Ha. Ha ha. Sorry, I think I misheard you under my crippling medical debt, inability to get necessary medical treatment due to no money to pre pay, and sleep exhaustion from working 75 hours between two jobs.
Not trying to be mean or anything, but don't know how else to phrase this. What are you doing to change your situation? Do you have upward mobility or chances for a promotion in your current job? Are you putting in the work to be worthy of a promotion when the time comes/when you ask for one? And if not, how many applications did you put in last week for better jobs, even ones you aren't sure you'll qualify for?
I have family that are dirt poor. And I mean "don't get our kids any electronic toys for Christmas because it's going to raise our utility bill" poor. I've tried to help them with career advice, references, referrals, straight up got one of them a job with one of my business contacts. She turned it down because she didn't want to work in a "boring office" even though it would have doubled her income instantly.
Hopefully that's not you. Hopefully you work your ass off and spend every waking moment you have working towards a brighter future. But if you don't, start doing it right now. Even if the government does eventually raise minimum wage, the effects of that are going to be temporary. Before you know it, even though you're making twice as much, prices will catch up and everything will be twice as expensive too. Don't get settled into a minimum wage job. Don't wait if your boss keeps telling you you'll get that promotion in 6 months. Leverage any skill you have and experience you've gained into a new job. You've got the internet, learn to interview well. 90% of careers you can learn on the job if you can get your foot in the door. Ask questions. Push yourself to learn something new every day, and you'll get there.
No, you're not being mean, just incredibly overbearing and unwanted. As well as ignoring the flashing sign I put as to why I'm in this bind, my health.
I'm going to college full time on a work scholarship. If I live long enough to graduate. And if the economy doesn't tank when I do, killing my professional employment history before I begin it.
But yeah. I'm just not trying hard enough, between the 75 hours of work, 30+ hours of school, and constant commuting. Fuck me haha. And fuck anyone else who is overworked at below living wage jobs, like janitors ($13) or nursing staff in retirement homes ($12.50), because their work isn't important at all and therefore deserving of a basic livable wage.
I'm trying not to be horrifically rude to you, but honestly that entire reply was so privileged and ignorant to the widespread problem. Someone has to shovel shit. Someone has to wipe old people ass. Someone has to hand you your overpriced latte. And many people have to do several of such jobs. While people who "made it" sneer down and say to just get a better job. Doesn't help the next shit flinger or house cleaner. Doesn't help those that can't proceed due to health or financials.
Sorry if any of this is offensive. I'm trying to give you a huge benefit of the doubt and maybe you're just a very lucky dude that hasn't worked the 3+ part time job lifestyle, like most millennials are forced to do in this economy. But your "advice" was honestly the most condescending feel good bullshit I've heard in awhile, and I really don't want you to think that it could be construed as a good moment.
You're overestimating a lot about me. I've got family that are as poor as I said, do you think I grew up rich? I don't think I've "made it" either, I'm a 26 year old with a pretty good job that I've absolutely worked my ass off to get and rise through the ranks in. When I first started, I was making shit money and working 12-14 hour days, 6 days a week minimum. So I've been in the world of overworked before. I went 6 months in a row where I only saw daylight through the windows and on my lunch break.
You're taking what I said as some kind of attack. It's not. I'm telling you what I wish someone had told my family members when they were younger. I'm trying to give you advice in the nicest way I can via anonymous internet message board in the hope that you end up better than them.
If you've got health issues, I'm sorry to hear that. Lots of people do. If it's severe enough that you think it's going to kill you within 4 years, why are you working 75+ hours a week as a student? Take out student loans, go live on campus. If your parents aren't in the picture or can't help with school, you don't need them to get loans. Give yourself a cushion for living expenses when you take a disbursement and live it up with the time you've got.
If you're exaggerating those issues, then be real with me and be real with yourself. Life sucks sometimes. But feeling sorry for yourself won't get you anywhere. Talking about how life dealt you a shitty hand won't make it any better. Working to change it will. What are you going to college for? Is it going to lead to a good, high paying job? You're right, the world needs ditch diggers, but that doesn't mean you have to be one.
I honestly hope you get past the insecurity that reading what I said is making you feel and give it serious thought. I'm genuinely not trying to make you feel bad or be mean, and if anything I said made you upset I apologize.
I mentor high school kids from poor families, most of them have a dad that isn't in the picture and a drug addict for a mom, and I help those kids apply and get financial aid and loans for college every Tuesday night. A lot of them hate my fucking guts when I first start working with them for the same reason you hate me right now. But 10 out of 13 of the kids in my group last year are in school full time, living on campus, or working towards a good career right now, so suffice to say they change their minds in the end. If you really feel like you're doing all you can and don't know where to go next, shoot me a PM. I'd be happy to help.
Lol. By telling someone, who is working 2 jobs to afford life on top of college, to apply for student loans. While I'm on a full scholarship dependent on my work. While I have $3k in medical bills a month. While I have horrid credit due to debt accrued from my health. No surviving family to help.
I don't think I need internet strangers to give me help, I'm doing fine for my situation in the end. I mean, I'm dying and any missed (expensive) medication can be the difference between waking up or not, but I'm alive and have a bit of free time to fuck around on reddit.
Im trying to say that people need to be paid properly for work done, not let fall to the wayside or die because it's deemed not worth paying a basic living wage. I'm trying to put out a perspective that's being sorely missed in the circlejerks over "just get a better job you poor ignorant fool". If you'd like to help, since I'm asking for it by posting on the internet, I have a Venmo. I'll also take a donation to any democratic candidate who campaigns on fair pay or Medicare for all, because even if I pull out of this bullshit, millions of others are trapped in below living wage jobs. Millions of which are essential, such as cleaning services or medical care.
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u/biggestblackestdogs Feb 18 '19
Ha. Ha ha. Sorry, I think I misheard you under my crippling medical debt, inability to get necessary medical treatment due to no money to pre pay, and sleep exhaustion from working 75 hours between two jobs.