This Graphic Designer Quit the 9-to-5 – Here’s How She Budgets Now
Considering freelance life? Here’s what one month of spending looks like.
Trying to break free from the burnout of pandemic-era office life in 2020 and wanting to spend more time caring for her two senior cats, 30-year-old Celeste Chooi made the leap into freelance graphic design. She did a bit of everything: branding, illustration, UI, and social media. Living with her parents, like many other young adults in Singapore, meant rent and utilities weren’t a pressing concern. That cushion gave her space to build a career on her own terms, or at least try to.
The two senior cats Celeste started caring for after quitting her job.
But passion, Celeste admits, was never really at the core of it. She liked designing. She liked making things. But watching peers chase their creative dreams with fire in their bellies made her wonder if she was missing something. Lately, she’s stepped back from client work entirely, worn down by burnout and a few personal curveballs. The occasional project still comes in, but she’s mostly coasting on savings now, aware it’s not sustainable, but also not rushing to fix it.
Life in technicolor.
Instead, she’s treating this limbo as a soft reboot. A transitional period where she gets to rewire without the usual pressure to have it all figured out. Her days are now spent gaming with friends, picking up long-abandoned reads, and teaching herself the basics of 3D design with Blender. Some evenings she’ll be hand-sewing or crocheting; other days, it’s baking focaccia and calling it therapy.
Celeste spends her time crocheting tops while she’s not freelancing.
It’s a quieter life, slower, more intentional, but one that still comes with bills, even if they’re minimal. With no rent to worry about and family dinners keeping food costs low, Celeste has learned how to stretch her savings while still leaving space for small joys. From groceries and transport to the occasional splurges, read on to see how Celeste manages her monthly expenses and how she’s redefining what financial survival looks like when you’re in between things.
MONTHLY EXPENSES
Groceries: $150+
Dining out: $50+
Transportation: Five dollars+
Phone bill: $12
Portfolio: Five dollars
Software Subscription: $70
You mentioned that you’re living off your savings and occasional freelance projects, how do you manage your budget with such fluctuating income?
“Reducing my expenses to only essentials and being able to stay in as if the world is still on lockdown has been very helpful.”
How do you manage without a stable income? Do you set aside emergency savings or have any financial strategies in place for leaner months?
“I’m surviving. Back when I had a stable income I would try to save at least half of it, and that’s the emergency savings.”
Growing up, what was the general approach to money in your family? Did your parents have open conversations about finances?
“Money is only ever spent on necessities, and the allowance given was only enough to cover food. My parents are not fond of discussing money, so all we needed to know was that we should not be asking for unnecessary things.”
Celeste proudly showing her handsewn tops.
When did you start becoming financially independent? Did you have a safety net at that point, or did you take on full responsibility for your finances at a young age?
“Since I was 16. I’ve been given sufficient funds to pay for school fees, but I’ve had to work part-time to get the materials I needed for school.”
Did you ever worry about money growing up? If so, how did that influence the way you approach money now?
“Because I had to be responsible for myself as a clueless teenager and how unwilling my parents were to help monetarily, there was always the fear of not being able to survive if I’m not making money every day.
There is still guilt when spending money, especially if it can be considered a frivolous purchase, but you can buy happiness with money and happiness is a necessity. In short, treat yourself.”
Do you worry about money now? If so, how do you handle those concerns, especially during uncertain times like freelancing without a steady project pipeline?
“I will never be free from financial anxiety. Tracking my finances and distracting myself by creating backup plans should things take a turn for the worse helps to put things into perspective.”
How do you maintain a balance between financial responsibility and enjoying life (e.g., dining out, hanging out with friends)?
“Creating a budget for hobbies/activities I enjoy helps keep my finances in check, and accepting the fact that I am not in the tax bracket for my dream life.”
What are some of the biggest financial decisions you’ve made in your life so far? Looking back, are there any you would have done differently?
“Impulsively adopting two cats when I was barely making money, going to design school, and trying to invest.
I was not prepared for the expenses of design school, especially for certain assignments. Also, setting aside more money for investments when I could afford to be more consistent with it would’ve been wise.”
Trying her hand at making purple potato bread at home.
Do you have any strategies for coping with the financial uncertainty that comes with freelancing, especially when a project falls through or there’s a gap between work?
“Hoping someone out there would share healthier coping methods with me. Please.”
What do you intend to do in the future? Do you see yourself working overseas, buying or renting your own house etc.
“I’m in a desperate need for an environment change and would love to be able to move overseas, without struggling to pay rent.”