"I Will Come Back Stronger": SA Woman Moves Back Home Again After Plans Fail
- A lady shared her emotional journey of starting over from scratch after her carefully laid-out plans fell apart
- Her story touched the online community, and the video gained huge traction on the internet
- Briefly News explores how people can bounce back from disappointment and ways to cope with it
- Financial and homeownership advisor Andrea Carr spoke to Briefly News about taking control of finances after starting over from scratch. She also shared tips on how young adults can budget effectively to avoid financial setbacks when moving out for the first time
One young woman in South Africa has found herself back at home after her plans for independence didn’t go as expected.
Source: TikTok
Woman moved back home, and SA touched
While taking on her TikTok account under the handle @macoomarlow, the hun shared her story, which has since gone viral, sparking a heated conversation online about the struggles of adulthood and financial independence in Mzansi.
@macoomarlow had decided to move out of her family home in hopes of building a life on her own. However, life challenges had hit her, and with the rising cost of living in South Africa which can sometimes pose as a setback to people in the country in terms of finance as many are living to make ends meet.
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The young lady was left with no choice but to return to her family home. While some online users sympathised with her situation, others pointed out that moving back home is often the reality for many young people in Mzansi.
In the clip which she posted on social media, she showcased how she packed all of her belongings and got into a bus as she headed home. While taking to her TikTok caption, @macoomarlow expressed the following:
"Amandla alandwa ekhaya trust me you will come back stronger. Makumele siqale phansi futhi soqala phansi noma kunzima sobekezela , ukuzama kona soze sikuyeke."
The woman's story highlights the many struggles that young adults face in South Africa to sustain themselves financially due to rising rent prices and job uncertainties.
Watch the video below:
Andrea Carr shares budgeting tips for young adults
Financial and homeownership advisor Andrea Carr spoke to Briefly News about taking control of finances after starting over from scratch. She also shared tips on how young adults can budget effectively to avoid financial setbacks when moving out for the first time.
"Starting over financially can feel overwhelming, but taking the right first steps can set someone up for success, said Andrea.
Here’s a roadmap to get started, according to Andrea:
1. Assess Your Financial Situation
Take stock of your income, savings, debts, and monthly expenses. Check your credit score and reports to understand your financial standing.
2. Create a Bare-Bones Budget
Focus on essential expenses: housing, food, transportation, and insurance. Cut out unnecessary expenses until you’re financially stable.
3. Secure Income & Build Stability
"If unemployed, prioritise finding a job, side gigs, or freelance work. If you have income, ensure it covers necessities before discretionary spending," she added.
4. Build an Emergency Fund
"Aim for whatever amount you’re able to save to give you some basic amount to cover for unexpected expenses (this amount will grow if you are patient and save regularly). Even small savings contributions help build financial security."
5. Address Debt Wisely and rebuild your credit score
List your debts (credit cards, loans, etc.) and their interest rates. Prioritise paying off high-interest debt while keeping up with minimum payments. Contact creditors if you need temporary relief or restructuring. Make on-time payments for bills and debts.
7. Set Short-Term & Long-Term Goals
Short-term: Build savings, stabilise income, and eliminate high-interest debt. Long-term: Plan for retirement, homeownership, or other financial goals.
8. Seek Professional Help
A financial coach or nonprofit credit counselling agency can offer guidance.
Mzansi reacts to woman's story
The online community headed to the comments section to express their thoughts, saying:
Sphamandla Lou said
"Once you get strength again, move out never be ashamed to go home at any situation that your home."
Mmamohau shared:
"Eventually, you'll get it right as long as you still have a home to go back to."
Tash wrote:
"The fact that you have ikhaya that is still safe for you to always move back to is a win."
Ubuhlebakhoskincarebyzoey expressed:
"Even if it’s a thousand times…. Wena ke nje sisi ubuyiselwa abakini ekhaya don’t worry it’s all good amandla vele fanele uwalande khona ungadlali izinto zomhlaba."
User replied:
"I think it’s a blessing to have a place called home and to be allowed to be back."
Mbali Ntshayi commented:
"I wish I had a home to go back to nami when things get tough."
How to bounce back from disappointment & cope better
Failure and disappointment are inevitable aspects of life, often challenging to manage. These moments can lead to unfulfilled goals, relationships, betrayal, promotions, or decreased motivation despite our best efforts to achieve them.
Psychology Today suggested the following ways to bounce back from disappointment and how to deal with it. One should face the truth of the situation. A terrible issue gets worse if you deny its existence or don't think about it at all. It also keeps you stranded when you may be working on finding a solution. The first step to change is awareness.
Allow yourself to mourn lost dreams and avoid becoming mired in victimisation. Check if your expectations are realistic. Be kind to yourself and never be afraid to try again by taking a different approach.
Source: TikTok
People who quit their jobs due to a toxic workplace
- Briefly News previously reported that one man in Mzansi chose his health over his job and the gentleman got candid about quitting his work.
- One young lady shared her emotional journey of quitting her job, and people were touched by her story.
- A South African woman has recently gone viral after sharing a personal decision to resign from her workplace to prioritise her mental health.
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Source: Briefly News
Johana Mukandila (Human Interest Editor) Johana Tshidibi Mukandila has been a Human Interest Reporter at Briefly News since 2023. She has over four years of experience as a multimedia journalist. Johana holds a national diploma in journalism from the Cape Peninsula University Of Technology (2023). She has worked at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, PAICTA, BONA Magazine and Albella Music Production. She is currently furthering her education in journalism at the CPUT. She has passed a set of trainings from Google News Initiative. Reach her at johana.mukandila@briefly.co.za
Andrea Carr (Head Tech Research and Development and Homeownership advisor) Andrea Carr is Head: Tech R&D as well as a Homeownership advisor. With over 19 years of experience in banking, management consulting, and, most recently, ideation and delivery of a platform business, Andrea focuses on translating real-world problems into practical solutions.
