Recently, I came across a poignant post on the Humans of New York Facebook page that struck a deep chord within me. It featured an older gentleman discussing poverty and the myth of pulling oneself up by the bootstraps. He expressed, “I once thought I could prescribe a solution to the poor: ‘Get a job, save money, and lift yourself up.’ That belief has faded. I was blind to the realities faced by those in poverty.” His words resonated with me on a personal level.
I embody the reality of the working poor. My partner and I both hold full-time jobs, and I also take on a part-time role, yet every month feels like a battle. For a long time, I felt shame about our financial situation. Despite adhering to what is often labeled as the American Dream—attending college, getting married, starting a family, and purchasing a home—I find myself trapped in a cycle of debt. The growth of my income suggests that I may leave this world still owing money to the federal government for my student loans and to the bank for our mortgage.
No matter how hard we try, we are just one paycheck away from financial catastrophe. Each month, I meticulously jot down our bills on the calendar, attempting to sync them with our paydays. School events that require any additional expenditure leave me weighing which bill I can delay. I know the grace periods of all our bills by heart, allowing me to manage just enough to keep essential services running.
Living this way is exhausting, yet I hesitate to seek assistance. I recognize that there are families in more desperate situations than ours, and I remind myself that we are fortunate to have food, shelter, and safety. Those proverbial bootstraps? Trust me, I’ve got a firm grasp on mine, but it doesn’t seem to make a difference.
This Christmas, we chose to fall behind on our mortgage for nearly three months to cover propane for heating, buy a few small gifts, and provide our children with warm winter coats and boots. Meanwhile, the tires on our only vehicle are worn down, and my child has a rare genetic condition that incurs substantial out-of-pocket expenses each month since we don’t qualify for any assistance programs. I often lie awake at night, consumed by anxiety about how to manage these financial burdens.
Living paycheck to paycheck is our reality, and I know I’m not the only one facing these challenges. The Center for Poverty Research at the University of California, Davis defines the working poor as those who spend at least 27 weeks a year in the labor force, yet their incomes remain below the poverty line. As of 2014, the Census Bureau reported that 45 million Americans live below this threshold, accounting for 14.5% of the population.
While the current political climate feels daunting, with the Trump administration enacting policies that disproportionately impact the poor and middle-class, I worry for families like mine who are already on the brink of extreme poverty. The possible loss of healthcare is an unfathomable thought for me, especially considering my child’s condition. My 50-hour workweeks often feel pointless in light of our struggles.
When I think of the concept of bootstraps, I remember my grandparents, who thrived during an economically prosperous era. They had the means to pull themselves up, unlike me. Despite my relentless effort and the significant debt I carry for a modest home and a degree, I remain stuck.
As my children head off to school in their new winter gear, I’ll be trudging through the snow in my worn-out sneakers because I can’t afford proper footwear for myself. We’ll manage to keep food on the table and a roof over our heads, but at the cost of my well-being and spirit. There is nothing lazy about my experience; being part of the working poor is an unfair and disheartening struggle. The assumptions people make about overcoming financial hardship are deeply misguided.
So, when that man on Humans of New York acknowledged his ignorance about the struggles of the poor and described contemporary poverty, I felt a glimmer of hope. Finally, someone was sharing the reality of my daily life.
I am the face of the working poor, and I want you to see me.
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In summary, my family’s reality is a stark representation of the working poor, struggling to make ends meet despite working hard and following societal expectations. The challenges of financial insecurity are overwhelming, yet we persist.