Recently, a powerful post circulated on the Humans of New York Facebook page that resonated deeply with me. It featured an older gentleman reflecting on the concept of pulling oneself up by the bootstraps. He confessed, “I used to think I could prescribe a solution for poverty: ‘Get a job, save your money, pull yourself up by the bootstraps.’ I no longer believe that. I was blind to the realities faced by the poor.” His words struck a chord, as they mirrored my own experiences.
My family embodies the reality of the working poor. Both my partner and I hold full-time jobs, and I also have a part-time gig, yet each month presents a daunting financial challenge. For years, I felt ashamed of our financial struggles. Despite adhering to the traditional path of the American Dream—attending college, marrying, securing a job, raising children, and buying a home—I find myself suffocating in debt, with little hope of escaping it. At my current pace of income growth, I fear I will die still owing money on my student loans and mortgage.
No matter how hard I strive, I remain just one paycheck away from financial ruin. I meticulously jot down our bills on the calendar, strategizing how to align them with our income. When a school event requires funds, I find myself contemplating which bill I can postpone. I’ve memorized the grace periods for various payments, ensuring that if I can’t cover the electricity this month, I can at least manage a partial payment by the 15th of the following month.
It’s a draining existence, yet I hesitate to ask for help. I know others are in worse situations, and I recognize our relative fortune in having food, shelter, and safety. The concept of “bootstraps” has been a recurring theme in my life; I’ve gripped mine tightly, pulling with all my might, but it still proves insufficient.
This Christmas, we strained our mortgage payments to the brink, nearly falling three months behind, just to afford propane for heating, buy some gifts, and purchase winter gear for our children. Meanwhile, our car’s tires are worn, and my child’s rare genetic condition incurs thousands of dollars in monthly out-of-pocket expenses because we don’t qualify for any subsidies or grants. I lie awake, anxious about how to manage these mounting costs.
Living paycheck to paycheck is our reality, and I know I’m not alone. The Center for Poverty Research at the University of California, Davis defines the working poor as individuals who spend a significant portion of the year in the workforce yet earn below the poverty line. In 2014, the Census Bureau reported that 45 million Americans were living below this threshold, comprising about 14.5% of the U.S. population.
As grim as the current situation appears, I worry it will worsen under the current administration, especially with the GOP’s increasing grip on Congress, leading to the implementation of policies that disproportionately affect the poor and middle class. Reports from Vox suggest that we may witness some of the harshest cuts to social programs since the Reagan era. The economic strategies being proposed could push families like mine into extreme poverty. The thought of losing our healthcare is paralyzing, especially considering my son’s condition. No parent is ever truly prepared for the financial burden of ensuring their child’s health under such circumstances. The over 50 hours I work each week feel futile at times.
When I hear discussions about bootstraps, I think of my grandparents who thrived during a time when the economy was flourishing. They had the resources to pull themselves in any direction they chose. In contrast, I’ve pulled, pushed, and toiled, only to find myself deeply in debt for a modest home and the education that led to a job that barely covers our bills.
So, while my children don their new winter jackets and boots, I trudge through the snow in tattered sneakers because I can’t afford proper winter footwear for myself. We’ll find a way to keep food on the table and a roof over our heads, but it often comes at the expense of my health and well-being. There is nothing lazy about the life I lead. Being part of the working poor is a gut-wrenching, relentless struggle, compounded by the misconceptions held by others regarding our ability to escape such economic situations.
When that man from Humans of New York acknowledged his ignorance towards the experiences of the poor and articulated the current state of poverty, I felt a glimmer of hope. He was giving voice to the challenges I face daily. I represent the working poor, and I want you to see me.
For those facing similar challenges, you can explore more about home insemination and parenting journeys through resources like Make a Mom and A Heartfelt Video Portrait of a Family’s Journey to Parenthood, which provide insightful perspectives. Moreover, if you’re seeking assistance with pregnancy, Hopkins Medicine offers excellent resources for fertility and home insemination.
Summary
The article reflects on the struggles of being part of the working poor, emphasizing the exhaustion and shame that come with financial instability despite hard work. It shares personal experiences of juggling bills, healthcare costs, and the impact of current economic policies on families in similar situations. The piece also highlights the misconceptions about poverty and the need for greater understanding and support.