I was incredibly lucky to grow up comfortably in a middle-class home. My parents both worked hard to provide for my sister and I, moving the family from the Republic of Ireland to Singapore when I was six and fundamentally improving our lives as a result.
I always worked during the summers between each university year. My first role was as a retail assistant when the Covid-19 lockdowns were coming to an end.
At the time, I remember thinking that one day I wanted to earn enough to be able to buy the clothes I was selling. I don’t believe that infinite money leads to infinite happiness, but I have noticed a correlation between my level of contentment and my bank account.
Since graduating from university, I have committed to work that allows me to apply for jobs and travel a bit while I adjust to no longer being a student.
I volunteer in my community with both a homeless charity and with an organisation that helps Afghan women abroad learn English. I’m also registered with several tutoring websites.
While I’m unemployed, I get by with a small allowance from the Bank of Mum and Dad and by burning through savings I put away during an internship last year.
My mum is a chef, so this has definitely influenced me – I’d say 70pc of my spending since I left home has gone towards purchasing my favourite foods. I’m also an avid reader and find it a daily struggle to resist buying new books.
Day 1
I wake up at 8am and make my go-to breakfast; porridge with apple and cinnamon. Two coffees later and I’m ready to start a busy week.
I was recently offered a three-month work contract by Amazon, and they need extensive documentation for a background check. I switch on a crime drama I’ve seen at least twice before and submit the documents just before midday.
After lunch, I head to the gym. I run a 5k before going there and by the time I arrive, the heat has left me very hot and thirsty. Breaking my resolve to use less plastic, I buy a bottle of water for £1.10.
When I’m back home, I begin another round of job applications, before meeting a friend for dinner. We opt for a takeaway from Itsu for £9.75 and have an impromptu picnic in the park.
Total: £10.85
Day 2
I start the day with a small shop at my local Sainsbury’s, buying apples, bananas, tomatoes and bread, totalling £11.75. On my way home I stop for an iced americano, using my student card to get a 10pc discount, meaning I spend £2.97.
After starting another job application, I go to a free exhibition at my local museum and meet a friend for another coffee. I splurge £4 on a beetroot and ginger latte.
At home that evening, I book a train ticket to see my boyfriend in London. I’m not sure when I’m coming back, so I don’t buy a return. The single journey from Cambridge to London King’s Cross, with a 16-25 Railcard, comes to £15.10.
Total: £33.82
Day 3
Today is especially quiet. I do a couple of hours of admin in the morning – who knew leaving university could be so time consuming? – then head to the gym.
In the evening, I go out to view a possible short-term rental for me to stay for the duration of my upcoming job. I walk there, but take the bus back for £2. I have enough ingredients at home to make my favourite 15-minute dinner, consisting of pasta, tomato sauce, tuna, feta cheese and red peppers.
Total: £2
Day 4
Homesickness has me considering flights to visit my family in Ireland next month. The Ryanair “value” return ticket would have cost £33.68, but I hold off for now. I then head out to do some more job applications in the park.
I walk to another flat viewing, only to discover the minimum tenancy is four months, which is no good for me.
I meet a friend for yet another picnic dinner, eating leftover pasta from the night before. We go on a late-night trip to Sainsbury’s, where I indulge in my latest chocolate craving – a 95p Rice Krispie Square.
Total: £0.95
Day 5
I decide the solution to my post-university blues is books I 100pc (do not) need. I head out early to Heffers, one of my favourite bookstores in Cambridge, and buy two for £18.98. It’s hot and I’m hungry, so on my way home I buy an ice cream for £4.30.
I stay in for the afternoon and work on a new job application. Once that’s finished, it’s nearly dinner time and I’m craving something different. I head to Sainsbury’s and buy pre-made falafel for £2.80, which I toss in a tomato, lettuce, capers and feta cheese salad.
In the evening, I meet up with a friend who’s in town for the weekend and we go for drinks. She owes me from a previous night out, so I leave without spending any more money. It’s a relief, because I’m going to have to start dipping into my savings if I don’t curb my spending.
Total: £26.08
Day 6
I start the day at 6:30am with a 10km run. When I arrive home it’s time to pay £35 for my monthly gym subscription, which I then cancel as I will be away from Cambridge for a couple of weeks.
I read the first few chapters of a book I got yesterday and do some job browsing. I save a few new postings and then submit the application I wrote yesterday.
I call some friends from home to see how they’re doing, and then go round to another friend’s house for a dinner party. On the way there I buy some wine for £6.
Total: £41
Day 7
I’m due to travel to London, so I stay at home in the morning to pack for the week ahead.
Before my train at 4:30pm, I view another possible accommodation option. It ends quickly and I have some time before my train, so I buy an oat milk americano at Costa for £3.50.
Once my train arrives at Kings Cross, I buy a meal deal for dinner at the station’s Waitrose for £5. I then catch the Tube to my boyfriend’s house, costing me £4.70.
Total: £13.20
Weekly total: £127.90
As told to Rob White
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