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 sharing his thoughts on poverty and the misconceptions surrounding it. He said, “I once believed I could give a poor person a simple prescription: ‘Get a job, save your money, pull yourself up by the bootstraps.’ I no longer hold that view. I was blind to the reality faced by those in poverty.” His words resonated with me on a deeply personal level.
My life exemplifies the struggles of the working poor. My partner and I both work full-time jobs, and I also take on a part-time role to supplement our income, yet every month feels like an uphill battle. For a long time, I felt ashamed of our financial situation. Despite following the so-called roadmap to The American Dream—going to college, settling down, starting a family, and even buying a home—I find myself buried in debt. With my income barely growing, it’s likely I’ll leave this world still owing student loans and mortgage payments.
No matter how hard I strive, I remain just one paycheck away from financial ruin. Each month, I meticulously jot down our bills on a calendar, trying to synchronize our expenses with our paydays. When a school event requires funds for supplies or activities, I scour the calendar, contemplating which bill I can defer. I’ve memorized the grace periods for every payment, ensuring I know when to make partial payments to avoid disconnection.
It’s a draining existence, but pride keeps me from asking for assistance. I’m aware that there are families in worse situations than ours, and I recognize our relative fortune—we have food, a roof over our heads, and safety. Those proverbial bootstraps? I’ve held onto mine tightly, but it simply isn’t enough.
This past Christmas, we fell almost three months behind on our mortgage to afford propane for heating, buy a few modest gifts, and provide our children with winter coats and boots. Meanwhile, our car desperately needs new tires, and my child’s rare genetic condition places an enormous financial burden on us, requiring thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses monthly since we don’t qualify for any assistance. I often lie awake, consumed by anxiety over how to manage these costs.
Living paycheck to paycheck is our reality, and I’m not alone in this struggle. The Center for Poverty Research at the University of California, Davis defines the working poor as those who spend a significant part of the year in the labor force yet earn below the poverty line. According to the Census Bureau, in 2014, around 45 million Americans were living below this line—approximately 14.5% of the U.S. population.
While the current economic climate feels bleak, it seems poised to worsen under the Trump administration, where the GOP’s influence in Congress has led to increasing cuts to programs aimed at assisting the poor and the middle class. Reports suggest that Trump’s policies could drive already precarious families like mine deeper into poverty. The mere thought of losing healthcare is terrifying, especially since my son’s condition requires constant medical attention. My long hours at work often feel futile in the face of such overwhelming challenges.
When I think about bootstraps, I reflect on my grandparents who thrived during America’s post-war economic boom. They had the means to pull themselves in any direction they chose. For me, despite my relentless efforts, I’m left with mounting debt from a modest home and an education that hasn’t translated into a livable wage.
While my children proudly don their new winter gear, 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 it comes at a significant cost to my well-being and spirit. There’s nothing lazy about the struggles I face; being among the working poor is a harsh and often disheartening experience. The misconceptions people hold about overcoming such circumstances can be deeply frustrating.
So, when that man from Humans of New York acknowledged his ignorance to the realities of poverty, it gave me a glimmer of hope. His public acknowledgment of the struggles many face resonated deeply with my daily life.
I am what the working poor looks like, and it’s time for you to see me.
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In summary, being part of the working poor is a complex and often misunderstood reality. Many of us are doing everything we can to make ends meet, yet the system feels rigged against us. There’s strength in sharing our stories, and I hope others find solace in knowing they are not alone in their struggles.
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