Redditor snowwstorm shared their experience with the British Columbia subreddit.
“Because of the cost of living in BC, I’ve recently lost a lot of motivation for hard work,” they said.
They said the incentive for hard work, like being rewarded with a comfortable suburban life, no longer exists. Nearly 600 comments later, it’s clear that the original poster isn’t alone in feeling this way, and many BC residents far beyond this Reddit thread likely also feel similarly.
We asked the Redditor some additional questions in an exclusive interview with Daily Hive.
For starters, they told us that they work as an accounting manager and make around $100,000 per year. They are 30 years old and have a monthly after-tax income of $6,250. They also shared their expenses with us.
Here’s how it boils down for them:
- Rent: $2,400 for a one-bedroom condo
- Rental insurance: $30
- Parking: $100
- Car insurance: $120
- Food: $350
- Internet/TV: $90
- Hydro: $40
- Misc spending $500
All of that leaves them with savings of around $2,500 per month.
We asked if they felt their work/life balance was out of whack, and they said it did feel that way, working 50 to 60 hours per week. We also asked about the idea they floated regarding waiting for an inheritance.
“It’s interesting because my parents were actually the ones that suggested it because they have seen my lack of work/life balance and would like to see me have more time and energy to enjoy life.”
We also asked what their ultimate goal was, and again, their answer likely resonates with many BC residents.
“Ultimately, the goal would be to purchase a modest home and start a family. However, we feel like we will not be in the position to purchase a home/start a family at a reasonable age without choosing to leave BC.”
They added that reality leaves them with a few options, including either leaving BC to make their goals a reality or staying in BC, prioritizing their work-life balance, and waiting for an inheritance.
Sad economic reality resonates with many BC residents
Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock
“A lot of people feel that way,” one user responded, adding, “Motivation is the key to productivity.”
Someone else responded to that comment by saying, “Hard work used to deliver, in some form, a piece of the pie. If you don’t get a piece big enough to survive on anymore, what is the point?”
One former Lower Mainland resident offered some advice that helped him, which was moving out of the Lower Mainland in their mid-20s. It is an idea the original poster is considering.
“All of a sudden, things that seemed impossible in Vancouver (aka buying a house) seemed within reach. The 2020 price spike sure made things worse, and things aren’t ‘cheap’ in most of the larger towns in the interior. But, things feel somewhat in reach.”
“Zero motivation. I’m making more money than ever before, and it’s still not enough,” another person said. That comment led to a chain of agreement from other Redditors.
One more resident said they’re finally making over $120,000 but have remained in the same position for six years.
Some were surprised or even envious that there were BC residents out there expecting an inheritance, with one Redditor saying they were in the same position as the original poster, just without that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
“Bro, you’re so lucky. Most of us won’t have this.”
We’ll turn the question to you. Are you feeling this way? Does the cost of living in BC make it harder to keep working hard? Let us know in the comments. If you have a story to share, like the Redditor in this post, please email us at Vancouver@DailyHive.com