I’m a 24(F) portuguese and I’ve been thinking a lot about my future.
Salaries in Portugal are low, the outlook feels unstable, and while I live comfortably now as a student, and my parents have good salaries, I know that won’t last forever. I also feel behind in work experience compared to others my age.
In the future, I’ll inherit a big paid-off home, and there’s a possibility of a second central apartment that could be rented out (bureaucracy aside, because another person is involved).
This makes me wonder how much housing security really changes things.
I don't know if i sell my house and move to another European country, if i stay, if i move and have it for rent..
My background is in the arts and photography, with a Master’s in design and digital marketing. Because it feels like a very weak field (studying something i love doesnt seem helpful now), I’m considering doing a PhD for more stability, but I’m unsure of what to do with it besides being a college teacher.
I'm trying to be ok with the fact that i will probably work on a bad job for years, if i will ever find something i like.. i see so many people around me in that situation, my parents are definitely a rare case in my social circle.
I have a partner in IT, so it might help but I want to feel secure independently and not rely entirely on that, obviously.
I’m not aiming for luxury. I just want stability and a calm life…
So I’d really like to hear from others:
Is owning your home truly a game changer?
Is renting worth trying?
Can an average job + some rental/passive income be enough for a good life?
Life feels a bit scary at this age and I’d really appreciate hearing how this worked out for others.
EDIT: this post is getting so many answers. Didnt expect it. Thank you for your time, i appreciate all of them