Being a breadwinner can both be a blessing and a curse. One day, you’re feeling fulfilled, the next, you’re having a meltdown. It’s not like a game where you can bail out the minute things get hard. Here are some of the harsh realities that haunt dedicated breadwinners.

You’re knee-deep in financial stress

Don’t say money can’t buy happiness with breadwinners in earshot because they won’t hesitate to prove you’re wrong. It’s a stressful responsibility, okay? And when uncertain economic shifts dictate how you spend every penny, it doesn’t matter if you’re a budgeting prodigy.

You’re a bona fide juggler of multiple jobs

Some breadwinners are lucky to have one job to provide for everything – while others have to settle for getting a side hustle or two to survive until the next payday. Imagine working more than the usual eight hours and still not being able to climb higher in the economic food chain. Do they enjoy it? Well, just look at their tired, sleepy faces, and draw your conclusion from there. 

Me-time? Is that food?

With all the responsibilities sitting on their shoulders, some breadwinners see personal time as a luxury they can’t afford. It’s hard for them to have a social life without debating with their inner voices if they should’ve just worked overtime. The same goes for their little wants – they can’t just splurge if it means compromising the family budget.

Asking for or accepting help from others feels impossible

When you’ve been the sole provider for so long, asking or accepting help from others isn’t easy. Breadwinners struggle with appearing helpless since self-reliance is the cornerstone of their identity. 

It’s difficult to have dreams about your career

Who doesn’t want to reach the top of the career ladder? Everyone does – but when several people rely on you – those career aspirations fade into oblivion. Having the freedom to switch jobs is a myth for some breadwinners because the reality is, that following your passion isn’t guaranteed to put food on the table.

Burned with burnout

Sadly, some of us became a breadwinner before we knew what it meant. But no amount of life experience can ever prepare you for stepping into such big shoes! Burnout is an all-too-familiar story for breadwinners, stemming from the relentless pressure to provide financially and emotionally. There comes a point where breadwinners wish somebody would even bother asking what they feel. 

You’re swimming in guilt and expectations

Breadwinners only want the best for their loved ones. That’s why it frustrates them so much when they can’t give everything they believe their family deserves. The unspoken expectations that also come with being the primary provider often lead to self-doubt and stress. Why? Because they’re scared to be seen as failures. 

A better future feels like a pipe dream

It’s hard to look forward to a brighter future when your current situation feels like a roadblock to getting there. Don’t ask breadwinners about their relationship status, too, because some of them crossed their names out of the dating pool ages ago. 

As much as they want to achieve financial stability and build their own lives, breadwinners know firsthand that unforeseen expenses always know when to rear their ugly heads just as they’re about to focus the spotlight on themselves.

To all the dedicated breadwinners out there, always look back at how far you’ve come and the sacrifices you’ve made as you hustle your way through the daily grind. May you accomplish whatever your heart desires. Padayon!

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