A week between jobs in the Bay Area

Was there an expectation to attend higher education? Did you participate in any form of higher education? If so, how did you pay for it?
Ever since my parents immigrated here, there has always been an expectation that I would attend higher education. I’m from California, so I went to university there for in-state tuition because my parents were going to pay for everything. I have a little sister so I was aware of the cost of tuition because I knew my parents would be paying for her education as well.

Growing up, what kind of money conversations did you have? Did your parents/guardians educate you about finances?
My parents always taught me to earn my money because you never know when you might need it for an emergency or for big purchases (like my and my sister’s education and their houses). I was never taught to invest though. My parents were very risk-averse, so when it came to investing, they told me to put my money in CDs or bonds.

What was your first job and why did you get it?
My first job was working in an ice cream shop. When I got my license, my parents gave me their old car — I had so much freedom! But that freedom required money, so I got a job so I could pay for gas and go out with my friends.

Were you worried about money growing up?
I wouldn’t say I was worried about money growing up, but I was insecure about the difference in wealth between me and my friends. My friends all had their own bedroom and bathroom, while I grew up sharing a room with my sister and a bathroom with my entire family.

Are you worried about money now?
Last year I was definitely worried about money because I didn’t know when I would be working again. I was unemployed for a year and really going through my savings. Luckily, I just got a new job that will pay me the same as what I was making before I got laid off. Now, I don’t worry so much about the money because I know I’ll get it back, but being fired really taught me the importance of creating a financial safety net. I don’t think I would have survived this long without that safety net.

At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and have a financial safety net?
I became financially responsible at 21 when I got my first job. When I got laid off this year, the savings I had built up for myself really helped me when I couldn’t find a job for a year. I was lucky to be able to sublet my apartment and not have to pay rent. I ended up traveling to Southeast Asia for four months because my money went more there and I lived with my parents while I looked for work. I never asked my parents for money, but I knew I could go back to them and live at home while I put myself back together.