There was a powerful post on the Humans of New York Facebook page that shook me to my core. It featured an older gentleman reflecting on poverty and the notion of pulling oneself up by the bootstraps. He shared, “I once believed I could prescribe a solution for the poor: ‘Get a job, save your money, pull yourself up by your bootstraps.’ I no longer hold that view. I was blind to the realities faced by those in poverty.” His words resonated deeply with me, evoking a sense of understanding that hit home.
I embody what it means to be part of the working poor. My partner and I both hold full-time jobs, and I even have a part-time gig to supplement our income, yet every month feels like an uphill battle. For a long time, I felt ashamed of our financial situation. Despite adhering to the so-called guidelines of the American Dream — completing college, marrying, securing a stable job, starting a family, and purchasing a home — I find myself drowning in debt. Given my current income trajectory, it’s likely I will pass away still owing money for my student loans and mortgage.
No matter how diligently I work, I remain just one paycheck away from financial ruin. Each month, I carefully note our bills on the calendar, strategizing how to align them with our pay dates. If my child’s school hosts an event requiring funds or supplies, I glance at the calendar, calculating which bill I can defer for a week or two. I’ve memorized the grace periods for our bills, ensuring I know that delaying a utility payment won’t lead to disconnection as long as I make a partial payment by the 15th.
It’s a tiring existence, yet I find myself too prideful to seek assistance. I recognize there are families facing even harsher conditions, and I remind myself we are fortunate to have food, shelter, and safety. The concept of “bootstraps” has been ingrained in me, and believe me, I’m gripping mine tightly — they’re as taut as they can be. But it still isn’t sufficient.
This past Christmas, we fell nearly three months behind on our mortgage to afford propane for heating, to purchase a few modest gifts, and to buy winter coats and boots for our children. Meanwhile, our car’s tires are dangerously worn, and my child’s rare genetic condition demands thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket payments each month since we don’t qualify for any financial aid. I lie awake at night, grappling with how to manage these expenses.
Living paycheck to paycheck is our reality, and I know I’m not alone. According to the Center for Poverty Research at UC Davis, the working poor are individuals who spend 27 weeks or more in the labor market — either employed or seeking jobs — yet their incomes remain below the poverty threshold. The federal poverty line varies by family size, and in 2014, 45 million Americans were reported to live beneath it, constituting 14.5% of the U.S. population.
As disheartening as the current situation is, it’s likely to worsen. The Trump administration’s policies have not been kind to the poor and middle classes, and Vox reports that “Trump is poised to implement the most severe cuts to programs aiding low and moderate-income individuals since Reagan.” His economic strategies have pushed families like mine closer to the brink of extreme poverty. The thought of losing our healthcare is too much to bear, especially since my son’s condition was not a choice he made, and no parent is ever ready for the financial burden associated with maintaining their child’s health. My 50-plus hour work weeks often feel futile in the face of these challenges.
When I hear discussions about bootstraps, I think of my grandparents, who thrived during a time of economic expansion in America. They had the means to lift themselves up in any direction they chose. As for me, despite my relentless efforts and sacrifices, I find myself deeply in debt for a modest home and an education that has led to a job that barely covers our bills.
So while my children proudly wore their new winter boots and jackets to school this year, 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 a significant cost to my well-being and mental health. There’s nothing lazy about my struggle; being part of the working poor is an unfair and disheartening experience. What’s even more painful are the misconceptions that people hold regarding the ability to escape situations like mine.
When that man on Humans of New York acknowledged his ignorance about the experiences of the poor and highlighted modern poverty, I felt a flicker of hope. Someone was bravely articulating the challenges I face every day.
I am what the working poor looks like, and I want you to see me.
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Summary
This article shares a personal narrative of the challenges faced by the working poor, emphasizing the everyday struggles of managing finances, the stigma surrounding poverty, and the call for recognition and understanding of their experiences.
Keyphrase
working poor experiences
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