Recently, I came across a powerful post on the Humans of New York Facebook page that deeply resonated with me. It featured an older gentleman reflecting on poverty, stating, “I used to think that I could write a prescription for a poor man: ‘Get a job, save your money, pull yourself up by the bootstraps.’ I don’t believe that anymore. I was ignorant to the experiences of poor people.” His words struck a chord with me, and I couldn’t help but relate to his sentiments on a personal level.
I embody what it means to be part of the working poor. My partner and I both maintain full-time jobs, and I also take on a part-time role to supplement our income. Yet, each month is a constant battle. For a long time, I felt ashamed of our financial situation. Despite diligently adhering to the so-called guidelines of the American Dream—attending college, marrying, securing employment, starting a family, and buying a home—I find myself buried under debt. At the current pace of my income, it’s likely that I will pass away still owing the government for my student loans and the bank for our mortgage.
No matter how diligent I am, I feel perpetually one paycheck away from financial ruin. Each month, I mark our bills on the calendar, carefully aligning them with our paydays. If there’s a school event that incurs costs, I find myself contemplating which bill I can postpone. I’ve memorized the grace periods for all our bills, knowing that if I can’t pay the electricity this month, I can at least stall it until next month as long as I contribute something by the 15th.
This exhausting life, however, is one I feel too proud to escape from by seeking help. I recognize that many families are in a worse situation, and I remind myself that we are fortunate to have food, shelter, and safety. The notion of “bootstraps” has been ingrained in me throughout my life, and I grasp mine tightly, but it often feels like it’s not enough.
This past Christmas, we fell nearly three months behind on our mortgage to afford propane for heating, buy a few small gifts, and get new winter coats and boots for our children. Meanwhile, the tires on our only vehicle are worn down, and my child has a rare genetic condition that imposes thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses each month since we don’t qualify for any assistance programs. Night after night, I lie awake worrying about how to manage these financial burdens.
Living paycheck to paycheck is our reality, and I’m not alone in this struggle. According to the Center for Poverty Research at the University of California, Davis, the working poor are those who invest significant time in the labor market—either working or searching for work—yet whose earnings fall below the poverty line. This line varies based on family size, but in 2014, the Census Bureau reported that approximately 45 million Americans lived below it, accounting for 14.5% of the U.S. population.
While things feel grim now, the situation appears poised to worsen under the current administration, with the GOP enacting more legislation that disproportionately affects the poor and middle-class. Prior to the election, Vox indicated that “Trump will likely oversee the most vicious cuts to programs for poor and medium-income people of any president since Reagan.” Unfortunately, these predictions are materializing with his tax policies and efforts to dismantle the Affordable Care Act.
The economic plans being implemented threaten to push families like mine into dire poverty. The thought of losing our healthcare is unfathomable, especially since my son didn’t choose to have a rare disorder. No parent can truly prepare for the financial strain of ensuring their child’s health in such circumstances. My demanding workweek of over 50 hours feels futile when faced with these challenges.
When I hear discussions about bootstraps, I think of my grandparents, who thrived during a time of economic prosperity in America. They had the resources to pull themselves in any direction they desired. In contrast, I’ve pulled, yanked, and sweated, yet I still owe a significant amount for a modest home and an education that has led to a job that barely covers our expenses.
As my children step out in their new winter gear, I’ll be trudging through the snow in worn sneakers because I can’t afford proper boots for myself. We’ll manage to keep food on our table and a roof over our heads, but it will come at a high cost to my health and morale. There is nothing lazy about my circumstances; being part of the working poor is a relentless and often disheartening experience. The most frustrating aspect is the widespread misconceptions about overcoming economic hardships like mine.
So when that man on Humans of New York expressed his newfound understanding of poverty, I felt a glimmer of hope. Someone was finally sharing my daily struggles in a public forum. I exist as a representation of the working poor, and I want you to see me.
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In summary, my experience as part of the working poor is a challenging journey filled with sacrifices, hope, and a constant fight for stability. I hope my story shines a light on the struggles many face and encourages empathy and understanding from those who may not share the same experience.