Recently, I came across a poignant 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. He shared, “I once believed writing a prescription for a poor individual was simple: ‘Get a job, save money, pull yourself up by your bootstraps.’ Now, I realize how ignorant I was about the true experiences of those living in poverty.” His insights resonated with me deeply.
I embody the reality of the working poor. My husband and I both hold full-time jobs, and I also work part-time to supplement our income. Yet, every month feels like an uphill battle. I used to feel ashamed of our financial situation, especially after adhering to the conventional path of the American Dream: attending college, getting married, securing employment, raising a family, and buying a home. Instead, I find myself overwhelmed with debt, and I fear that I will die still owing the government for my student loans and the bank for my mortgage.
No matter how hard I strive, I am perpetually a paycheck away from financial ruin. Each month, I meticulously write down our expenses and try to align them with our income. If my child’s school has an event requiring funds or supplies, I find myself juggling bills to see what can be postponed. I’ve memorized the grace periods for all our bills, knowing that if I can’t pay the electricity this month, I can make a minimal payment by the 15th to avoid disconnection next month.
Living this way is exhausting, and yet I am too proud to seek assistance. I recognize that there are families facing even more dire circumstances, and I count us fortunate to have food, shelter, and safety. As for those “bootstraps” people often reference? I’ve gripped mine tightly, pulling as hard as I can, but it simply isn’t enough.
This past Christmas, we fell behind on our mortgage by nearly three months just to cover the cost of propane for heating, buy a few small gifts, and purchase winter coats and boots for the kids. Meanwhile, our only vehicle has bald tires, and my child has a rare genetic condition that incurs 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, overwhelmed by the financial burden.
Living paycheck to paycheck is our norm, and I know I’m not alone. According to the Center for Poverty Research at UC Davis, the working poor are individuals who spend over half the year in the labor force but still fall below the poverty line. The federal poverty threshold varies by family size; in 2014, the Census Bureau noted that 45 million Americans were living below it, comprising 14.5% of the population.
Although the current state of affairs feels grim, I fear it may worsen under the Trump administration with Republicans enacting legislation that disproportionately affects the poor and middle-class families. As outlined by Vox, “Trump will likely lead to significant cuts to programs supporting low and middle-income families, the most severe since Reagan.” These economic policies threaten to push families like mine into deeper poverty. The thought of losing our healthcare is terrifying; my son didn’t choose to have a rare disorder, and no parent is equipped for the financial strain of ensuring their child’s health in such scenarios. It feels disheartening to work over 50 hours a week under these circumstances.
When I hear discussions about bootstraps, I think back to my grandparents who thrived during a booming economy, able to pull themselves up in any direction they chose. In contrast, I’ve pulled, tugged, and sweated my way through life, accruing significant debt for a modest house and an education that barely covers my bills.
As my kids head to school in their new winter gear this season, I’ll be trudging through the snow in worn-out sneakers because I can’t afford proper boots for myself. We’ll manage to keep food on the table and a roof over our heads, but at a steep cost to my health and spirit. There’s nothing lazy about my situation; being part of the working poor is a harsh and often hopeless reality. Even more disheartening are the misguided assumptions that suggest one can easily escape such economic hardship.
So, when that man on Humans of New York expressed his previous ignorance about poverty and detailed modern struggles, it gave me a glimmer of hope. Finally, someone was shedding light on the daily battles faced by people like us.
I represent the working poor, and I hope you take a moment to see me.
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Summary:
This article reflects on the life of a working poor family, highlighting the struggles of financial insecurity despite hard work and adherence to the traditional American Dream. With mounting debt and the weight of unexpected medical expenses, the author shares a raw and honest perspective on poverty, dispelling myths surrounding the ability to simply “pull oneself up by the bootstraps.” The piece underscores the systemic issues contributing to the plight of working families today.