizarre as this? I almost feel more pressure. I BETTER be able to keep this job, so much is riding on it and we'd be devastated if something happened where I couldn't.

Sorry so long...*sigh* I worry too much.

[LeanyBean]

As I have not experienced this, I know exactly how you must be feeling. Just get through it one day at a time and before you know it, everything will have fallen into a routine and you'll all be happy.

Congratulations again!

[QueenAngie]

Lifelong lessons: I have learned that you will always have one problem in your life. The problem may change as you grow older, but it will always be something.

(Yes, sometimes more than just one thing.)

Be it money.

Be it your health.

Be it your job.

Be it your child.

Be it your marriage.

Be it a midlife crisis.

There is always going to be something to worry about.


That's when I am a firm believer in the power of prayer.
That really helps.

God Bless!

[ljb]

It is hard to break your old worrying habits, too. I agree, take it one day at a time. That nagging feeling will eventually subside and before you know it, you'll be right in the swing of things... If you are like us, though, you will end up finding other ways to worry about $$ - for us, we moved into a new house.

[mcmama]

One worry can get replaced by another. Having money is not as bad as not having it, but when you have it, you have to make wise decisions about using it.

And you worry about not having it again. I think that is pretty common among women.

[MissyChrissy]

Well, it's not like I didn't have other things to worry about besides money. Where are we going to live if they foreclose? How am I going to buy tires when I only have $15 after I pay for gas and groceries and electric? At the same time, I was juggling schedules, worrying about getting a job, and studying to pass tests...along with the other stuff that happened with my brother this summer (an accident that resulted in his friend's death and my brother going to jail for a year).

I don't know about anyone else, but I don't recall a time when I only had one thing to "worry" over. For me, money was more than a worry. It was anxiety inducing and made me sick and irritable and fearful at times. It's been a constant for 16 years.

The only fear that could come close to replacing it would be the fear of losing my job. Today I'm doing good, and I don't fear that. I am going to try to NOT let that get to me because frankly, I want to enjoy what I have accomplished.

I was 16 when I started out on my own. I was a single mother at 18 with 2 children on food stamps living in a trailer without a car or phone. I've come a long way from that place.

[mcmama]

You betcha!!

We always have the other stuff to worry about - and a lot of the worries you mentioned have to do with money. I think it is a pretty common feeling for women who have been on their own with children to have some worry that when things are going well what if something messes it up? What if we mess it up? We never quite take things for granted. It;s not like - ok, relax, you're successful now.

We should follow Satchel Paige's advice:
"Don't look back. Something might be gaining on you".

That trailer is WAAAAY back there. And it ain't moving.

[QueenAngie]

You should be very, very proud of yourself, Chrissy!

You have come such a long way because you are intelligent,
have common sense,
know how to stretch a dollar,
are honest,
have integrity,
an excellent Mom,
and you know how to have the gumption to stick with your education until you graduated!

Hoooraaay!

[MissyChrissy]

Originally Posted by QueenAngie

You should be very, very proud of yourself, Chrissy!

You have come such a long way because you are intelligent,
have common sense,
know how to stretch a dollar,
are honest,
have integrity,
an excellent Mom,
and you know how to have the gumption to stick with your education until you graduated!

Hoooraaay!

Thank you.

[smd7664]

I understand you anxiety. I have suffered from it since i was in the fifth grade!!

I think now your anxiety is contributed to that your mind and body was, in a weird way, comforted by your "money problems". And you are not sure how to let go of that and be comfortable with out that problem. B/c from what you say this issue has been a constant in your life. Keep telling yourself..."you deserve this"..."there is nothing wrong with being successful"..."i am worth this good fortune". I know that seems as if you already know those things but sometimes consciously reminding your mind about them reassures you and the worry will slowly fade. Before you start the beginning of this new chapter you should make sure you are excercising too. And continue with excercising throughout the rest of your journey. Because starting a new job even if you are well versed in how to preform the position is always stressful. COMBAT your anxiety...go for a walk once a day
Congrats and remember to take that time for you!! You go girl!