Stuck with debt and no motivation for work

Hi, I am currently facing with severe debt situation and at the verge of receiving legal letters. The snowball of debts started with trying to sustain a living from month to month despite having a stable income as I am working full time. However, along the way, some mishap happened and I took a credit card to temporarily sustain.

And then the snowball effect happened.
I have been trying to take up additional credit card and loans to cover another loan and I am getting tired of this already. None of this loan is used for personal luxury spending, gambling or anything sort of. It was used for monthly food and transport expenses, bills and bank/moneylenders repayment.

On top of all of that, I am working in a an industry that I do not have an interest in. You may wonder how I ended up here . It was because I do it in a favour of a family member, who has now apparently quit the company. I am okay with doing my job, however i have no interest in the industry. In almost everything I do, i feel like i am not being able to live life the way i want to. As simple as working in an industry I have an interest in is not possible. I cannot possibly change job in the middle of a debt, can I?

I have been dragging myself to work for 2 reasons. 1 I have no passion for the job, 2 I am to mentally exhausted with the stuff happening outside of work - debt, family relationships, house stress. Ive been trying for so long to be okay with the job. But i find myself struggling to look forward to work and that has caused me to be late for work everyday.

I am tired.

Dear @miz ,

I’m sorry to hear about the difficult situation you’re facing. It must be even harder when your debt isn’t due to personal luxury spending or gambling but rather essential living expenses. It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed with debt and lack of motivation. Reaching out for support shows and strength and determination - well done for taking this step :clap:t4: :clap:t4:.

Here are some perspectives for your consideration:

Seek financial advice from a financial advisor or a debt management service. They can help you create a plan to manage and repay your debts, possibly even negotiating with creditors on your behalf. Debt consolidation could be an option, which combines all your debts into a single loan with a lower interest rate.

You could also contact your bank to discuss your situation. They might be able to offer arrangements for a lower interest rate or provide other suggestions on how to manage your debt more effectively. Banks may have financial counsellors who can assist you.

Create a strict budget to track your income and expenses. Prioritise essential expenses and see where you can cut back. This will help you understand where your money is going and how you can save more effectively. Clearing debt often involves the snowball method (paying off the smallest debts first to build momentum) or the avalanche method (paying off the highest-interest debts first to save money over time). Choose a strategy that suits your situation and stick to it.

You may also want to consider speaking with a therapist or counsellor to help manage your stress and mental health. They can provide strategies to cope with anxiety and exhaustion, which will be beneficial in managing your overall situation.

While changing jobs in the middle of debt may seem daunting, exploring new opportunities can help you feel more fulfilled. Look for positions in industries that interest you or that you are passionate about. Consider finding a part-time job in an industry you enjoy. This can provide additional income and improve your overall outlook and motivation. Research and apply for jobs that offer higher pay. This can help alleviate some of the financial stress and provide a fresh start in a field that may interest you more. Invest in learning new skills or certifications that can qualify you for better-paying jobs or roles that interest you more. Online courses and workshops can be a flexible way to enhance your qualifications while managing your current job.

If you feel safe and comfortable consider talking to your employer about your situation. They may be able to provide support or accommodations to help with your workload and punctuality.

Yes, the road towards being debt-free may seem long and tedious, and at the same time that doesn’t mean you can’t experience joy in your day-to-day living. Finding small moments of happiness and relaxation can make a significant difference. Engage in hobbies you enjoy, whether it’s reading, gardening, cooking, or any other activity that brings you joy. Exercise regularly, as physical activity can boost your mood and energy levels. Even a short walk can help clear your mind and improve your outlook. Practice mindfulness through meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply taking a few moments each day to relax and focus on the present, which can reduce stress and improve your well-being. Spend time with family and friends who support and uplift you. Social connections can provide emotional strength and positivity. Acknowledge and celebrate the small victories in your journey. Each step towards managing your debt and improving your situation is worth recognising. :grinning:

It’s important to take care of your well-being. Reaching out for help is a strong and positive step.

I hope the above has been helpful and if you’d like more resources or if there is anything else you’d like to share with us, please do. We’re here to listen to you, your feelings are valid and you matter! :grinning:

Take care,
Cool Breeze =)