Hannah Levesque juggles a growing real estate business while holding down two full-time jobs. She has been working since high school and couldn’t imagine the debt she would be in if she had gone to college. Despite avoiding college debt and working 80 to 90 hours a week, Levesque found homeownership nearly out of reach.
She eventually managed to buy a two-unit property in Lewiston, using rental income to help cover her mortgage. During the peak stress period when trying to buy her place, Levesque would work from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at one job, then go into her other job from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. In the hour between jobs, she would try to run her business, do showings, and respond to emails. She admitted she felt the burnout.
Licensed marriage and family therapist Katie Dolinsky has observed widespread burnout, especially since the pandemic began five years ago. The isolation many experienced while working from home has had lasting effects. Dolinsky explained that our nervous system is constantly seeking signs of safety.
Modern concerns revolve around financial stability, social acceptance, and personal well-being, rather than ancient threats like predator attacks.
Balancing work and homeownership dreams
The traditional American Dream no longer delivers on its promises for many people.
Dolinsky said, “I feel like I can’t ever get ahead at work. This perpetual state of feeling like ‘I just can’t do anything well’—that’s really hard for people.” This often leads to isolation, strained relationships, and chronic stress, which can result in physical health problems. Building resiliency starts with acknowledging that the goalposts have moved.
Dolinsky advises re-evaluating your goals and considering what is most important to you. For young people like Levesque, this means adjusting expectations about marriage and starting a family, and relying on rental income to get a foothold in homeownership. Levesque said, “The older generations who were able to purchase a home when they were my age on one income say, ‘Well, maybe you shouldn’t get your Starbucks.’ It’s a gut punch.
I know so many people that work multiple jobs and they’re still struggling.”
Dolinsky advises making time for self-care, even if you are working more than 40 hours a week. This could be meditating, going for a walk during lunch, or scheduling time for exercise. Also, ensure you socialize—schedule time with friends and family, even if it means putting it on your calendar.
By rethinking priorities and making room for personal well-being, it may be possible to alleviate some of the stress associated with making ends meet.
Photo by; Krzysztof Hepner on Unsplash