I am super happy to move into my very own house on 25th July 2020. It marks the start of me having my own space, and also learning how to manage a house on my own. It comes with one bedroom, one kitchen (not open concept), one living room where I can split into living and working/dining area), a storeroom and a bathroom. The only downside for my house is I face a lot of restrictions in getting one.
As a single in my country:
- I can only purchase one highly subsidised flat in my lifetime as long as my marital status remain single. I need to enter the open market (which means a free market for property like any country) if I want to select the unit, the location etc
- My house is not that ideal as it is a low level unit and it is 10-15min walk from the nearest train station. But I can still walk if I want to, to reduce travelling cost. It is still nearer compared to my mum's house.
At this point, this space is wonderful for one person to live in. I am very grateful my house was completed before COVID-19 started. I collected the keys to my house last December but renovation was halted twice - once because I changed contractor and another was due to COVID-19.
As my house is highly subsidised, I was able to pay for everything in one go without any mortgage. I also saved up a lot when I was working for my renovation and stuck to my budget for renovation. However, I did spend more for my loose furniture, but I have fully paid for it as well. Since my space is not big, I only stuck to a few essential furniture items. They cost more but I plan to bring them with me when I moved to a bigger place in the future.
It has been wonderful to have a quiet place to go home to and enjoy my tranquility. After spending so many years quarreling with my mum, I welcomed this space even though it is small (actually it is quite sufficient for me).
This house is also easier on my finances as I am able to focus on my career switch to human resources. I am able to take a lower starting pay without worrying about monthly mortgage bills for a start. In addition, I lead a minimalist lifestyle and only buy what I need, and my continuous willingness to take on temporary jobs during my job hunt means every single cent that I earn will fund my daily expenses.
In a way, COVID-19 has presented some forms of support for me as the government has launched a number of support schemes in my country. I am now working with a Career Coach and together with my own job hunting efforts, I hope to move into a new field by the end of this year. I tapped onto a recent funding scheme and that also provided some relief for me. Utilities and groceries have been supported for my case as my house allowed me to enjoy the highest subsidies from the government.
At the same time, my freelance boss also approached me a couple of times. Although I was very reluctant to help her, I decided to be firm and ask for more money but within a short period of time. Once November comes, I am able to start billing her and be able to recover at least 75% of my renovation fee by January 2021. I decided to make use of this opportunity to earn back as much of my renovation fees as possible and build back my emergency fund without touching my savings (they are meant for my retirement).
With this house, I felt that another chapter of my life has started. My focus now is on my new career and I have also started online dating again.
I hope that I am able to reach my target goals within the next 4 years - stabilise and command the same or higher income in my new field by then with better work-life balance and less pressure, and to find my life partner by then. It is a strange thought but as I am now able to invite my friends over to my house, I realised there are many divorcees, some with children, who are also looking for partners.
Since I am still single, I thought I should continue my search for love concurrently with my job hunting efforts.
Hopefully, within the next 4 years, I will be able to move to a bigger house which i will be able to enjoy with my partner and also have the flexibility to rent out in my golden years.
To those who have been reading my posts, I really have to say, depression still comes and goes. There are many nights and even days that I cried lying in bed wondering if I can achieve my goals. But as long as you tell yourself to stay positive, opportunities will come. I guess being in a quiet and safe environment helps a lot because when I go for interviews I project a more positive vibe.
As a single in my country:
- I can only purchase one highly subsidised flat in my lifetime as long as my marital status remain single. I need to enter the open market (which means a free market for property like any country) if I want to select the unit, the location etc
- My house is not that ideal as it is a low level unit and it is 10-15min walk from the nearest train station. But I can still walk if I want to, to reduce travelling cost. It is still nearer compared to my mum's house.
At this point, this space is wonderful for one person to live in. I am very grateful my house was completed before COVID-19 started. I collected the keys to my house last December but renovation was halted twice - once because I changed contractor and another was due to COVID-19.
As my house is highly subsidised, I was able to pay for everything in one go without any mortgage. I also saved up a lot when I was working for my renovation and stuck to my budget for renovation. However, I did spend more for my loose furniture, but I have fully paid for it as well. Since my space is not big, I only stuck to a few essential furniture items. They cost more but I plan to bring them with me when I moved to a bigger place in the future.
It has been wonderful to have a quiet place to go home to and enjoy my tranquility. After spending so many years quarreling with my mum, I welcomed this space even though it is small (actually it is quite sufficient for me).
This house is also easier on my finances as I am able to focus on my career switch to human resources. I am able to take a lower starting pay without worrying about monthly mortgage bills for a start. In addition, I lead a minimalist lifestyle and only buy what I need, and my continuous willingness to take on temporary jobs during my job hunt means every single cent that I earn will fund my daily expenses.
In a way, COVID-19 has presented some forms of support for me as the government has launched a number of support schemes in my country. I am now working with a Career Coach and together with my own job hunting efforts, I hope to move into a new field by the end of this year. I tapped onto a recent funding scheme and that also provided some relief for me. Utilities and groceries have been supported for my case as my house allowed me to enjoy the highest subsidies from the government.
At the same time, my freelance boss also approached me a couple of times. Although I was very reluctant to help her, I decided to be firm and ask for more money but within a short period of time. Once November comes, I am able to start billing her and be able to recover at least 75% of my renovation fee by January 2021. I decided to make use of this opportunity to earn back as much of my renovation fees as possible and build back my emergency fund without touching my savings (they are meant for my retirement).
With this house, I felt that another chapter of my life has started. My focus now is on my new career and I have also started online dating again.
I hope that I am able to reach my target goals within the next 4 years - stabilise and command the same or higher income in my new field by then with better work-life balance and less pressure, and to find my life partner by then. It is a strange thought but as I am now able to invite my friends over to my house, I realised there are many divorcees, some with children, who are also looking for partners.
Since I am still single, I thought I should continue my search for love concurrently with my job hunting efforts.
Hopefully, within the next 4 years, I will be able to move to a bigger house which i will be able to enjoy with my partner and also have the flexibility to rent out in my golden years.
To those who have been reading my posts, I really have to say, depression still comes and goes. There are many nights and even days that I cried lying in bed wondering if I can achieve my goals. But as long as you tell yourself to stay positive, opportunities will come. I guess being in a quiet and safe environment helps a lot because when I go for interviews I project a more positive vibe.
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