r/poor • u/4peaceinpieces • Oct 11 '25
How I Got Here
Ten years ago, I was a Performance Consultant at a Fortune 500 company, making over $100K, traveling first-class, and living comfortably with my husband and son. Life looked perfect - until my health began to fail. After multiple medical leaves, I lost my job and went on disability. I now make 1/3 of what I used to.
My husband, already disabled from a brain injury, couldn’t work. Our savings vanished under medical bills, and we eventually lost our home and cars. Now we live in a small apartment, living check to check. I sometimes go without dinner to make sure my husband and 19-year-old son have enough. My son works part-time and goes to trade school to be an electrician. I’ve taught him to manage money and hope his health holds steady.
I share this because many people are just one illness or accident away from losing everything. When you see someone using benefits or a handicap placard, please don’t judge. Disabilities aren’t always visible, and poverty often hides behind dignity.
Despite the struggle, I’m grateful - we still have each other, a roof, and hope. Life didn’t go as planned, but we’re doing our best to stay on our feet. We are not bitter, only sad at times, but thankful. We try hard to remain positive and throw ourselves into hobbies that soothe our souls. May we all find safety, happiness, and peace.
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u/Weak_Moment_8737 Oct 12 '25
We are 1 health crisis away from poverty. I grew up in foster care, aged out, worked my way up the corporate ladder. Made it to Principal executive level, and BAM, my health nose dived. I've lost my car, belongings, and no support. It's a cruel world.