why is it so hard to make a living in the united states?

Answer 1

maybe cause you don't have any skills- if you work at walmart or mcdonalds you are suppose to be poor.

Answer 2

It seems like a lot of people have the "omg you're repressing me!" mentality. Instead of taking personal responsibility for their lives, they like to point fingers in every direction. It's always someone else's fault, isn't it?

There are so many opportunities here compared to other countries. Not one person can sensibly sit here and tell me they cannot get a higher education. In this world, even a high school diploma won't help you into the middle class. It's even worse for dropouts. Education has become extremely important in money-earning potential. With a variety of scholarships, government pell grants, and student financial aid out there it virtually leaves no one out. All one has to do is do the research and work to grab that assistance. So many are unwilling to help themselves achieve a better life.

So, again, how is that anyone else's fault? No one is poor on accident. We all have choices in life. Some choose not to grasp opportunities. Others are working for the American dream. It's not hard to make a living here with a little education and knowing your resources.

Answer 3

It's not. The real question is: Why does your average American believe he/she is ENTITLED to a job that pays a luxurious wage with healthcare to boot, just because you live in the U.S.A.? If you want to make a good living, you need to (a) get a college degree, (b) develop marketable skills through education, training, or starting at the bottom and working your way up, (c) Show your employers that you have the motivation, the competence, and the ability to do a job that has more responsibility and more pay along with it, or (d) a combination of all three. See, you are one of those brainwashed people, and you proved it in your question. You don't MAKE a living, you EARN a living. How did I get to where I am right now? I EARNED it. I got the job in the first place because I showed the people who hired me that I had the education, experience, and skills they were looking for. I have had three pay raises (not including cost of living raises) and have earned three cash awards in the past three years and I EARNED them by working hard, doing a good job, and finding better ways to do things. And I just found out that I'm up for promotion to supervisor because the managers believe I'm the best person for the job. BOTTOM LINE: Those who take life seriously and are motivated to do better and work harder will get ahead, but the people who expect everything to be handed to them NOW without giving anything in return deserve the low-paying going-nowhere jobs they get.

Answer 4

the minimum wage has not gone up with inflation and no longer represents a living wage. the minimum wage should have at least gone up the same percentage as congressmen's wages over the years. not that I'm one of those people who's upset to see the congress increase their wages... they should be earning enough that they don't feel the need to misuse their office for personal gain. unfortunately, they do it anyway.

oh, and outsourcing has its effect as well... it's a natural part of the globalized economy that in rich nations, the working class loses out when companies can turn over their production and other necessities to other nations where people earn less (often not enough to live where they are either) without having to pay tariffs to get their products from foreign nations to the U.S. Tariffs on foreign products exist for a reason, so that the government can have a hand in making sure goods and services from foreign nations have a comparative value to those of the U.S., that way people will "buy USA" not just for patriotism but for the quality and competetive price.

Answer 5

Everyone is correct. Kids these days do have a sense of entitlement, which is a direct result of how they were raised. For kids with wealthy parents, it's ok because they will be taken care of no matter what. For middle and lower income kids, it's a tough lesson to learn.

And yes, those of you not working, please don't complain until you get a job. For those of you who are working, you have a legit right to complain. In general, wages don't keep up with prices of everyday goods, but what's worse is that a substantial portion of our income taxes goes to fund military activity and our country's debt. Savings rates are the lowest in the US since the depression. We are mortgaging our financial future, for percevied need to strengthen the American ideology - something only the rich can afford to do.

Answer 6

I've had no problem making a living. I put myself through college by working two jobs. Scrimped and saved through college and now I make enough to live comfortably. If you're having a hard time, maybe you're doing something wrong.

Answer 7

Because the average laborer makes less way below minimum wage, after they have the taxes taken out of their wages. America has allowed the government rape them in the area of taxes.....we are taxed at least 43 to 48% of our hard earn income. Its getting worse!!! Plus current government has allowed over 20 million illegals to come in and take up stake here in America.

Answer 8

Because we expect things to go as we want.

Example: graduates EXPECT a maximum salary because they are graduates. Instead of the $50,000 they were promised by instructors, they are offered $25,000 jobs and refusing because they are worth more.

I have a friend who is due to have a baby in September and was offered a teaching job that would offer benefits and a steady salary. Instead of taking it, she's refused because it's only worth $25,000 and she thinks she should get at LEAST $35,000.

Answer 9

It's not if you're innovative, hard working, and self motivated. We expect to punch a clock 40 hours per week and make $100k/year. It's about taking the money you have and using it wisely, saving, and most importantly about investing. Make your money work for you or you'll be working for your money forever.

And don't think I make a ton, we make a very middle class income. We just don't spend on material crap, and we invest wisely.

Answer 10

If you are willing to work, it is not. The unemployment rate is under 5%. If you can't find a job, then you are not looking.

My city has an unemployment rate under 4%. Almost no employer is paying minimum wage, and jobs are plentiful. And the press still says we have a "stagnant economy". Go figure.

Answer 11

I invested in Exxon and Halliburton 7 years ago and now I'm rich!