It’s worth it.
I’m still trying to dig myself out of the financial hole the pandemic put me in. It’s not that I’m bitter or super angry about my situation. None of that helps me get to the new normal that I know is out there. Still, it’s been frustrating. When we were all sent home from the zone controlled HVAC of the office to work from home, I didn’t think all that much about it. I’d been working as a software person for that company for more than a decade. Really though, I just did my work and collected my paycheck. I had no idea about the health of the company or anything like that. Once I started working from the air conditioning in my home, the pay cuts came. Then, I was no longer eligible for the bonus structure. This was all in an effort to keep the company afloat during this unprecedented crisis. I really had no choice but to deal with making a lot less for doing the same work. I never did see the inside of that office with the zone controlled HVAC again. The company folded and I was left scrambling. Due to the pay cuts, I was already practiced in cutting my spending. And I cut everything I could. However, I have kept up with the HVAC maintenance even though I could have used that money elsewhere. But quality heating and air is an essential just like changing the oil in the car. It’s worth it. I’m now gainfully employed again and things are getting better. My income has rebounded and I’m able to enjoy a bit more spending. Yet, I’ll keep paying for HVAC maintenance as long as I have my own HVAC equipment and a house.