How many people here have jobs and still struggle?

Question

My husband works full time and me part time but with 4 kids we cannot make ends meet. Right now I only make $6.00 an hour. Yes, we live in Arkansas but I have the feeling that we are not alone.
What is ironic is that if like my husband quit we could get food stamps, etc. and probably do as well!
I am just curious how it is across the country.

Answer 1

We're in Florida -- I'm 48 and we've been so close to homeless it isn't even funny. I am a grandmother with another grandchild on the way -- I went without by BP medicine for months because I haven't had health insurance either --- oh....and I've WORKED HARD since I was 12 years old. My husband even went back to school in his 40s on the Pell Grant and the same day we received the notice his was now cancelled (because he got a wopping 25 cent raise), BUSH stated on national television "I did not cut any pell grants" my husband was making straight As in a medical type profession. We owe the IRS now too and still can't afford much -- one car too - 4 people working!! Oh....that's only the half of it.....yes, you are NOT alone and it sucks. I'm on the phone now just trying to keep the cable/internet going (we need it -- it's necessary for my son (school) and he's going to be a new dad soon.

Answer 2

You asked so I'll answer this one.

I've been in the US since May of 2002. I was on a student visa so wasn't able to work anywhere outside of campus.

I got a part time job (20 hours/week) at $7.50/hour here in Minneapolis.

I used to stay with my relatives and pay them $300 (which my father was helping me out).

Following year, I got a raise and made $8.50/hour.

January of 2004, I moved out. My father was still helping me with $300/month. Rest of the expenses, I was taking care of, ie. car insurance (about $35/month), gas, food, electricity, etc. etc. etc.

I finally got a raise to $9.50/hour and during my last year at college, I was making $10/hour.

Now, I'm taking home $1,000/month cause i'm under an Optional Practical Training...I'm single and stay alone.

After rent, I have $370 left over.

I eat healthy and even just got TV at home (DishNetwork for $19.99/month).

Point of the story is: There are decisions you got to make at the front end which will dictate how you can live. At the end of the day, you got to weight out your priorities: Do you need to pay $50/month for watching TV? (I didnt' for 2 years)

I wish you all the best. You can do it. :-)

Answer 3

It is tough out there. Absolutely, no employer wants to pay you any more than they have to. And I agree it totally sucks. No one looks out for you but yourself sometimes.

Is there anything you dream of doing? With an associate's degree or technical training program, you could really boost your income. You clearly have some computer skills. The only way to make more is to provide more value-- get more training, create opportunities at work, etc.

I don't know how Arkansas' economy is, but could you move to another state? Georgia and North Carolina stand out as having possibly better prospects.

I wish you and your family well.

Answer 4

My parents are screwed over by the real estate market. My mother working 2 jobs, my father not able to work due to health reasons and they have two mortgages and still paying off a car and helping my brother and I with school costs. I don't think where you live matters, people everywhere have ups and downs. You aren't alone, I'm sure of that

Answer 5

I live in Arkansas also and can relate to your struggles. If you don't have ArKids 1st health insurance for your kids, I would suggest that you sign them up. Also, check with your local DHS office, your family may still be eligible for a small amount of assistance. Good luck!

Answer 6

I am a studnet and make $5.75 and there is no way i can live on it. I live on student lones. You should be elegible for foodstaps now, b/c of low income. Also get medicade. Free health paid by the government. Hope this helps!

Answer 7

i live in las vegas.the job market is good, but cost of living is out waying salaries.me and my girl both work, and live with roommates, and its still hard.we send money to our kids,and after paying rent and food, we dont have alot left. It's a shame its so hard to get goverment help,like food stamps,if you make so much money.And it's not even that much,you have to make like 200or less aweek to get help, who can live on that?

Answer 8

I go to work every day as a substitute teacher. I have no benefits and make barely enough to pay my bills.

Answer 9

i work 2 jobs and have a difficult time, but i spend too much money and i drive a truck, gas prices and insurance kill me

Answer 10

From Longview, Texas: same story...