The big squeeze
How often are the intricate lives of women reduced to hashtags, trends and buzzwords? But behind every cost of living, #vanlife-ing, quietquitting headline is a person. Here’s how real women are coping right now, told through six stories…
It’s amazing the difference one extra day can bring. I just don’t get that Sunday-night dread, as I feel I’ve had enough time to rest. My threeday weekend begins with some life admin on Fridays, and then for the rest of the weekend, I’ll see friends and family or go wild camping in the Scottish Highlands. I love it – the quiet at night, the darkness, the sounds of trees and wildlife, sitting by a fire and going for a swim in the morning. You can focus on what’s in front of you, rather than being pulled in all directions by the digital world.
It didn’t use to be this way. My whole career has been spent working on human rights issues. Previously, I lived and worked in east Africa for around 10 years, but a few years ago, I decided to move back to the Highlands, where I grew up. I love my job, which involves working with various community groups to coordinate humanitarian efforts around the world, but it can be overwhelming. It’s the kind of work that you feel you can’t put down, because people are relying on you. For that reason, I’ve gone through periods of burnout that have contributed to other mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Splitting my week into three days and four days feels like a far better balance in terms of life versus work. I feel that it accommodates the whole person – it’s acknowledging that you are more than your work.
Two years ago, I would often donate to food banks – just basic things such as pasta and tinned food. That would be impossible now. I’ve even considered using one, as my partner and I – we live together – can only afford to have two meals a day. We might even need to go down to having just one.
The cost of living crisis is terrifying for students. Usually, when you move away, you just have the fear of being without your mum and dad and wondering what you’ll make for dinner. Now, it’s: can I afford to make anything for dinner? People think students just waste all their money on alcohol, drugs and new trainers, but I don’t think that’s the case. It definitely isn’t for me. I spend a lot of time thinking about money – more than I think is normal.
I’m currently on placement in my third year studying social work. It’s full-time working hours but you’re not paid. I have a loan to cover my fees, which is around £9,000 per year. My maintenance loan is around £8,500 and that’s for the year, it’s essentially y
