Owning a Home at 23: A Dream Fueled by Struggles and Sacrifice
At the tender age of 23, I held the keys to my home with validation that dreams, hard work, determination, sacrifice, prayers, and a touch of patience could do wonders!
A Nomadic Childhood
You might think that I came from a well-off family, so it's easy for me to get a house. NOPE! I grew up in...at...ugh... I don't exactly know. I am just sure that I am from the Philippines.
My family was nomadic in my childhood days. Imagine leaving a place you've just called home, uncertain if your friends from today will still be your friends tomorrow. When the landlord increased the rent, it was time to make new friends, new school, and call another house a home.
This situation fueled my desire to have my own house. It doesn’t need to be a luxurious estate—just a real home.
No More Landlords, No More Rent
At 23, I secured a stable job—a job that I knew could take care of me up to retirement age. In my third month of service, when my colleagues and friends of the same age invited me and went on an Asian tour, I decided not to give in.
I knew in my heart that it was time. I made a bold decision. I took a loan, checked the Facebook marketplace, messaged a man, and scheduled a meeting with him the next day for an ocular visit. After two days, we met again with a lawyer to officially transfer the property to my name.
And just like that, I possessed something to call my own. It wasn’t the cozy home I had envisioned, but it was mine. No landlords, No rents.
Turning a House into a Home
Reality kicked in after the thrill of ownership—I had a house, but making it livable was another challenge. The overwhelming joy started fading, and I realized I needed to plan how to make it comfortable enough to live in. It was difficult as I was challenged again financially.
This time, I accepted my parents’ help, which I politely declined at first. I reaffirmed my commitment when I secured a position as a part-time college instructor. I’m just so glad my parents respected my decisions and cheered me so loudly that I couldn’t hear those murmurs of doubt around me throughout the renovation process. They helped me decide which restoration and transformation to prioritize.
Built with Grit
The house is now a home, and I have learned valuable lessons in patience, perseverance, financial discipline, resourcefulness, and independence. It was a rollercoaster journey of hardships and successes that made the entire process more rewarding.
At 23, having made a house my own was not merely about acquiring property but proving to myself that nothing can deny reality to a robust dream powered by resilience and determination.
Every great journey starts with a single decision. What’s one choice you’ve made that helped you grow, learn, or move forward? Comment down below, and let’s celebrate progress together! I’d love to hear your story!
Note:
All photos are personally owned by the author.
Collaged images were created using Canva.
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You make us very proud, teach. It's amazing how young you are and you've already got your own house. Your guts and self-belief are incredible. Your decision to prioritize getting a house first so you have peace of mind and a roof over your head that you can call your own is very wise. Uplifting kaayo imo gi share. Happy for you, teach!
Getting a house was a no-brainer decision for me. I was so fueled by the idea that my kids would never experience "constant" in their childhood if I was going to be nomadic too. No constant home, school, or friends. OMG. I am teary-eyed writing this and looking back at how I made it happen. My life mantra is always "A goal without action is just a wish.". It's so humbling to be able to hear my story inspire others. Thank you.
You are one brave person for deciding to purchase a house without thinking about future circumstances as long as you have a home of your own. It was all worth it, right?
If given the chance to travel back in time, I would still do what I have done in the past. The challenges that I faced and the lessons that I learned in acquiring this property made me wise enough to acquire 2 more houses. I always believed in my capabilities and always been determined. All worth it.
What a blessing for you to already have the keys to your own house at such a young age. Well done dear hiver. May you be an inspiration to each and every one of us out here to always strive and persevere in whatever endeavors that we choose to do. On your road to self reliance and independence!
Thank you. The real blessing was the Grace I received during that time. With all challenges happening all at once, I'm just glad I was able to handle it with His grace. As His reward, I made it.
wow! very inspiring , congrats on your achievements , i know it not easy but you take the responsibility of being of who you are , nothing is impossible , you made it , I'm proud of you ! keep it up,
Thank you @shydel. I had my share of tears, too, during the process. But yes, all worth it.
Such an achievement. I got inspired to strive harder to get my own house too. Congratulations on achieving another milestone in your life.
Thank you. I pray that you will have the strength to achieve whatever goal you have in your heart. It is so humbling to know that my story inspires people. Go get that goal!
⋆ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘʟᴀᴄᴇ ғᴏʀ sᴏᴜᴛʜᴇᴀsᴛ ᴀsɪᴀɴ ᴄᴏɴᴛᴇɴᴛ ᴏɴ ʜɪᴠᴇ
⋆ sᴜʙsᴄʀɪʙᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀsᴇᴀɴ ʜɪᴠᴇ ᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜɴɪᴛʏ
⋆ ғᴏʟʟᴏᴡ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀsᴇᴀɴ ʜɪᴠᴇ ᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜɴɪᴛʏ ᴠᴏᴛɪɴɢ ᴛʀᴀɪʟ
⋆ ᴅᴇʟᴇɢᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ʟɪɴᴋs 25 ʜᴘ⇾50 ʜᴘ⇾100 ʜᴘ⇾500 ʜᴘ⇾1,000 ʜᴘ
Thank you for upvoting and reblogging @asean.hive. It means so much for a newbie who wants to inspire people.