Starting From Zero: How I Lost It All and Found Myself Again

Starting From Zero: How I Lost It All and Found Myself Again

A story of failure, rebuilding, and the hidden strength behind rock bottom.

At twenty-eight, I thought I had it figured out. A decent job, a modest apartment in a growing city, and a savings account with just over $12,000. I wasn’t wealthy, but I was stable. I even let myself believe I was on the road to something bigger; a house, a family, maybe early retirement.

Then it all unravelled.

It started with a call from a college friend pitching a "can’t miss" business idea. A food truck, trendy and fully kitted, serving vegan fusion dishes. The numbers looked promising. He had a plan, a concept, and a lot of passion. All he needed was capital. I invested $10,000. Two months later, the truck caught fire due to faulty wiring. Insurance didn’t cover it. My friend moved back to his hometown, broke and broken. My savings were gone.

I told myself I could recover. I picked up extra freelance work to rebuild the cushion, skipped weekend outings, and tracked every dollar. I was clawing my way back until I received the second blow.

My company downsized. I lost my job along with twenty others. The severance was small. With rent, bills, and no immediate job prospects, what was left of my savings dried up in less than three months. I delayed credit card payments, skipped meals, and pawned my camera. Eventually, I was evicted.

I spent a few weeks sleeping on a friend’s couch before I faced the mirror. That was the lowest point, not the money, but the shame. I had no income, no address, and no safety net. Just me and the consequences of decisions that, in hindsight, were not as smart or safe as I thought.

Starting over was not romantic. I took a part-time job stocking shelves at a supermarket for $13 an hour. I biked to work to save on bus fare. Slowly, I began to build something new. Not a fortune, but dignity. A routine. A few hundred dollars saved. Eventually, I found full-time work at a non-profit, earning less than my old job but with purpose and stability.

From the ashes of that financial collapse, I learned ten things I carry with me to this day:

• Savings are not for investment gambles. Emergency funds are sacred.

• If something sounds too good to be true, it often is. Vet every opportunity thoroughly.

• Living below your means is not a punishment. It is freedom in disguise.

• Stability is fragile. One job loss can ripple through your entire life.

• Pride can be expensive. Accepting help early might prevent worse outcomes.

• Side hustles matter. Even small income streams can buy you time.

• Financial literacy is survival. I learned to budget, negotiate bills, and understand credit the hard way.

• Mental health is tied to financial health. The stress nearly broke me. I now prioritise both.

• Always read the fine print. Especially with insurance.

• Your value is not your net worth. I lost money, not my worth as a human being.

Now, at foutty-three, I don’t earn six figures. I don’t own property. But I have zero debt, a reliable job, and a savings account that grows steadily. More importantly, I have perspective. I know what it feels like to fall apart and what it takes to rebuild.

The pain of losing everything taught me more than any textbook ever could. And if you’re reading this while you’re in the middle of your own collapse, know this: it is survivable. You are not your mistake. You are the story of how you rose from it.