'Finally Hit $1 Million And I've Never Been More Miserable' — This Woman Wants To Quit Job But Struggles With Guilt As The 'Breadwinner'

Reaching a net worth of $1 million is often seen as a key milestone toward financial independence, but for one person, this achievement has come with significant personal costs.

A woman writing under the pseudonym lifesucksbutmoney on Reddit detailed a story of career burnout and a struggle with well-being — despite financial success.

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She recounted her experience of increased unhappiness and feeling trapped after hitting the million-dollar mark, suggesting that a high net worth does not necessarily equate to a high quality of life. 

The post, titled "Finally hit $1 million and I’ve never been more miserable," outlines the pressures of a high-paying job, including returning to the office post-pandemic and taking on unwanted managerial responsibilities. All of this led to a decline in mental and physical health for the Reddit user.

She evaluated the implications of relying solely on her husband's $110,000 salary, which would likely mean scaling back on savings for retirement, switching to a pricier insurance plan with less coverage and the challenge of affording their $2,500 monthly mortgage — all of which offers scant financial flexibility. 

As the main income provider, earning $170,000 per year, she is wrestling with the guilt associated with resigning, aware of the significant financial and lifestyle adjustments it would impose on her husband. Adding to the complexity is the couple’s goal of retiring in their early 40s with savings of $2.5 million to $2.8 million, which she says they’re on track to accomplish with her income.

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The sense of being trapped is palpable, as the poster acknowledged the reliance on her income and benefits. She said she feels a lack of autonomy over her life and admits that if not for marital commitments, a decisive job exit would have been a likely choice, funded by the year's bonus and a portion of the accumulated wealth.

One response to the post highlighted a pertinent consideration. 

“More importantly than what you want your career to look like — it’s what you want your life to look like,” the user wrote.

This sentiment echoed across various responses, where others shared similar experiences of prioritizing personal well-being and time over career advancement and financial incentives.

Another user wrote, “You totally shouldn’t make rash, drastic changes, but this state of mind itself is what tells you that you do actually need to start making life-changing decisions.” 

The discussion reflects a broader discourse on work-life balance, individual fulfillment and the true cost of financial independence.

Someone else pointed out their retirement goals may be to blame, posting, “You are trapped by a too aggressive retirement schedule for your constitution.” 

The post highlighted how pursuing ambitious financial targets can sometimes come at the expense of overall quality of life and contentment.

While achieving a $1 million net worth is a financial milestone, it does not automatically equate to happiness or life satisfaction. For those at similar crossroads, consulting with a financial adviser can provide valuable guidance in evaluating the potential impact of career changes on long-term financial goals and developing a plan to navigate any necessary adjustments. 

Financial independence is a worthy pursuit, but it should not come at the expense of your mental and physical health or overall life satisfaction. 

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