Just got my Social Security statement telling me what my estimated benefits are. I know it's gauche to discuss money, but allow me this: Since 1980 (I was a junior in high school) to the present, I have earned a whopping $242,118. Total. 30 years. Averages out to be 8,070.60/year.
Jealous?
Lots of school and lots of hard work and lots of different jobs I've tried my hand at, and that is what I have to show for it. In terms of money.
To those of you that have balanced work, family, kids, social lives, I bow to you. To those of you raising special needs kids AND working, and being a contributing member to your communities, I double bow to you. And to those of you that are single and raising special needs kids and working, and contributing to your community, and raising typical children, too, and caring for homes and yards and cars and extended families. I triple bow to you one thousand times over.
At first when I saw my statement with so many zeros after the years, I was a little depressed. Then I pulled my head out of my #^% and realized those were the years in which I most richly blessed.
* Photo from www.financecents.com
11 comments:
My statement is pretty pathetic, too, and I sympathize with your feelings. It's so hard to try and re-frame our notion of our own worth against the backdrop of a capitalist society that values money above all other things.
But I value you and what you do and, Social Security or not, your karma bank is full, girl!
Some earnings are not taxable. Hallelujah!
And bowing to you, my friend. For being here. For being you. Love.
how strange to see it writing though, even though.
Holy shit! I'm scared to look at my earnings.
I've got a lot of mixed feelings about this subject. As a feminist, it sucks. We are so vulnerable. I never planned not to work outside the home.
When I take it to "another" level,I know no amount of money could make up for the inner growth and blessings I've been afforded staying home.
I wish there were more support, and more choices for a happy medium.
xo
MO'N
It's never about money. Not really. It's about the path, and the money is always there for the path we need to walk - even if finding a way to earn more is part of the path. :-)
oh Carrie- Those aren't 'zero's'. Those are hugs. Obviously you got more than one each year, but SS couldn't print that many. Think of those years as the loving years.
Love.
M in Vancouver
I love this post. You always bring a smile to my face.
I hear you. And have you noticed that there is not a single "o" in the word "blessing?" (or "0" either!)
Carrie--you've got me beat. My average over the last 10 years is about $600 a year! But the funny thing is, I really don't CARE!!!
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