Living without any luxury can be a hard choice to make. If that's intentional then it becomes less stressful but if this is what anyone's last option is then I can guess how much a person has to go through!
Life changes, we have to go through many ups and downs. Now, if I say that I had the experience of living penny by penny then it may sound absurd. It seems unreal to me now too. But that's the truth. It was not like I had no other options, maybe I didn't give myself enough choices to make.
Let me share a few things about the past.
When I was a student, finishing my Masters's degree from University 10 years ago, I had to go through some hardship. My parents used to support me with 3 thousand takas. That's around $35-40. The cost of living was not that high in those days. I used to live in the University dormitory so it was rent-free. I only had to pay for my food with that money.
Now it seems unreal to me how did I survive!
I used to buy food from the dormitory canteen so it was around $0.15-0.30 for each meal. Our local food doesn't cost much so the meal was not poor at all. But buying any luxurious food or anything else with that money was impossible.
It may sound overstatement to you now but there were many students who used to with just $15 a month. Can you believe that?
Anyway...
So whenever I had to buy something 'extra' like any clothing, accessories, book, or even a plan to hangout/party with friends I have to count my money whether I could make it or not.
My parents were not short of money, they both had Government official jobs. But here in Bangladesh, there is a mindset to provide the minimum so kids don't spoil themselves. Also, a part-time job is not in our culture and there's no availability of that. Students usually earn money by giving tuition. That was my least favorite so I used to participate in debate programs, do anchoring on different dormitory programs to earn some extra money. Also, my scholarship money was an added advantage to me. I wish I knew about/give it a try of blogging/freelancing that time!
So it was quite an experience but not that bad at all. I never regret that time. Now when I look back I feel like that lesson was much needed in my life. If my parents would let me or I had the chance to spend a luxurious life at that time I may not be the person, in this position now.
I'm not saying that all who live in luxury get spoiled. But for me, it was a much-needed lesson to live in pennies. Otherwise, I may not learn the value of money.
After all, frugal living has some good sides too. You will find many who intentionally avoid luxury and adopt a life with less expenditure. Because there are some learnings in this, the simplicity that teaches us many values we will never understand living in luxury. Also, I always believe that simple life is better than anything.
So I never regret that time. It was quite an experience until I got a job and started my career.