Hi everyone, I am M29, I would like to ask how cooked am I.
I have no savings, only a private diploma(art), no degree, parents retiring, cpf is arnd 10k. Im still trying to do art freelance while working part time, but sometimes I feel like I can only get out of this by winning lottery. Getting a partner is the last thing in my mind.
Please give me a reality check.
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Dear @user7602
Thank you for writing in and for being open and honest; that takes a lot of courage.
First things first: please may I assure that you’re not cooked at all. Everyone runs their own race, and while it might feel like you’re behind, you’re still in the race, your own unique race where you are courageously overcoming obstacles and navigating curved balls.
It’s completely okay to feel overwhelmed, especially when you’re juggling freelancing, part-time work, and thinking about your future in parallel. I believe many of us feel like what you feel- we are barely holding it together — but like you, we keep going nevertheless.
I believe your situation is not easy, but it’s also not hopeless. You’re doing art freelance — that means you have a craft, a skill, and a way of expressing yourself that’s uniquely yours. It may not feel like enough yet, but you’re already building something. One project, one connection, one gig at a time — that’s how momentum starts.
Also, not having a degree doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Many have found alternative paths through upskilling, online learning, grit and consistency in what they do. Just like you are doing. Your private diploma and your experience count, too!
As for finances, you’re not alone there either. It’s okay to start small. Little by little, savings and stability can grow. And no shame at all if you need to take a job that pays the bills while you build your dream on the side. That’s still progress.
You might not see it now, but you’re trying and that’s powerful. The lottery fantasy is understandable (I have it too!), but the fact that you’re still showing up, still trying to do what you love, and still asking for perspective, that suggests you haven’t given up. And that’s worth a lot.
You’re not behind. You’re just on a path that doesn’t look like everyone else’s. Please keep your chin up! 
Hey OP,
I would say it’s definitely not going to be easy, but it’s not hopeless. I’m also still paying off my student loans, so currently I can’t spend my money frivolously like my friends.
However, you still have some CPF saved up. You are working part-time while juggling with freelance, so you still have a source of income to fall back to.
Everyone is running their own race in life. As long as you keep going, I believe things will work out for you in the end.
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hi @user7602 ,
from your post you sound really stressed about your current circumstance. it seems that you are also very overwhelmed about many aspects of life that you seem to lack. perhaps it could be helpful to start stabilising a specific aspect first such that you’re then later able to branch out and improve other aspects. and very objectively, 29 years of age is still young and you still have potential to improve so jiayous! 
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Hi @user7602 ,
Thanks for sharing so honestly. It sounds like you’re going through a lot and it’s totally valid and understandable to feel a bit of uncertainty towards your future. From what you’ve shared, it seems like you’re juggling a part-time job while still pursuing your passion for art. This takes strength, even if it doesn’t feel right to you at the moment. You’re not “cooked”, because struggling does not mean failure. It may seem like life is tough at the moment, but it’s okay to save money slowly but steadily. Not having a degree also doesn’t make you less “capable”. Your diploma is something that you’ve worked hard on to achieve as well, and that spirit is what’s the most important. It’s okay to take things one steady step at a time, and I’m sure it’ll all work out for you if you keep your spirit!
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