Age: 35
Relationship Status: Married
Occupation: Sr. Associate, Marketing
Income: My salary is $97,500, but my husband and I fully combine finances so it’s only fair to share that our household income is $232,500.
Astrological Sign: Virgo
What is your first thought every morning?
“I should get up immediately.” But I never do. I scroll TikTok foreverrrrr.
What is something you do solely for you?
I’ve recently gotten into doing my own nails at home. I’m pretty good at it! It’s a fun creative outlet and has a cool “deliverable” that I can show off for a week or two. (Maybe a bad sign that my hobbies have to be productive?)
What is something you dread?
Working. I hate working. I don’t hate my job, but I hate having a job. I hate the 40-hour work week; I hate being chained to a desk, and I hate being told what I have to do with so much of my time. I just hate it all. I actually came *this close* to a true mental breakdown a few years ago and quit my job to take some time off, which turned into nearly two years without working. It was incredible; I wish I could do that forever. I’m lucky I’ve found a flexible, remote job that I do like, but I just refuse to believe I was put on this earth to build marketing campaigns.
What is something you are looking forward to?
Growing old with my husband. We aren’t having kids, and I’m just so excited for a nice, slow life together doing whatever we want to do.
When do you feel most accomplished?
Being high earners is new to us. Within the last 12 months, our household income has doubled. But we just bought our dream house (our first home!) after saving for years and years, without a cent of outside help. We were able to put 20% down and I feel incredibly proud of that. We also paid for our wedding fully out of pocket with no help when we were making way way less, something I’m still super proud of.
What is something you regret investing in financially?
I’m really lucky that my parents taught me good financial habits growing up, even though they themselves didn’t have much when I was young. But when I got my first credit card and was making $30,000 I racked up quite a bit of credit card debt. I really regret that because it took forever to pay that off, and that money could have gone towards something way more important or brought me more joy.
What is something you regret investing in emotionally?
Nothing. I’m very happy right now, and I don’t think I would be if I hadn’t made all the choices that got me here.
What are three things you think are absolutely worth the investment?
(financially, emotionally, or time/energy-wise)
Outsource things that you hate if you can afford it. I have a housecleaner because I hate cleaning, and fighting over whose turn it was to clean the bathroom was too much.
Financially, things that bring you joy are always worth budgeting for. For example, I’ll always budget for a coffee catch-up with a friend, but I try to avoid getting coffee out just because it’s convenient. They cost the same, but one brings me so much more happiness.
Adopting a dog and getting them professional training! My girl is my best friend in the entire world. She was a nightmare when we brought her home. We paid $3,000 for professional training and now we’re all so much happier and our relationship is a thousand times better. I think every single dog owner (whether you adopt or get a puppy from a breeder) should invest in professional training.
When do you feel most creative?
When I’m cooking! I LOVE to cook and experiment in the kitchen.
How often do you compare yourself to others? When?
I used to compare myself physically every single day. I’ve grown out of that, I’m not sure how or why. But I feel a lot better about my body even though I’m the heaviest I’ve ever been. Maybe it’s being in my mid-30s. But I do compare myself to others at work a lot. I have serious imposter syndrome.
What is one thing you’d like to thank your past self for?
Going on a dating app because I met my husband!
What is one thing you believe about your future self?
That I’ll be happy. I’ve struggled with depression for my entire adult life and am on an SSRI. For the past year, I’ve felt so good, and I have to believe that I’ll be happy in the future, too.
What is one thing you learned in childhood that you have now had to unlearn in adulthood?
I grew up in a conservative household, going to Sunday School and church every Sunday. Now I’m a leftist who doesn’t believe in God. But sometimes, those old ideas creep in as my “default,” and I need to sit with them for a second.
Have you ever felt pure joy? When?
Whenever I take my dog to the park, and we’re on a hiking trail, and she’s off leash and doing her thing, and she is having the time of her life, and the air is crisp, the leaves are starting to turn, there’s no one else around except her and me and my husband, and I call her to me, and she runs to me like she just can’t wait to get to me. It’s all I’ve ever wanted. Pure happiness.
What is something that would feel really good to get off your chest?
This is a funny question because I have nothing to get off my chest. I am an over-sharer. I have a problem keeping things to myself!
When do you feel most in your feminine energy?
When I’m with other women, especially when we are coming together over a shared interest that is typically looked down upon by men. Something about not caring about that and celebrating womanhood is so powerful to me. I felt that way at the Barbie movie, at the Eras Tour, at my book club, I just love women.
What is something you want to give up?
I spend a LOT of time on my phone. I don’t want to look back on my life and think, “Wow I’m so glad I spent all that time on Tiktok.” I scroll every night and every morning in bed and I want to stop!
What is something you want to take up?
I want to work daily movement into my everyday life. Not to lose weight, but to feel good. My body cares for me and I want to care for it. And I want to live a long and healthy life.
What do you believe is a universal truth?
Just because they’re family, doesn’t mean you owe them anything. No one gets access to you without your permission.
BONUS: Tell me something good.
Fall is coming! My favorite season!
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