I keep thinking this, so glad to have it confirmed by someone actually experiencing it (though not glad you're going through that, obviously). I see this with friends working insane hours just so they can earn enough... to go to the mall and buy clothes and do their hair or whatever... so they look nice while working more insane hours. I swear, if that doesn't sound like a Ponzi scheme...I don't know what does. xD

I guess it's a question of is the extra expenditure worth it for you specifically, and would you be able to work in a suitable area remotely, or at least in a way that would allow you to spend less? I'm sure it's easier said than figured out, though. So best of luck to you :) On the bright side, I think you're one of the few people whose work/finance posts I actually enjoy. So that's gotta be saying something. :D