Gen Z Guide to FI

I’ve noticed a trend in the online personal finance community of people apologizing when they need to step back. Why is it that we feel like we have to apologize? We all have too much on our plates and our minds at any moment. Why do we feel like we always have to deliver?

I felt incredibly guilty for not having posts ready twice a week like I wanted. I felt guilty because I didn’t post a podcast episode either. I don’t have any excuse other than I didn’t feel like it. It is my passion project, and I was not in the mood last week. 

You have to remember to give yourself grace. I have to remember to give myself grace. If I need a break, I’m just going to take it. I want to leave the guilt behind in 2023. If I want a week off, I will take it because life is hard enough. If I don’t feel emotionally ready to have a draining conversation, I schedule it for later to get myself into the right mindset. I apply that philosophy to communicating with people I don’t get along with at work and in my personal life.

A quick side story…

As I write this post, I have escaped to a nearby coffee shop. My landlord is fixing my toilet, and she likes to make a full day of it whenever she comes to my apartment. I’m like, ‘Why is this woman here on my weekend?’ Then, I have to make small talk with her and her husband. They put their stuff in my fridge and have lunch and dinner at my dining table. Isn’t that weird? It is an inconvenient and annoying way to spend my Saturday.

The Nigerian in me feels this urge to respect my elders, and since my landlord and her husband are elderly, I don’t say anything. But it annoys me so much. Anyway, soon I’ll move so I want to avoid her as much as possible. If something that isn’t highly inconvenient stops working, I’ll keep that to myself so she can fix it once I move out.

As I am in this coffee shop, I have taken a break from what would otherwise have been an annoying day at home. I’m probably just being a people pleaser by letting her and her husband use my kitchen as if I’m not paying rent to live there. Am I exaggerating for being upset? Also, I got home and noticed they used the restroom and didn’t flush it. I’m so disgusted.

Back to the main takeaway from this post. Take a break from situations or people that cause you stress. Take a break from your own expectations as well if you need rest.

You don’t owe anyone explanations for prioritizing rest and peace of mind. Take your breaks when you want, for however long you need. Everyone you love will appreciate you more if you’re your best self.

XOXO Gen Z Fire Baby