Working poor?

Question

I owe $42k in student loans. I've a degree and I'm a file clerk who can't make ends meet. I am one of the millions of working poor. What should be done with people like me who live in the red, from pay check to pay check?

Answer 1

Take a couple of months and write down everything you spend. After the first month, circle the things you really didn't need or could do cheaper. Check out being a part time waiter/waitress in the evenings and use that money for groceries/fun. A lot of folks work two jobs - it's what you have to do until you find that job you really want (that pays well). If you can't save 10% from each paycheck because of rent and other bills, you need to move to a cheaper place and cut back on everything.

Answer 2

Think 'Out of the Box". Get some hours under your belt and then shine! Get a roommate if you need extra money for a while! Watch the budget. Take lunch to work. Every extra penny, save for investment in real estate, preferably your own. Student loans usually don't have to be paid right away and then the interest is very low. Let's face it, you may have to mow a lawn or two on a weekend, in order to get ahead. If you are displeased with your job outlook, go to a temp agency! Many temp turn full time after a certain amount of time! You must do something different, that's a fact!

Answer 3

If the government had voted to go ahead and increase minimum pay, it would have helped some. To the person who questioned you about getting a better job, they need to take a look at the job market and the competition. I know several people who have degrees and have to accept jobs they are over qualified for just to pay their bills. I wished I had an easy answer, but there just doesn't seem to be any solution at this time.

Answer 4

First of all, ends never meet. You should aggressively search for jobs that you are interested in. Whether they work with your degree or not. Make a list of all the things you like to do and find a job in that field. You can also volunteer while you are working and they may have a position open in the future. What is your degree in?

Answer 5

Did you try to get a better job? What is your degree in? I would imagine with a degree (after all that money spent) you would think you would have a better job than being a file clerk. What's the problem?

Answer 6

If you'recontent to be a file clerk you will always be a file clerk. Where is your ambition? Get out there and find yourself a better paying job!

Answer 7

I used to be like that. So - I worked two and three jobs until I found what I wanted. I never gave up.
Nothing should be done "with people like you." You have to do it yourself. I have an MBA and couldn't get a job because I was overqualified. So - I kept trying. Changed my resume and it worked.
You are an educated person. Make your own life better. You have no excuse.

Answer 8

Who should do it?
How is it someone else's problem?
Why should anyone else worry about it?

Look, I've worked 7 days a week before. I've worked 2-3 jobs at a time. I've bought clothes at Goodwill stores, and I could go on. I learned early that if it's to be it's up to me.

Answer 9

Where in the world did you get your degree? Does it really cost that much? I think that most people now days do live paycheck to paycheck, I know My family does. I am just happy to actually have a paycheck, because some people don't.

Answer 10

When you took out the loan you knew it would have to be paid back. Take a part time job or move to a cheaper location.