How do you explain your student loan situation to friends or family who might not understand the financial strain it puts on you? I'm never in a place where I can enjoy extravagant brunches or 'go shopping' when I'm too busy saving whatever's left of my paycheck for my emergency fund. Do you any tips for having these conversations without feeling embarrassed or judged?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

I would tell you not to give a damn about what they think but if it truly does bother you, focus on talking about your financial goals and priorities rather than apologizing for your situation. You can say, "I'm working hard to pay off my loans and build an emergency fund, so I'm being mindful of my spending right now." If people want to judge you after a response like that, they're the ones that need to be embarrassed.

like

The best approach is to just tell the truth. Paying off a loan is nothing to be ashamed of, and plenty of people are in the same situation. So just say you can't afford whatever the extravagance happens to be. If people want to get judgmental over that, you're better off not socializing with them anyway.

There is nothing embarrassing about being in a financial situation that late-stage capitalism put you in. Most people recognize that jobs no longer cover even basic living expenses. I would just be honest. "I don't have any spending cash this week, but I would love to meet up with you at the beach" or some other free activity. If they judge you, that's a reflection of them.

Related Posts

Looking for referrals for a Technical Sales Executive position that is Remote (USA), possibly in the industrial sector. Last year I made $109k at AT&T so I'm hoping to at least stay in the same ball park but want a change. I have lots of experience selling IT/telecom, but I also have a Mechanical Engineering background so I'm a good fit for a wide range of technical sales. I have been thinking a role in the industrial sector with a longer sales cycle may be a good fit, can travel up to 25%

like

I'm a scrum master with 18 years of experience in testing, business analysis and project management. Currently in FIS india. What's my possible ctc if I want to switch jobs now and are there any companies I can try for a full wfh option? Current ctc 18 LPA

TFW LinkedIn makes you laugh

Post Photo
likefunnysmart

I am joining LTI tomorrow.

Just have few ques about the company. Can someone pls clear those.
Band: P3, YOE: 6.5, CTC: 15.5
1. When can I be eligible for next promotion in the company?
2. How is the annual hike in the company?
3. When(which month) do we receive our variable pay?
4. Is there any other benefit provided by the company? like wifi bill, petrol bill etc.

like
like

Thoughts on a m340i? I might just pull the trigger.

like

I on L1 visa which is expiring on Dec 1. My wife is on L2 and currently pregnant and due on Dec 19. My company has filed for an extension in August for me and thinks that there will be no decision until early next year. If my visa extension gets denied before December 1, does it mean that we cannot deliver our child in US? What is the norms for losing health coverage - do I lose it immediately?

like

Best self-care tips for dealing with loneliness/sadness this time of year? This is my first Christmas without my mom and it just feels like nothing will ever be the same again 😭. If you’ve lost a parent can you give me advice on getting through the holidays? Being a parentalish figure to my students is both healing and heartbreaking.

like

Looking for advice navigating my move in-house. I’ve just gotten hard “no’s” on my hardware requests and have found myself owning a bunch of responsibilities that were not part of what I agreed on.

like

Will NYC be quarantined??

like

Random question for my HR Benefits professionals- if I need to take a leave from work for an arm surgery (torn muscle not pre existing condition) would it be better to enroll in short term disability or take another type of medical leave?
Thanks

like

The workload and frustrating clients are getting to us all. How do you build morale in the clinic?

like

My new Friday work from home shirt! 😆

Post Photo
likefunnyuplifting

Off topic

How is Tata Altroz (Petrol)? Any suggestions from owners

like

How is assistant manager-processing GSC’s? What is the salary range??

like

What should be expectation for full stack developer (Reactjs, nodejs) with 2 years of experience

like

I got an offer at Nokia, and my new manager said that she wanted to put me in the higher salary bracket however the HR insisted that we lowered the range. That caused me to receive a much lower salary than expected. Should I renegotiate even when my manager said that she tried giving me more. Does HR really play that big of a role in this?

like

Would you take a pay cut to move from an on-site to a fully remote position? If so what % of a cut and where would you move if anywhere?

like

Hi Fishes, I'm in a huge dilemma now. Im currently working with TCS and my CCTC is 10.29 LPA and I hold 2 offers, one with with Bank of America for 17.5 LPA Fixed and with CTS for 19 LPA.
My last date is Dec-30 and I received a call today from TCS HR for retaining me for 16 LPA max.
Earlier,before the call I had Bank of america in mind ahead of CTS for its work culture ,hike %, job security and other benefits. But here in TCS also I have very good role, job security and comfort.Please suggest!!

like

Does anyone have any advice on requesting data from municipalities (beyond just a foia request)? Working on a startup idea related to infrastructure but will need to get municipalities to give me extracts from their land use databases.

like

Additional Posts in Student Loans

SOFI or who else?

Damn LIBOR rate up again...

Does having student loans impact your ability to get a mortgage?

like

If you could go back in time what would you tell yourself before taking out student loans?

like

Curious to know how much your student loans were when you graduated from your program, how much you’ve paid off so far, and your age. If you have any varying factors too, like kids, income range, etc. Just trying to see if I’m on track or slacking in life. I am 34 yo, i graduated with 95k in student loans, i currently have 85k left and i make 85k in come. I’m also a single mom with two kids. Just praying for 100% student loans forgiveness. Wishful thinking???

like

Not mad that student loans being paused means I can use the money for Christmas. Are you still making payments during the pause? Or are you saving the money for something else. My christmas present to myself is a spa day!

like

In a perfect world how much would you want to make a year to both pay off your loans and live a good life? I think I'd need to make upwards of $200k to pay off my loans, take care of my family and live a fulfilling life.

like

Has anyone refinanced their student loans on h1b visa? Is common bond the only option?

Are you doing what you thought you would be when you took out your student loans? If so, do you feel like taking out your loans was worth it?

likefunny

I have a 25K loan from my MBA. I paid off 100k whole, after graduation. 3 years ago, I moved my loan from federal to private ( SOFI) account. I recently lost my job. I have applied for unemployment, as the severance that I received will only cover for 2 months. Together my husband and I used to make less than 250k after tax. Now, with a loss of pay , we are going to make less. Do you think I will be eligible for Loan forgiveness?

like

If you didn't have to pay off any more of your student loans what would you use the money for instead? I'm stuck between something impractical like a trip somewhere or something I need like a new car lol

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal