This Millennial Just Bought a House and Paid Off Her Student Loan During The COVID-19 Pandemic

It seems like I’ve been writing about this pandemic for forever. Anyway, you know the schpeel; possible economic downfall, more stressed and depressed people, and a nasty virus that just won’t let us have any of our normal lives back.

I’m not going to focus too much on the triggering part of this global issue, because I’ve actually found some people who have excelled through the storm. These gifted individuals have ultimately given the biggest middle finger to this virus and said, “I’m going to succeed anyway”. And that’s inspiring! From buying their first house to getting on with sustainable living. These people will definitely be giving all of us the secret sauce to how they’ve managed to overcome probably the biggest hurdle half of us have ever been alive to witness.

Viki Gibbs, a 29-year-old Toronto native managed to keep not one job, but two during this pandemic. She also bought a house with her significant other and paid off her entire student loan! Gibbs considers herself “lucky” with her financial situation. She was an office worker who worked downtown, she says that the pandemic actually let her save more money, because she didn’t need to commute or go out after work anymore.

“With everything closed and no commuting, I had all of this money… So, I’m like alright, I’m going to really start trying to save it … it helped me pay off my OSAP … and work towards a house,” says Gibbs.

She also said how this lifestyle change gave her more time. That is how she inevitably ended up with her second job and her current plans to save up for her own car.

As extremely inspired as I was, I also asked her how the heck did she manage to get a grip on her mental health while striving toward these achievements. She states how she saw the avenue of working from home as an opportunity to focus on what really mattered, rather than being affected by usual stints of workplace drama. She adds how it also took the stress away from bracing the possibility of being in a toxic workplace. Mentally, Gibbs says how a sudden team change also began to give her a new perspective in the workplace and in her life.

“Because of COVID… I got assigned to a better team… They’re much more loving, and they’re much more supportive… I’m getting the recognition and the positivity from them,” says Gibbs.

After she tells me how it seems her new coworkers are angels living on earth. I had to ask her how it felt to be a new homeowner! Gibbs says it isn’t only a relief to be finished with the “bidding wars”, but she adds how she’s glad she’s made an “investment for the long run.” She also adds how her, and her partner have already been putting in some money to do renovations to settle in and have nicer things.

“It’s going to grow financially in a couple of years,” says Gibbs.

I, personally had never felt so ecstatic hearing that a Millennial has actually bought a house… during a global pandemic! So, I ask her if she had any advice for other people who also wanted to kick this virus in the butt.

“Get outside when you can,” says Gibbs.

She says how it can even be a "short walk around your neighborhood” or "even to the end of your street.” Gibbs adds how walking has been the most “therapeutic way” to de-stress when she’s had a bad day. She adds how you can simply be "outside for 10 minutes” and it would definitely do you some good.

“You don’t want to be sitting in still air all day,” says Gibbs.

She adds how walking made her feel more restored and how listening to music also brought out more of her happiness chemicals when soaking up the sun. Upbeat music also gave Gibbs a boost of energy during her walks, as it ultimately contributed to her happier and more positive thoughts.

For my last and unplanned question, I asked Gibbs if there were mental exercises that have worked for her during the pandemic. She said affirmations were the ones that helped her the most. She even added how she wants to teach her future kids one day some positive self-talk, as she recalls not having enough of that growing up.

“Don’t say bad things about yourself… look in the mirror and say you look good today,” says Gibbs.

As we wrapped up the interview with RuPaul’s self-love quote, I found myself marveling at the fact that it literally is true that in the most hopeless of places, there really is a glimmer of hope. And Viki is living proof of that. So, I hope the next time you watch the news, there is gratitude in the back of your mind. I hope the next time you hear another case count for this virus, there is optimism in your curiosity. And I hope when this is all over, you become better than you’ve ever been.

Featured Photo via Viki Gibbs on Instagram