For What It’s Worth
“Should a dream have a deadline? Mine’s coming up.”
![Actor holding jar of coins](/images/916x611/a5fb873140/preview_compressed_noteworthyfwiw-careers.jpg)
I chose to pursue a creative education and acting while friends were progressing their careers, getting higher salaries.
I’ve always spent money frivolously. I live my life in the present and don’t really think about the future. My family’s ethos is: ‘If you’ve got it, spend it.’
I come from a working-class background. And my family spends a lot on other people. There’s shame around keeping money for yourself – they see it as selfish.
I’ve always prioritised holidays – I see travel as a way of enriching my life, choosing that over actual riches. I’ve had two or three jobs at a time so I could pay for those things.
I’ve never had any savings, but I regret that now. When friends started buying houses, I started to question the choices I’ve made.
Some friends have even offered to lend me money, but I always say ‘no.’ One said I was too proud! I always agree to split bills, so I just swallow the cost.
I’ve got to a point where I need to reassess my lifestyle. I spend more than I earn. Nowadays I don’t enjoy the things that I’m doing because I’m worried about money.
With acting, my friends and family are behind me because they know how much I want it. I’ve always said I’d give myself 10 years.
The deadline is coming up. But my dream career is not in my control. Do I keep pushing forward? Or is it time for a change?
Support for people with money worries
Anyone can fall on hard times, especially during a cost of living crisis. But help is at hand, if you find that you’re:
Regularly spending more than you earn
Worried about paying back money you owe
Regularly requesting to increase your overdraft limit or loan amount
Struggling to meet your monthly overdraft or loan repayments
Worried about being able to pay your essential bills (rent or mortgage, energy, council tax etc.)
Struggling to pay essential bills and being contacted about this
There are many organisations anyone can reach out to for free, impartial support and guidance: Money Advice Service (government-run organisation providing money advice); StepChange, Debt Advice Foundation and Money Advice Trust (charities that helps people manage debt); Citizens Advice (organisation that provides guidance on managing debt, money worries, benefits, work and legal problems).
At Starling, we have a specialist team that can guide customers with money worries towards free and independent specialist advice. You can reach out to us by picking up the phone or by sending an email.
Support with money worries