A while back, I stumbled upon a deeply moving post on the Humans of New York Facebook page that struck a chord with me. It featured an older gentleman discussing the misconceptions surrounding poverty and self-sufficiency. He stated, “I used to think I could prescribe the solution for a poor person: ‘Get a job, save money, pull yourself up by your bootstraps.’ I no longer believe that. I was unaware of the realities faced by those in poverty.” His insight resonated with me on a personal level.
I am the very embodiment of what it means to be part of the working poor. My partner and I both engage in full-time work, and I also take on part-time jobs, yet every month feels like an uphill battle. For years, I felt an overwhelming sense of shame about our financial situation. Despite adhering to the tenets of the American Dream—attending college, marrying, securing jobs, raising children, and purchasing a home—I find myself suffocating under a mountain of debt. With my current income trajectory, I fear I will pass away still owing money to the government for my student loans and to the bank for my mortgage.
No matter my efforts, I feel perpetually one paycheck away from catastrophe. Each month, I meticulously track our expenses on the calendar, trying to align bills with our income. When school events arise that require spending, I find myself pondering which bill I could delay for another week. I’ve memorized the grace periods for every utility so I know that if I can’t pay the electricity bill this month, I can stave off disconnection by making a partial payment by the 15th.
Living this way is utterly draining, yet I find myself unwilling to seek assistance. I recognize there are many who are worse off than my family, and we are fortunate to have food, shelter, and security. Those proverbial bootstraps that are often referenced? I’ve heard about them my entire life, and I cling to mine with all my strength. But despite my efforts, it never seems to be enough.
This past Christmas, we fell nearly three months behind on our mortgage just to afford propane for heating, provide a few gifts, and purchase new winter coats and boots for our children. Meanwhile, the tires on our only vehicle are worn down, and my child has a rare genetic condition requiring thousands of dollars in 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 costs.
Living paycheck to paycheck is our reality, and I know I’m not alone in this struggle. According to the Center for Poverty Research at the University of California, Davis, the working poor are defined as individuals who spend at least 27 weeks a year in the labor force but whose incomes fall below the poverty threshold. The federal poverty line varies based on family size, but in 2014, the Census Bureau reported that around 45 million Americans were living below it—approximately 14.5% of the population.
Although the situation feels dire now, it seems poised to worsen, especially with the current political climate. Reports suggest that the Trump administration may enact severe cuts to programs benefiting low and middle-income families, which could push families like mine deeper into poverty. The thought of losing our healthcare is simply unbearable; my son didn’t choose to have a rare disorder, and no parent is ready to face the financial burden of ensuring their child’s health under such circumstances. My grueling 50-hour workweeks feel futile amidst this chaos.
When I hear discussions about “pulling oneself up by the bootstraps,” I think of my grandparents, who lived in a time of economic prosperity. They had the means to lift themselves up in any direction they wished. In contrast, I’ve strained, pulled, and exhausted myself, only to find myself with significant debt for a modest home and an education that led to a job that barely covers our bills.
This winter, while my children wore their new boots and warm jackets to school, I trudged through the snow in my worn sneakers because I couldn’t afford proper footwear for myself. We manage to keep food on the table and a roof over our heads, but it comes at the expense of my well-being and spirit. There’s nothing lazy about my situation. Being part of the working poor is a harsh and demoralizing experience, compounded by the misguided assumptions people hold about overcoming such economic hardships.
So when that gentleman on Humans of New York expressed his previous ignorance about the struggles of the poor and illustrated the realities of contemporary poverty, I felt a glimmer of hope. Someone was finally voicing the daily battles that many of us face.
I am the working poor, and it’s crucial for people to see and understand my experience.
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Summary
The author shares a heartfelt narrative about the struggles of being part of the working poor despite working multiple jobs and following the traditional pathway to success. They articulate the financial burdens they face, including managing bills, caring for a child with a rare condition, and the common misconceptions about overcoming poverty. They emphasize the emotional toll and societal misunderstandings of their situation and call for greater acknowledgment of their reality.