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The original was posted on /r/collapse by /u/gtzbr478 on 2023-08-29 17:09:54+00:00.

I find it difficult right now to find the balance between what I know about collapse slowly happening (or not that slowly…) and having to go on with “normal” life.

Like… do I continue putting money in my 401K? I’m in my 40s and seriously doubt I’ll get to 60+. Should I go as far as try to get that money out?

Do I change jobs to make more money (…and will money really help? It all depends on the how and when the financial system collapses).

I currently work in healthcare and research, most projects being to improve the healthcare system. Which, you know, is already collapsing and I don’t see how any of what I’m doing now will have an impact. Not because of what I do, but the simple fact when there aren’t enough professionals to take care of the sick, you don’t go try and give more humane care. I feel we’re just playing pretend and that what’s keeping us going is inertia. No idea when we’ll hit the wall.

I’m disabled and my energy is limited… so I’m trying to balance how much I should dedicate to earning money vs. prepping vs. enjoying life.

I’m not saying I would blow off all my money and just do nothing… but again, trying to balance it out. If I just end up bedridden from doing too much, even if I have more money, it won’t be worth it.

Again, another note: I’m not saying being bedridden isn’t worth living for, because I’ve lived that many times. Just that sometimes spending energy and ending up temporarily sicker is worth it (up to a point) and sometimes it’s not.

Because of my health issues, my time is even more limited than others. I’m part of those who need some meds to survive (literally, not as in “my state will get worse without meds”). Not many scenarios allow for long-term production and shipment of meds from Asia (…even the US!). I have a little stockpile, but even with this I won’t last more than a few months. Will that be next year, in 5 years or 10? I’m not hopeful for more than 5, as there are already shortages. We get by because we can use different brands or formulations, but it can’t last.

Knowing this, do I focus more on prepping or on enjoying life?

I want to enjoy the time we have left as much as possible. I’m prepping to be OK in most short-term crisis scenarios (like floods or storms), but I know it won’t be long term.

I guess it’s the hardest part to evaluate in finding that balance.

I know nobody has these answers, just sharing as I’m sure I’m not the only one with similar struggles.