“Gen Z is trying really hard to educate themselves in a sea of misleading and uninformed news.

It being a government job, it’s nice not to lose any of my time.

I was extremely happy to leave the toxic workplace of the other department.

Collage of a planner listing daily tasks, receipt with expenses, and "Gen Z journals" text. "I Voted" sticker is on the top left. Image theme: budgeting and daily planning

It was bittersweet as it was the field I thought I loved.

The experience really made me second-guess my original career choice and wonder if I made a mistake.

But I am much happier and fulfilled where I am now.

Summarized text from wrinkled paper: "What We're Covering: Occupation, Money, Daily To-Do List, Relationship, Changes & Challenges, Politics, Community, What Differentiates Gen Z?"

I venture to be very careful with my budget.

Even then, our bill averages about $350 or $400 a month.

We probably spend around $75 on eating out in a month usually fast food and not sit-down places.

The image shows the word "Occupation" spelled out in various cut-out letters from different fonts and sizes, arranged on a crumpled paper background

Our mortgage just went up (hooray taxes) to about $1,700.

Every month, we attempt to put an extra $100 to the principal when we can.

It doesnt feel like much now, but down the line, we know it will help.

Bookshelf filled with a variety of books organized by size and genre across three shelves

Right now, Id say about 60-70% of each of our paychecks goes to our joint account.

I worry a lot about our financial situation.

The cost of everything and inflation make things tough.

The image shows the word "Money" spelled out using letters cut from various magazines and papers, placed on a wrinkled brown paper background

I constantly worry about being one disaster or emergency away from being absolutely screwed.

We both had good savings built up and now, they are rapidly being chipped away.

It doesnt do anything productive other than create a divide among people.

Receipt detailing Marie's monthly expenses: Groceries $350, Take Out $75, Mortgage $1700, Principal $100, 2 Car Insurance $107, 1 Car Loan $200, Home Repair $300, Pets $100. Total: $3132

I really enjoy the work-life balance the position provides me.

I may work an occasional Saturday now, but this has been such an improvement in my social life.

During the weekends, I like to sleep in, maybe until about 9.

A one-dollar bill with the words "THE COST OF EVERYTHING MAKES THINGS TOUGH" written on it in black marker

Saturdays are hit or miss for how productive I am.

Some days, I get the house cleaned up or work on home improvement projects.

Other times, I find myself mindlessly scrolling.

Text reads "Daily to-do list" in cutout letters resembling a ransom note style on a crumpled paper background

I’ve been married to my husband for three years.

We actually legally married during COVID-19 in 2021 and had our formal ceremony about a year ago.

Weve been together for about seven years; hes wonderful and so supportive.

A daily to-do list of Marie's day

Weve had our fair share of hiccups but have improved our communication and trust in one another.

Hes my best friend, and Im so excited to build our life together.

Just over a year ago, we purchased our first home!

A stack of books, including "The Hobbit," "Different Seasons," "Born Confused," "Milk and Honey," "City of Thieves," "The Worst Hard Time," "The Book Thief," "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo," "The Marriage Act," and "501 Most Notorious Crimes."

It has been the most rewarding, frustrating, terrifying thing Ive ever done.

We both have bachelor’s degrees.

My schooling was covered through scholarships, and he paid out of pocket at the end of each semester.

Bedroom with a neatly made bed, pillows, a blue blanket on top, nightstands with items, and windows with blinds. Room is painted blue with some patches needing paint

We spent about two months looking.

We found our home, and it immediately clicked that this was the place.

The price tag was about $190,000.

The word "Relationship" is spelled out with letters cut from various magazines, placed on a crumpled paper background

The good news is that progress is being made.

Our long-term goal is to renovate the daycare and turn it into a rental home.

I want to take some time to enjoy vacations and take a break every once in a while.

The image shows the words "Changes & Challenges" made from cut-out letters on a crumpled paper background

Womens healthcare and reproductive rights are a major point for me, especially living in Texas.

Just where I live, it can be hard to find an OB/GYN for regular checkups.

He isnt up for election this year, but Ill take voting against Ted Cruz as a consolation prize.

Doormat with the text "Welcome to Our Home" and a key attached to a tag labeled "Marie's."

I feel a little better now that Kamala is running, and I just hope she wins over Trump.

I grew up in New England, and so did my husband.

All our family is still up there.

An abandoned single-story house with boarded-up windows and a leaf-covered roof, set in a wooded area

They support and encourage us when they can.

They recommend good contractors, realtors, businesses, and more.

I never felt any pressure from anyone to settle down.

A barn roof with a noticeable hole, letting sunlight through. Below the hole, there is a barrel and some scattered items on the barn floor

Weve been lucky and have never felt pressure from either of our families about having kids.

Weve discussed it, but dont feel a rush to jump into it.

I keep looking for the adult in the room and have to realize I am the adult.

The image displays the word "politics" spelled out using cutout letters from different fonts and sizes on a crumpled paper background

I guess I just have to wing it like everyone else.

I find the age Im at such a weird one.

Some have kids going into kindergarten, while others are still partying like theyre in college.

"I Voted" sticker with an American flag, and text below stating "and not for Ted Cruz"

I never really felt like I was doing what I was supposed to be at any age, though.

Social media has played a huge role in the past in warping my perception of success.

You never see any of their struggles or what support networks they may have that you dont have.

The image shows the word "Community" spelled out using various fonts and styles on a crumpled paper background

It becomes way too easy to feel jealous of them.

I think it has really helped improve my mental state.

Gen Z is trying really hard to educate themselves in a sea of misleading and uninformed news.

Bean, a black cat, is lying on a patterned blanket, looking up. Keeka, a tabby cat, is napping on a bed

Note: This submission has been edited for length and/or clarity.

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The image reads "What differentiates Gen Z?" with each word made from different fonts and styles, resembling cut-out magazine letters. Background is crumpled paper

CD case with the title "Songs That Help Marie Get Through Life" written on tape strips covering the disc

A CD is labeled "ANYTHING BY ABBA!" with song titles: "Homesick" by Noah Kahan, "Queen Bitch" by David Bowie, "Can I Kick It?" by A Tribe Called Quest, and "I'm Not Okay (I Promise)" by My Chemical Romance