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In the very least the person on min wages needs to get a second min wage job. These days you have to hussle. You can't sit around making $7.75 and whine. You either need to do everything you can to move up in that job, get a second job and do the same, and if the jobs aren't moving you up, you leave. I'm talking about retail/hospitality jobs here...there are tons of those out there.
Times are tough out there, but I notice people are lazy these days. You need to prioritize. You don't need a cell phone and cable, or a car if you can't afford it. People just forgot how to hussle I think.
With that being said, and I do make decent money, but it sucks. I feel like each one of my paychecks is being sucked out of me twice a month. Every time I turn around, there is an increase in an expense or another expense. Granted, I'm still paying on a car and student loans but these are a necessity for work (transportation and degree).
Why shoot for another minimum job? Why not get another job higher than minimum wage?
Well, my first job was fast food - I worked at Pizza Hut. Several jobs later, I landed in a warehouse, got promoted twice, and went from $12/hr to $56k/yr and supervising 30 people. That warehouse wasn't fun, but it was a different path that isn't thronged with bright young people, and brains got me places.
The supervisor title and people management skills from the warehouse gig then landed me multiple offers, only a 3 month job hunting stint, and my new job as a site supervisor for a utility.
I am doing fine, I dont have kids. but if i had kids, i wont be able to support them.
my question is, has anyone here worked at a job where the pay is low, and on top of listening to a boss, working 40 hours a week, have no time for kids/other BS in life, and they come home and still cant pay the basic bills?
example- a worker that makes minimum wage, 1200 after taxes per month, only to spend 800 on rent (expensive city), 100 on expenses, 100 transportation, and 200 on food, totaling 1200 a month. at that point does it feel like that person is WASTING THEIR TIME FOR NOTHING? wouldn't being homeless be a better option?
I have not gotten to that situation, but im pretty sure some folks might have. its the same math, such as someone making 2000 a month after taxes, has a family, and have to pay more for rent, food, etc, equaling to 2000 a month. with many jobs going and some folks looking to find any job, I can see this happen.
I have a friend in that situation. His take home is like $2400 a month and his expenses not counting food and gas is almost $2300 with one child. A lot of his expenses are his own fault... High credit debt... A payday loan... He also owes more on his vehicle than it's worth... A good $6k more.
I know this info because he asked me to help him form a budget. It made me cringe looking at those numbers.
Other than a $2800 car note I am debt free... My rainy day fund consists of 6 months living expenses. It feels great not to be living paycheck to paycheck.
When I did my friend's budget after paying bills he literally had $42 in the bank to last him 2 weeks till next payday.
I feel like I am in this situation now...and I have a master's degree too. I live in a very high cost city (Los angeles)..
I don't see most jobs here paying enough for people to pay basic expenses.
I enjoy the job , but it doesn't pay enough. I could probably make more if I got a job somewhere else , but I am thinking of moving out of state and leaving the high costs of L.A and getting into a different line of work.
Trading dollars for $ doesn't seem like the best idea...unless you are a high paid doctor or lawyer (maybe a couple other professions).
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