The Reality of Being a One Income:Navigating Life’s Lemons with Love, Laughter, and a Tight Budget

Hey there, lovely limes! 🍋

Ever had that moment where you just want to throw up your hands, yell “I’m done!” and walk away from the corporate grind? I sure have. In fact, I recently did just that—quit my job without a safety net or a backup plan. It was both exhilarating and terrifying, like squeezing a lime and hoping it doesn’t squirt you in the eye!

Now, before you go thinking I’m lounging by the pool sipping margaritas, let me clarify: I’m only rich in love. The IRS might call us middle class, but our reality is a bit more, shall we say, modest. We’re a typical family with a 2008 sedan that my husband and I share, and this year, we finally saved up enough for a vacation after five years of going nowhere together. On top of that add the inflation we are experiencing, is brutal. So yes, the fact that I even have the option to stay home comes from a place of privilege, but not the kind with endless dollar signs.

Here’s the deal: I have three kids, two of whom are still in school. And while the idea of not being part of the corporate cog is dreamy, it comes with its own set of challenges. Although I am actively looking for work, that fits my needs as a human, The job market sucks. I have no idea when I may get an offer, or even an interview, because: ghost jobs. Budgeting just became my new best friend, and I’m here to share the real, unfiltered truths about what life looks like when you decide to stay home and tighten the purse strings.

Squeezing the Most Out of Life: When Staying Home Means Saying No to Extras🍋

My new reality! No more extras, no more spontaneous spending, just a tight budget and a whole lot of love. I can do this, we can do this. I just have to plan.

1. The Grocery Game Plan

The first thing on the chopping block? Our grocery budget. From now on, we’ll have a set list of food, and I’m creating a rotating meal plan to keep costs predictable. No more wandering the aisles, tossing in whatever catches our eye. This is hard for me because I do not shop with a list. I generally buy whatever Me and the kids want because food is the one area, normally I splurge guilt free. Nope, not any more, every meal is planned like a strategic mission, and we’re sticking to it! (Sorry, kids, but if it’s not on the list, it’s not in the cart.) Hello Pinterest crock pot meal ideas.

2. I Love Your Friends, But…

My kids are the most generous little souls, always volunteering me to pay for something or letting their friends borrow whatever. And while I adore their giving nature, let’s face it—extras are off the table if I’m not working. So, no more “Mom, can you pay for this?” or “Can my friend borrow that?” I’m grateful for their big hearts, but we’re all about the essentials now.

3. Date Nights on a Dime

Date nights are still a must, but they’re going to be a lot simpler. Picture this: a cozy dinner for two and a movie in the living room; sorry, kids, you’re not invited this time! And as much as we love our furry friend, the dog’s need to give us space too. It’s all about reconnecting and keeping the love alive, even if we’re just watching Netflix in our PJs. Boundaries, people!

4. Bills, Bills, Bills

Time to take a hard look at the bills. We’re cutting out the subscriptions we can live without, scaling back on our cell phone plans, and being super diligent about turning off lights and unplugging things when not in use. It’s amazing how those little things add up, and we’re on a mission to trim the fat from our expenses.

5. DIY Dreams on Hold

Remember those DIY projects I was so excited about? Of course not, because we just met. Well, they’re on hold for now. The living room might stay half-painted, and the kitchen might rock that two-tone look a little longer than planned. It’s frustrating, sure, but with all this free time and no funds to back it up, I guess I’ll just have to embrace the “unfinished” aesthetic. Maybe, it’ll become a trend?

6. The Art of Avoiding Unexpected Costs

Finally, I’m doing my best to prevent any unexpected costs, like medical bills or car repairs. I know these things can’t always be planned, but I’m taking preventive measures wherever I can. (Because these expenses are normally huge.) Regular check-ups, keeping the car in good shape, and crossing my fingers that we can avoid any surprise expenses.

So, to all the millennial and Gen Z women out there, if you’re considering staying home and leaving the corporate world behind, know that it’s not all lemon drops and sunshine. But with a little planning, a lot of love, and a sense of humor, you can make it work. Life might get a bit more complicated, but sometimes, squeezing life’s lemons leads to the sweetest lemonade.

Cheers to finding joy in the journey and savoring the simple things, even when the budget’s tight!

Until next time, stay zesty! 🍋

Jess Pye