Five flats in the family, and yet were forced to rent
Im so used to it now that nothing surprises me anymore. Let me show you how it came to pass that, despite my family owning five flats, my husband and I have to rent.
My husbands parents have their own flat in London, plus two others scattered across the city, which they rent out to strangers. They always smile and tell us proudly that they earned every penny of their property themselves, so we ought to do the same. What they fail to realise is that, back in their day, you could sometimes get council flats or even secure somewhere to live just by working for a big company. Nowadays, saving up for your own place while paying rent each month is almost impossible.
My own parents, honestly, arent much better. When my grandmother passed away, she left her flat to me in her will, but I was just a child then. So, until I turned eighteen, my parents decided to rent it out. Now Im an adult, but theyve got used to pocketing the rent money, so they still dont let me move in.
For years now, my husband and I have been renting a tiny studio flat, pouring nearly all our wages into rent. There were times when we barely had enough for groceries. Right now, Im on maternity leave. My pays never been much, but before our baby arrived, somehow we managed to scrape by. My husband works so hardtwo jobs just to keep us afloat. But these days, to earn properly you need a good degree, which he hasnt got. After finishing school, he joined the Army, and then we met, so uni was never an option.
What truly drives me mad is that, nearly every week, my mum rings me up wanting advice on which new dress to buy, when Im struggling to afford even a few apples or vitamin tablets. Shes always telling us we have to be independent. She says we should support her and Dad so they can jet off around the globe.
I really cant stand this attitude from our parentsmy own and my husbands. They have everything, more than enough to spare, yet refuse to help their children out. I get it, they shouldnt go without so we can have more, but if its within their means, why not help us? I simply cant fathom how parents could think this way. You can be sure, when my children grow up, Ill make sure they have everything they need, and more.
Our friends always try to reassure us, saying well inherit a handsome sum someday. But honestly, Im so hurt by it all that Ive stopped caring. Let them hold onto those flatsmaybe theyll take them with them to the grave.
