Prior to finding out I was pregnant, I had three months emergency savings. My goal was to triple that before Phoenix’s arrival. But that goal derailed when my job started cutting back on my hours and eventually letting me go three months earlier than I had planned to stop working.
I was shocked. I was panicking. I was stressed.
Even though I still had income coming in from being a freelancer, It wasn't SECURE money.
Having that comfort of knowing each week you have a guaranteed check gives you a different peace of mind.
I was extremely depressed and wanted to work badly because I fear the unknown. I like to be prepared and I’m always planning for my future and this wasn’t in my plan.
Even though my partner was working a full-time job, I knew we would be okay, but life is a journey and anything unexpected could happen and it did.
As I sunk deeper into my depression, I had to learn to let it go. Being fearful of the unknown, especially when it comes to your finances, can be scary. Money is needed to pay our bills, buy groceries. It’s part of our way of life.
One morning I got up and decided to change. I stopped applying for a job because no one was going to hire an almost 8 months pregnant woman who would be out on maternity leave for 3 months. I was considered unreliable. And, after meditation and going to group therapy, I came to accept the fact that I wasn’t going to be working a secure check job anytime soon.
After reviewing my savings and budget one more time. I felt secure in knowing that at least my partner was still working, and we had 3 months savings
The end of December, a friend of mine who had been helping me tremendously emotionally throughout my pregnancy gifted us groceries and paid one of our bills for 2 months.
Life often throws us curve balls unexpectedly and when we’re not prepared to hit them, it can throw you off, leaving you feeling as though everything is falling apart.
It took me a full month to completely start feeling relaxed and not worried about our finances. It’s not something that came easy or naturally. For the entire month of December my mental state was not okay.
But I’m thankful to my therapist, my group therapy sessions and my village for helping me.
More importantly, I'm glad I saved.
3 Comments
Not having secure money is already scary without kids. I wish more people knew the importance of having a savings. God bless you and your family.
My job unexpectedly let me go when I was 6 months pregnant. I know how you feel or may have felt. Unemployment was stressful and finding another job was very difficult.
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