One of the conversations we had with daughter-child at her graduation time was listening to her “fears” about her ability to support herself on entry-level teaching salaries.
After being reassuring to her and her ability, hubby and I reminisced about all the second hand furniture we started out with, how we built what we have on our own, without help or capital from anybody.
We then marveled at how we survived in starting out in life together in the aftermath of the Carter years.
It is exhilarating to accomplish anything on your own. Your daughter can do it if she decides to do it...just as you and your hubby have.
I can relate to your talk with your daughter in regards to starting out in the field of education.
My first teaching job was in the Catholic schools. I think my starting salary was $13,000 in 1984. My wife and I lived in a small apartment after we were married. A hodge podge of furniture was the best we could muster; but we were always happy.
You make do... I see colleagues today, who are just getting married, and start in a nicer home that we have now. They still complain about finances, and have never gone through the apartment, duplexes, and starter home phases.
And absolutely FACINATING how I'm pulling stuff out of the rafters of outbuildings that we purchased in the mid to late 60's at household auctions, having it refinished and now use it as 'the GOOD stuff', when we could easily afford to purchase NEW.
Among my treasures are 2 solid walnut fern stands, walnut display cabinets, round oak tables, square oak tables, buffet mirrors, side chairs, you name it. I just wish I still had the stuff that I considered NOT good enuf to hold on to which would 'only take up storage space'. I especially long for the walnut buffet I sold for $60 in 1979 when we moved.
prairie, you daughter comes from good, solid stock. I know she will do just fine.