Discussion: If You Work Hard at a Full-Time Job, Should That Afford You "A Living?"

These days, many people are experiencing financial challenges and difficulties.

Even here in the USA — supposedly one of the richest countries on the planet — half the population would have difficulties paying an unexpected $400 expense. And that article comes from one of the nation's Federal Reserve Banks, organizations notorious for painting a rosier picture of the economic situation than reality.

But that isn't really the root of the problem.

I personally know several people who work full-time jobs, and yet their income is insufficient for them to be able to make it.

One friend is a "scientific glassblower" (specialized laboratory glass and test tubes), and he lives in a tent on someone's property because it's the only way he can afford to eat, keep his phone turned on, and keep his car insured and and in running order for his daily commute of about 20 miles (30km) each way to and from work. He estimates it will take him four years to save enough money to move into an apartment (needing a security deposit + first and last month's rent in advance) and out of the tent.

From my time as a shopkeeper, most of the salespeople we employed weren't actually making a living on their pay. Most of them would work a full day with us, take a break, and then work 3-5 nights as servers at local restaurants... and even then barely make ends meet, with three people sharing a house or apartment.

I suppose what bothers me about this whole scenario is that simply "having a job" doesn't mean a whole lot, these days. And it's certainly no guarantee of anything!

I suppose the next logical question becomes whether the problem is with the wages people get, or with the cost of living we all have to deal with.

I expect it might be some of both. When I talk to some of my cousins back in Denmark — a country generally considered to be very expensive — they often seem horrified by the cost of things like insurance, here in the US... and how many different situations you have to carry insurance for.

It just seems strange to me that we live in a world where everyone supposedly is "better off" than we have ever been, and the idea of having a job is a means to get by in life has less and less functional meaning.

What am I missing, here?

Thanks for stopping by, and have a great remainder of your weekend!

How about YOU? Do you have a full-time job? Does it pay well enough to allow you to get by without difficulty? Or are you part of the growing "working poor" population? Do leave a comment — share your experiences — be part of the conversation!

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Created at 20220116 00:10 PST
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