Recently, I came across a post on the Humans of New York Facebook page that really hit home. It featured an older gentleman reflecting on poverty and the idea of “pulling yourself up by your bootstraps.” He admitted, “I used to think I could prescribe a solution for the poor: ‘Get a job, save money, and improve your situation.’ I no longer believe that. I was blind to the realities faced by those in poverty.” His words struck a chord with me, and I felt an immediate connection.
I am a living example of what it means to be part of the working poor. My partner, Jake, and I both work full-time jobs, and I even take on a part-time gig to help make ends meet. Yet, every month feels like a struggle. For a long time, I felt ashamed of our financial situation. Despite following the traditional path of pursuing higher education, getting married, starting a family, and buying a home, I find myself drowning in debt. With my current income, it seems likely that I will always owe money to the government for my student loans and to the bank for our mortgage.
No matter how hard I push myself, I feel just one paycheck away from financial ruin. Each month, I mark our bills on the calendar and try to match them up with our paydays. If there’s a school event that requires spending, I calculate which bill I can afford to delay. I’ve memorized the grace periods for each bill, knowing that if I can’t pay the electricity this month, I can at least buy some time by making a partial payment next month.
It’s a draining way to live, yet I’m too proud to ask for help right now. I know there are families in worse situations than ours, and in many ways, we’re still fortunate to have food on our table and a roof over our heads. You know those “bootstraps” people talk about? I’ve held onto mine tightly for as long as I can remember, but it just isn’t enough.
This Christmas, we fell behind on our mortgage by nearly three months to afford propane to heat our home and buy a few small gifts for the kids. Meanwhile, our car needs new tires, and my child has a rare genetic condition that costs us thousands out of pocket each month because we don’t qualify for assistance programs. I often lie awake at night, overwhelmed with worry about how we will manage all of this.
Living paycheck to paycheck is our reality, and I know I’m not alone in this. The Center for Poverty Research at UC Davis defines the working poor as individuals who spend at least 27 weeks a year in the labor force but whose incomes fall below the poverty line. In 2014, the Census Bureau reported that 45 million Americans were living below that line, which is about 14.5% of the entire U.S. population.
Things seem to be getting worse, especially under the current administration, as the GOP continues to push legislation that negatively impacts the poor and middle class. Before the election, Vox warned that “Trump will likely oversee the most severe cuts to programs supporting low- and middle-income individuals since Reagan.” These promises are unfortunately materializing with his tax plan and efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
The economic strategies being implemented will push families like mine deeper into poverty. The thought of losing our healthcare is terrifying, especially considering my son’s medical needs. The long hours I put in at work feel even more futile given our situation.
When I hear talk about “bootstraps,” I think of my grandparents, who thrived during a time of economic prosperity in America. They had the means to lift themselves out of difficulties. But for me? I’ve tried everything and still find myself buried under a mountain of debt just to maintain a small home and pay for an education that hasn’t led to financial stability.
While my children head off to school in their new winter boots and coats, I’ll be trudging through the snow in my old sneakers because I can’t afford to buy myself proper footwear. We’ll manage to keep food on the table and a roof over our heads, but it will come at the expense of my health and well-being. There’s nothing lazy about our situation; being part of the working poor is an exhausting and often hopeless experience. What’s even more frustrating are the misconceptions about how easily one can escape such a situation.
When that man from Humans of New York shared his realization about poverty, it filled me with a sense of hope, knowing that someone was publicly acknowledging the struggles many of us face daily. I am a representation of the working poor, and I want you to see me.
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In summary, my family’s experience as part of the working poor is a relentless struggle, marked by financial anxiety and societal misconceptions. Despite our hard work, we find ourselves trapped in a cycle of debt and uncertainty.
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