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My Family’s Experience as Part of the Working Poor: A Personal Reflection
The recent viral post on the Humans of New York Facebook page struck a chord with me. It featured an older gentleman discussing poverty and the misconceptions surrounding it. He shared, “I once believed that I could simply tell a poor person to ‘get a job and save money.’ I no longer hold that view. I was blind to the realities faced by those in poverty.” His words resonated with me on a deeply personal level.
I embody the reality of the working poor. My partner and I both maintain full-time jobs, and I also have a part-time job to supplement our income. Yet, every month is a financial battle. For a long time, I felt a profound sense of shame about our financial situation. Despite adhering to the traditional steps of the American Dream—attending college, marrying, securing employment, raising children, and purchasing a home—I find myself overwhelmed by debt. At my current income growth rate, I fear that I will die still owing money for my student loans and mortgage.
No matter how diligently I work, I feel like I am one paycheck away from financial ruin. Each month, I meticulously track our obligations on the calendar, trying to align our bills with our paychecks. When a school event arises that requires a purchase or donation, I find myself calculating which bill I can defer for another week. I have memorized the grace periods for all our bills, ensuring I know how late I can be without immediate repercussions.
Living this way is exhausting, but I take pride in my independence and am reluctant to seek assistance. I recognize that others face more severe hardships, and I understand that we are fortunate to have food, shelter, and safety. The idea of “pulling oneself up by the bootstraps” has been a familiar refrain throughout my life, and trust me, I am holding on to mine with all my might. Yet, it never seems to be enough.
This past Christmas, we fell behind on our mortgage by nearly three months to afford propane for heating, buy a few small gifts, and purchase new winter coats and boots for our children. However, our only vehicle has bald tires, and my child has a rare genetic condition that incurs thousands of dollars in monthly out-of-pocket expenses. We do not qualify for any financial assistance programs. I often lie awake, consumed by anxiety about how to manage these costs.
Living paycheck to paycheck is our reality, and I know I am not alone. According to the Center for Poverty Research at the University of California, Davis, the working poor are individuals who spend at least 27 weeks a year employed or seeking work but still earn below the poverty line. In 2014, the Census Bureau indicated that 45 million Americans lived below this threshold, representing 14.5% of the U.S. population.
As disheartening as our situation feels, it is likely to worsen under the current political climate, where the Republican Party has been enacting legislation that disproportionately affects low-income families. Reports suggest that these policies could lead to significant cuts in programs designed to assist the poor and middle-class, further exacerbating our challenges.
If we were to lose our healthcare, I struggle to comprehend the repercussions, particularly since my son did not choose to have a rare disorder. No parent can fully prepare for the financial burden that comes with maintaining their child’s health under such circumstances. My 50-plus hour work weeks often feel futile.
When I hear discussions about bootstraps, I think of my grandparents, who thrived during a time of economic prosperity. They had the means to use their bootstraps effectively. In contrast, despite my relentless efforts, I find myself drowning in debt from a modest home and an education that has not translated into a job that covers our basic expenses.
While my children head to school in their new winter gear, I trudge through the snow in worn sneakers because I cannot afford proper boots for myself. We will find a way to keep food on the table and a roof over our heads, but at the expense of my health and well-being. There is nothing lazy about the struggles I face. Living as part of the working poor is an unfair and daunting experience, compounded by the hurtful stereotypes that suggest we can easily escape our economic situation.
When that man on Humans of New York spoke candidly about his previous ignorance towards the plight of the poor and then articulated the realities of modern poverty, I felt a glimmer of hope. At least someone is publicly acknowledging the struggles that people like me endure.
I am representative of the working poor, and I want my story to be seen.
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Summary
This article sheds light on the struggles of a working poor family, emphasizing the challenges of living paycheck to paycheck despite holding multiple jobs. It highlights the harsh realities of financial instability, the misconceptions surrounding poverty, and the impact of current political policies on low-income families. The personal narrative serves as a call for awareness and understanding of the complexities of poverty.