My dad worked petty jobs and could never land decent work. My mom used to be a painter but after kids, she just stayed home most of the time. We didn’t have savings or security, just endless stress.
I learned how to budget and stretch food supplies while other kids were going on Disney trips. People like to say growing up poor teaches you appreciation. But all it taught me was how exhausting it is to constantly live in survival mode.
I wanted OUT. I studied hard, took extra classes after school. Took up part-time work to get some pocket money on the side. Moved out of the house as fast as I could.
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Now that I’m in my late 20s and working as a doctor, I finally have financial stability. It took years of college, student loans, and sleepless nights, and I’m so proud of myself. At times, I felt bad for leaving my sister behind (she’s 5 years younger), but I know she wasn’t my responsibility and neither are my parents.