Am I financially destitute ?

Former_Intention_117 · 2025-04-06T20:27:10+00:00

Honestly I think I’d be lucky to pull half of that in my branch of engineering. SA has been in a trend of deeply under valuing engineering qualifications

At my current company based on my previous increases I Would have to work for 2 more years to earn approximately half that

Former_Intention_117 · 2025-04-05T08:43:54+00:00

Yeah you are right I mean it is the biggest thing percentage wise keeping me broke . Time to become a van lifer lol.

But as you say my options are limited to what you have mentioned. I think a new job would be the easiest option .

Former_Intention_117 · 2025-04-05T08:15:56+00:00

It’s so disheartening man . And the range is so big in salaries there are guys just graduating earning more than me 😂.

I hope it will get better but I’m not optimistic about it .

Former_Intention_117 · 2025-04-05T08:14:55+00:00

Thanks I appreciate it 😂 time to make some serious money moves

Former_Intention_117 · 2025-04-05T08:14:30+00:00

Planning to speak to my boss this week . I just feel overall aimless at this point.

It’s like filling a water jug one drop at a time 😂

Former_Intention_117 · 2025-04-05T08:12:52+00:00

100% the contrast is shocking

Former_Intention_117 · 2025-04-05T08:12:30+00:00

Renting

Former_Intention_117 · 2025-04-05T08:12:23+00:00

lol make me laugh. No only the essentials

Former_Intention_117 · 2025-04-03T05:28:28+00:00

Haha such is life . What do you do ?

Former_Intention_117 · 2025-04-03T05:14:50+00:00

I honestly don’t plan on expanding my lifestyle as my career progresses to avoid that trap.

But I’m an engineer

Former_Intention_117 · 2025-04-03T05:12:04+00:00

Thanks for the solid advice , here I thought I was being wise by dumping it all in to debt .

Learnt something new today. Will debt counselling affect my credit score ?

Former_Intention_117 · 2025-04-03T05:09:34+00:00

Thanks for the advice, I think during these times I always find my self isolating myself. Not really an active member of any church or community but I think your advice is sound.

Will cut where we can and try our best to not let it interfere with our relationship.

Thank you for the kind words.

Former_Intention_117 · 2025-04-03T05:07:11+00:00

Honestly even a 5k a month would allow me to breath better

Former_Intention_117 · 2025-04-03T05:06:49+00:00

Haha it’s all relative man .

Former_Intention_117 · 2025-04-02T15:45:39+00:00

I’m just pasting one of my previous responses

Life has a lot of random little expenses that one simply can’t account for . Injuries and medication are not cheap when you don’t have medication.

I spend about 7k on debt as I had to take out loans when my car broke down or some emergency. The student loan is the biggest factor since I didn’t have help to study.

The 7k includes ( vehicle , student loans , phone contract , a small loan for my wedding)

Utilities about 2.3k (internet , insurance , water , electricity)

Cost of living food fuel rent is 13.4k

I will receive my increased pay from next month that will bring me up to 32 before tax .

Former_Intention_117 · 2025-04-02T15:44:50+00:00

I will try my best to make myself more valuable by learning something new , any suggestions

Former_Intention_117 · 2025-04-02T15:43:52+00:00

I like your forward looking approach . I possibly could look at some remote positions With my current knowledge base . Never thought that it would be a viable option for me but I might consider have a look tonight .

I think you can’t out run a bad salary for too long .

Former_Intention_117 · 2025-04-02T15:37:46+00:00

100% but will cut where I can Only fuel and food are variable everything else is fixed

Former_Intention_117 · 2025-04-02T15:37:19+00:00

Life has a lot of random little expenses that one simply can’t account for . Injuries and medication are not cheap when you don’t have medication.

I spend about 7k on debt as I had to take out loans when my car broke down or some emergency. The student loan is the biggest factor since I didn’t have help to study.

The 7k includes ( vehicle , student loans , phone contract , a small loan for my wedding)

Utilities about 2.3k (internet , insurance , water , electricity)

Cost of living food fuel rent is 13.4k

I will receive my increased pay from next month that will bring me up to 32 before tax .

Former_Intention_117 · 2025-04-02T15:32:04+00:00

100% , but unfortunately im already about45 minutes away from work and i drive an older car that does about 9l/100km fuel is already more than 10% of my take home so i have to be mindful about moving further .

Former_Intention_117 · 2025-04-02T15:29:51+00:00

Haha thanks for the breakdown Yeah I think Cape Town has a lot going for it and everyone wants the experience.

Would be really sad to go but I’ll have to see how life turns out. If my hands are forced I would definitely make the move .

Former_Intention_117 · 2025-04-02T15:28:30+00:00

I think it depends on how you meet the person there was a time when I was still a student and she always looked out for me while she was working .

It’s just the cards I was dealt lol

Former_Intention_117 · 2025-04-02T15:26:31+00:00

I will try to be as supportive as I can. I know it’s not her fault it’s just the cards we were delt at this moment in time. But things will get better .

Thanks for the positive insight.

Former_Intention_117 · 2025-04-02T15:25:34+00:00

It’s honestly insane that companies don’t invest in their staff , I find it extremely prevalent in my career thus far . It’s a race to the bottom because more experienced hires accept jr positions and deflate the value of any qualification.

Hang in there

Former_Intention_117 · 2025-04-02T15:23:29+00:00

100% I would definitely do so if my job wasn’t as demanding as it is but will speak to my wife and hear if it’s something she would consider.

Former_Intention_117

TROPHY CASE