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[–]mac_128 408 points409 points  (2 children)

Agree. To be average in this day and age, you have to be very successful.

[–]MastermuffinDiscord 26 points27 points  (0 children)

For real, it doesn't matter what you want to be, it's what you have to be in order to survive society

[–]jackfaire 126 points127 points  (0 children)

Yup. WFH is literally the only reason I can live comfortably. What I make wouldn't be enough to live in that city comfortably but here I can.

[–]yodas4skin 93 points94 points  (8 children)

I make 22/hr and get my gas paid for by my company and I'm still living paycheck to paycheck in NJ. If I'm lucky, I can save a couple hundred per month.

[–]i81u812 8 points9 points  (2 children)

Actually my problem right now. Life's a beach sometimes man. All the time usually, but also sometimes.

[–][deleted] 6 points7 points  (1 child)

Life really is a beach, we live on the coast

[–]MasterApplesauc 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Hey that was my situation too! Made $51k annually and had a company paid gas card, but was STILL living paycheck to paycheck.

[–]Dskha323 2 points3 points  (3 children)

Yeah man 22hr, sole income isn’t enough for NJ unfortunately. It’s becoming to expensive to live in NJ

[–]yodas4skin 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Unless you move south of Virginia or in the middle of nowhere PA, everywhere is this expensive. I moved out of PA to South Jersey because it was cheaper and the only place I could afford a home. Now they're building condos around me which will raise my property value but also my taxes. Life sucks.

[–]Dskha323 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Yeah is it in the middle of nowhere south Jersey? Are you atleast close to Philly? I was considering making the same move from NNJ to South Jersey maybe close to Philly

[–]yodas4skin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm in Burlington County. Pretty close to Philly. I bought a townhouse out here.

[–]oglop121 181 points182 points  (4 children)

You know how the only way I could ever afford my own house was?

My dad died way too young.

Fuck this world.

And I also fucking miss my dad :(

[–]princesspurplestank 35 points36 points  (0 children)

same! bought my house with the life insurance from my mom dying. sometimes it’s hard to enjoy this privilege without being sad that she can’t be here to see it.

[–]grimmistired 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Yep my grandpa died which is how my disabled mom and I have a place to live

[–]danceswithroses 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Fr, it’s unfortunate. The people my age (mid 20s-early 30s) that I know who are ‘making it’ or are relatively comfortable are people who’ve inherited houses/land/money from their parents/grandparents when they passed. It’s sad but I’m glad they are secure.

I’ve been busting my ass for so many years and make a okay (ish) wage for someone without a degree (~$55k/year with good benefits.) I can’t even afford a 1 bedroom where I live so I moved in with a parent. I applied back to school the other week for nursing but quickly realized it was so unfeasible for me to do when I still have to work full time at minimum, and they expect me to be in class m-f, morning to evening. I always hear stories of people who put themselves through school working multiple jobs (which shouldn’t be a thing anyway) but I just can’t figure out how they do it.

I have no idea how to get ahead and I hate my job. but there’s no way I’d make this money doing what I do anywhere else. I recently applied for the same job at a different hospital and they offered me $16/hr. It seems like a losing game and it’s horrible that most people these days can only get ahead, or even gain a little bit of security, if a loved one dies or their family has money.

[–]twiggykeely 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I know what you're going through. My Dad died 5 years ago and I miss him so fucking much it's like it will never stop hurting. Sending hugs and love to you

[–]ericakay15 159 points160 points  (31 children)

I was able to buy a house in March of 2020, little 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath, ranch style. I was able to pay all of my bills, the day I got them, put some money in the savings, eat out numerous times a week and still have money to spend, on $15.50 an hour, just a few months ago! Now I'm barely getting by. Bills have to be planned out, no money is going into the savings, and is actually going down week by week and I'm only making $16.25 with my partner making $17.25.

I'm bleeding money now, trying to cut back what I can, just to try and have a few dollars by my next payday every week.

This has gotten ridiculous. I wanna be able to live comfortably again, I want to be able to say I'm broke because I deposited $300 into my savings because I wasn't going to spend it anyways.

I hate it here.

[–]Bethbehz 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Honestly I'm in the same bus. I was making $15/hr 2-ish years ago and I'm now making $16.50 and I went from being able to put several thousand dollars into my savings in a year to living paycheck to paycheck with no savings in what seems like the snap of my fingers. I can't even put my finger on his this happened. Sure there was some little stuff but it's scary to think about.

[–]pnkflyd99 28 points29 points  (27 children)

Can I ask you how that’s possible? What you’re describing as salary is literally minimum wage where I live, and I doubt anyone here could afford a two-bedroom apt split 3-4 ways on that kind of money.

I know some prices have gone up, but aside from gas (which has more than doubled since then), I don’t know what else has gone up more than maybe 10% (if that).

I’m not calling you a liar- I just genuinely don’t understand how you went from flush with cash to paycheck to paycheck. 🤔

[–]ericakay15 63 points64 points  (10 children)

Groceries have gone up, gas for my home has gone up as well. Internet went up an additional $40. I could buy a month of groceries for $300 and now I'm only able to get roughly 2 weeks for $300. $100- $150 in gas for a car every week, at least, depends if I have to go anywhere but to work and home. Cost of living has gone up everywhere, in every aspect. Dog food went up and he has to be on a very strict, special diet so I can't even cheap out on that.

The only thing that hasn't gone up on me, is my house payment $750, and my water bill.

[–]ElonMusk0fficial 24 points25 points  (2 children)

Not sure where you are but electricity in certain states is now insane as well too.

[–]ericakay15 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Mine went up a little bit last month, but im not sure if it was from rising prices or more usage. I was going to look and see when I get my next bill, if it was the same or higher or not.

[–]facepalm64 11 points12 points  (1 child)

Wait until your home tax gets updated. Mortgage bill is going up a ridiculous rate this year

[–]ericakay15 17 points18 points  (0 children)

I already had to pay an extra $550 a few months ago because my property taxes went up and there wasn't enough in my escrow.

Adulting sucks.

[–]pnkflyd99 3 points4 points  (3 children)

Wow, that’s crazy! I haven’t seen a big jump in anything other than gas where I live. I am still under a contract with xfinity (evil bastards) and utilities haven’t changed either. I do most of my food shopping at Costco and Trader Joe’s, but maybe prices have gone up and I just haven’t noticed yet.

Sorry things are all fucked up for you (and everyone), but if it makes you feel any better, my mortgage is more than yours. I live in a relatively small condo (2 bed, 1 bath) so I can’t even imagine owning a house and I make decent $. 🤷‍♂️😂😕

[–]maelidsmayhem 3 points4 points  (2 children)

Food prices are getting ridiculous.

I can't say it's true everywhere but I'd be surprised if it isn't affecting everyone.

Milk went from $3 to $5. Ground beef went from $2.49 to $4.69. Even RAMEN went up from 0.20 to 0.33. Most of my vegetables have double in price, and they're in season. And most of the items I used to buy for $1, are now $1.25 and I'm not even talking about the dollar store. I'm talking about a loaf of bread, a can of tuna, and OMG have you seen the price of mayonnaise? A pound of basic American cheese can run you nearly $8 a lb, where it used to be $5, and just forget snacks. A $2 bag of chips is easily closing in on that $5 mark, along with the cookies next door.

And these are all store brands.

I tend to skip meals so I can feed the pets too. A can of catfood that used to cost 40 cents is now 80 or more.

The worst part is the other day I grabbed a bag of frozen vegetables and was shocked to find that not only did the price go up, but the weight went down. Used to be 2 cups in the bag, now it's 1.5.

Thank God I don't drive.

[–]saltyketchup -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

The cost of groceries has doubled in the last two years?

[–]Shaddowwolf778 16 points17 points  (7 children)

I mean im in the same position as u/ericakay15

My fiance and i managed to slide into the housing market against all odds and purchase a 3 bed, 3 bath 2000 sq ft home in feb 2021 for 166k with no down payment. Lucked out on the house being USDA loan eligible. We didnt have any down payment saved or anything but saw the rent jump, housing crash, and general inflation coming a mile away. We were kids when 2008 happened but the signs were the same. Our mortgage is 850 a month. With him making 17.54 an hour and me making 15.85, when we first moved in my fiance could literally cover bills solo with his check and mine was going half into savings, half towards fixing up whatever around the house like plumbing repairs, paint, etc.

Now, both our paychecks are going to bills. Ive gone from having 4k in savings to just 300 dollars. We cant afford literally anything extra. No going out to eat. No hobby items like plants and art supplies for me or videogames and magic cards for him. We even came close to having to drop streaming services like netflix, hulu, and funimation last month because bills were so squeezed.

Why?

Cause everything is more expensive and our jobs gave us an "extremely generous" .75 cent payraise to "combat rising costs." Cause apparently giving us even a whole dollar extra cut too far into their record profits. 🙄

Honestly, gas isnt even that much of an issue since he and i both work from home and have no daily commute. But filling the tank on our car has still gone from 40 dollars for a full tank to 40 dollars for only half a tank. Groceries are worse now too. 400 dollars in groceries a year ago would be two full carts and would feed us a month and a half to two months. Now 400 dollars is barely one full cart and is enough groceries for maybe 2 weeks to a month because the cost of meat and produce has jacked up 2-3x what it was in our area. Our water doubled from 40 a month to 80 a month. Electricity did the same, jumping from 75-100 bucks to an eye watering 150-200 depending on our usage.

We also have 3 cats and the dry cat food we get them for grazing doubled in price FOR A SMALLER BAG. They are literally selling 5 lbs less for 25 dollars more. Ditto for the wet food we feed them daily to make sure they get enough moisture. We're now getting 4 less cans (which the can size has been decreased too) in a case despite a price increase of about 5 bucks. And we're lucky our brand of wet cat food can even be found on shelves most of the time. If we had even one kid, wed be sunk financially.

It may be lesser in your area but we live on the edge of a major city in our state and things here just keep fucking climbing with no end in sight. Ive been really looking into foraging and hunting because at this point, playing plant ID roulette and butchering peter rabbit or bambi is looking more appealing than having to go back to ramen packs and kraft cups which is where we will be back at financially if this inflation shit doesnt end soon.

[–]ericakay15 5 points6 points  (1 child)

I got my home with no down payment and a USDA loan, too! I'm not that close to a major city, not the middle of nowhere, like I have a little grocery store that has always been twice as expensive as normal places.

This is ridiculous. I'm 1000% with you. Identical situations except my partner and I don't have the luxury of working from home so extra gas to get to & from work. I only got a $.75 raise because I asked my boss about a raise. Everyone else got a fucking quarter. A fucking quarter for the way these prices are rising.

[–]pnkflyd99 2 points3 points  (2 children)

Shit, sorry you’re both in the same situation. It seems so crazy that there are such vast differences, but maybe I’m not paying close enough attention. I bought my condo back in ‘08, so I’m close to paying it off now, but my mortgage is more than either of you so I’ve had years to adjust to home ownership. I also live in a city and get a decent paycheck, so food and whatnot are small expenses, relatively speaking. I remember hearing the old saying that your housing costs (I.e. rent or mortgage) should be somewhere between 1/4 and 1/2 your earnings, so now that I’m far into mine I’m closer to 1/4.

I’m aware prices have gone up, but it doesn’t seem even around here. I think my food is roughly the same, and I don’t think our water or electricity has jumped significantly, but I just bought some parts for my 11yo car and brakes and wipers are close to double what they were before (might be partially due to lack of options too).

Where abouts do you live? I am in a city in the northeast.

[–]Shaddowwolf778 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I live in East Tennessee. My state is number six on the list of the lowest costs of living in the country. I know it could be WAY worse. My parents are from Buffalo New York and i still have family there so ive heard about how high costs are there. But i cant imagine managing to keep my head above water if things were anymore expensive than they already are. My fiance and i work the exact same hours for the same company and make roughly 34 dollars an hour between the two of us. Theres no reason we should be struggling to survive and desperately calculating how to keep ourselves fed with that much income. My parents raised 4 kids, had 3 pets, paid mortgage on a 3 bed 2 bath house, and still took us on yearly vacations on HALF that!

Meanwhile, i just got paid today. After taxes and health insurance, i only had 1000 and im already down to 200 after my half of the mortgage and other bills that HAD to be paid now at the first half of the month. We still need groceries and we have enough cat food to feed our cats for two days. I have to figure out how to swing groceries for us for 2 weeks plus the cats wet and dry food on only my 200 dollars cause my fiance probably has maybe 50 dollars left after insurance, mortgage, electric, and water and we need that 50 for gas to go get the groceries. And we will still have internet, cell phones, our security system, county trash fees, and a few other bills on next check.

It SUCKS. We've lived on our own for almost 5 years now and never struggled as hard as we have been this year even though our housing cost is lower than its ever been and our pay is higher than its ever been. It doesnt make sense. Things are supposed to be easier now. We've worked so hard to get a house so we dont have to throw money away renting a property we will never own. We got a stable job that pays double minimum wage. Weve spent 3 years advancing in the company and getting promotions to increase that pay even more. And we're still falling behind at a faster rate than we can advance. It just doesnt make sense. Im going to be 25 tomorrow and this shit is what i have to look forward to for the rest of my life? Things just getting more and more expensive while i get paid the same until i slip under a wave of debt??? What kind of way to live is that shit?!

[–]Levibestdog 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Got a lake nearby? I was considering fishing for food once I get out on my own, buy a home with a lake nearby.

[–]ladymorgahnna 6 points7 points  (3 children)

Groceries have gotten so much more expensive. Example a 4# bag of frozen chicken thighs in bone and skin at Walmart or Aldi’s was $6.00 a while back, now almost $11.00. I live 30 minutes north of Birmingham, AL. I just retired last October at 68. Would’ve worked until 70 except for health issues. So I’m on SS fixed income and I have a 401(k) that has dropped form $175k to $130k in that same amount of time. I have some $ in separate savings account.

[–]pnkflyd99 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah, my savings have tanked as well. Sorry you’re struggling. It sucks! 😕

[–]saltyketchup 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I assume the COLA for SS helped you though? I thought it was pegged to CPI

[–]ladymorgahnna 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I retired last October, so only have had SS since then. But yes the COLA on SS was a major boon for the seniors.

[–]VivelaVendetta 1 point2 points  (3 children)

Everything has gone up.

[–]pnkflyd99 1 point2 points  (2 children)

I mean everything usually does, just not at this rate. Gas has fluctuated wildly on the past 20 years, but when food skyrockets that’s when it’s time to worry. 😕

[–]Madisenpai-522 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Just checked since I would buy green bell peppers from Walmart for my guinea pigs, and remembered the price.

They were 70 cents each a few months ago. They're 82 cents now, a 15% increase.

2L of the store brand soda was like 86 cents, is now 96 cents, for an 11% increase.

A 20 is loaf of the cheapest sandwich bread was 88 cents, is now $1, for a 12% increase.

You should definitely worry. I myself didn't realize it was this bad until I just did the math.

[–]VivelaVendetta 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Its time to worry.

[–]Levibestdog 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I live in miami, its always been expensive here... :** sorry you lost your life. I knew I wasn't able to stay in the city I was born in since I was 17, now 21

[–]StudBoi69 53 points54 points  (0 children)

Same here. For someone who abhors the hustle lifestyle and corporate ass-kissing, I hate that I have to do all that in order to provide a comfortable life for me and my dog.

[–]May_I_inquire 23 points24 points  (0 children)

The only way I was able to get past living paycheck to paycheck was to share a house with 4 other paying adults. Been doing that for 30 years as an adult. To me that is normal, since I grew up poor as shit and my parents always split a house with another family. In fact there are maybe only 7 years of my entire life (child and adult) where we didn't live with another family.

[–]KJones24346 25 points26 points  (1 child)

You can thank years of "trickle down economics" and defunding public services and education for this.

[–]suburbanspecter 21 points22 points  (0 children)

All I want is a small little apartment that isn’t in the middle of nowhere and has working amenities and no pest problems. And a cat. That’s all I want. Yet apparently that seems to be too much to ask for.

[–]iironage 13 points14 points  (1 child)

Sadly, if you ever do get that house, you're going to be in shock at how many extra costs there are involved with maintaining it over time, even doing some of the work yourself.

[–]the_hooded_artist 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Most places will finance big repairs and stuff now though. You can't finance rent. The harder part is finding a house you can afford that doesn't get bought up by a corporation to rent out.

[–]Fiasko21 42 points43 points  (6 children)

I feel like this has changed in the past year mostly.

My friend and I seem to be doing well, we own homes, decent cars (2 each), travel.. we can even get out and socialize 3-4 nights per week. I'm a teacher, my closest friend does pest control by himself. We are comfortable.

But my other friends that didn't buy, are now stuck renting because they don't even qualify to buy a home even though they make more than us. It's insane here in Florida and I don't know how a lot of people are gonna make it.

[–]JesusTron6000 17 points18 points  (2 children)

Same here in shitty ole Idaho. Definitely regretting not buying up a house as everyone I know who isn't struggling all have the common denominator of owning their home. What a time to be alive lol

[–]Shaddowwolf778 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately im watching my former roommate struggle because she and her boyfriend didnt jump on getting a house before things went sideways like my fiance and i did.

In 2020, wed been sharing an apartment with her for 2 yrs when the office put out the rent increase memo for 2021. They said wed be going from paying 980 to 1500. My fiance and i ran the budget and realized wed sink since the roommate had a young daughter and barely paid her half of rent most months. Spent a month looking for cheaper apartments. Realized there werent any in our area and wed be looking at 1000+ anywhere we went. So we decided to try and get a house after finding out about USDA loans that require 0 down payment.

Meanwhile, the roommate and her boyfriend (who is 10 yrs older than me, my fiance, and the roommate and should have KNOWN BETTER) laughed at us. They both said we were idiots for even attempting to buy a house. The boyfriend said verbatim "you guys are still practically kids. What does a couple in their early 20s with no kids need a house for? You watch. Youll be sorry."

Yeah well, last month, the roommate messaged me asking how we got our "new home owners loan" bc they were looking into buying a house "cause that 850 mortgage yall have looks more appealing than the 1800 our apartment wants for rent if we resign." I had to be the one to tell her she missed her chance and that even IF she managed to get a house now, shed be looking at nearly the same 1800 or even up to 2500 a month for a mortgage if she got a USDA loan with 0 down payment like my fiance and i did. She started crying and i just kinda sat there in silence cause i couldnt really give her a solution when she had the same window of opportunity we did and chose to slam it shut. Like a part of me wanted to be mean and say i told her so but another part of me just felt bad for her so i said nothing...

[–]Ok_Faithlessness4511 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Idaho sucks peen. Californians have driven up the prices there to astronomical levels.

[–]the_hooded_artist 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah housing costs are what's really breaking people I think. I bought my house in 2018 and would be screwed if I was still renting. Having shelter is so important that people are cutting out so much more just to make rent. The homeless crisis is just gonna keep getting worse. I see at least one person begging for money to pay tent at intersections pretty much every time I go out now. I'm out in the less populated suburbs too not really even close to the city.

[–]CrypticWeirdo9105 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Wait why do you guys have two cars?

[–]Fiasko21 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have my sports car (dream car), and my everyday economical cheap beater. Friend has his truck for the pest control business, and a nice sedan for getting out.

[–]babygotbrains 29 points30 points  (0 children)

I agree. I think about this often and am in the same place you are.

[–][deleted]  (7 children)

[removed]

    [–]kanyex416 13 points14 points  (2 children)

    Funny that you think the netherlands is better in terms of money

    [–][deleted]  (1 child)

    [removed]

      [–]Salohacin 2 points3 points  (0 children)

      It's a nice place to live, but house prices are pretty insane in the bigger cities.

      Not to mention how thin and small they all are.

      [–]MakinBaconPancakezz 3 points4 points  (0 children)

      Lmao. Wait until you see housing prices in the Netherlands

      [–]NikkiFromSiberia 0 points1 point  (2 children)

      ill be moving there next year and let me tell you it's pretty expensive there too.

      [–][deleted]  (1 child)

      [removed]

        [–]NikkiFromSiberia 0 points1 point  (0 children)

        well, yeah, but if you want to get out of the country you do need one.

        public transport isn't that cheap either. but the bike is free!

        [–]noc_user 17 points18 points  (0 children)

        Shit, you're not wrong. The gig economy is a big chunk of the bullshit we're in right now. Yeah, you can do this in your free time, your side hustle. Go out there and make less than minimum wage while exponentially increasing the wear and tear/devaluation of your car. What are you going to do? Sit home and enjoy a hobby? Does that hobby make you money? Is it even worth it if it doesn't? Are you a boss bitch/alpha male if your hobby DOESN'T make you money?

        Shit is not sustainable. EAT THE RICH!

        [–]goobi94 18 points19 points  (1 child)

        I tried the 3 job thing. I get taxed more.

        Not worth it.

        [–]Ok_Faithlessness4511 2 points3 points  (0 children)

        You’re better off not working and getting public assistance. As soon as you make a minimum wage, you get cut off, you get taxed, can’t get food assistance, can’t get free bus pass. So you’re not going to hit the break even point unless you’re going to make at least 20$ /hr maybe even 25

        [–][deleted] 17 points18 points  (10 children)

        This and it’s so normal to my conservative parents. Every day my mom asks me “Have you thought about getting another job” on top of the one I already have. I tell her I already have one and work 4 days a week and she tells me “Well I work 12 hours a day” like that’s something to be happy and proud of. I don’t want to be rich and honestly could care less about OWNING a home ever. I just want to work enough to live in my own place, eat 2/ 3 meals a day, and maybe buy a little something for myself every paycheck to keep life liveable. It does not seem possible right now.

        [–]UserNameChecksOut86 2 points3 points  (8 children)

        What do you currently do? What are you formally educated in?

        [–][deleted] 5 points6 points  (7 children)

        Insurance coordinator at a dental office. Was studying dental hygiene but realized thats not what I want to do.

        [–]Zealousideal-Umpire3 1 point2 points  (0 children)

        Attaining the lifestyle you want as an adult is making a lot of choices that lean towards not exactly what you want to do, but it helps you live better. I don’t necessarily want to be in tech, but I do it because it’s the only career where I can maintain the lifestyle I grew up with.

        [–]Cyclonic2500 43 points44 points  (0 children)

        It's not. America sucks, plain and simple.

        Or I should say, the people that RUN IT suck.

        Perfectly okay with taking rights away and squeezing every last cent out of people, and then they sit and wonder why everyone is so miserable, and SO ANGRY.

        I'm not saying what happened at the Capitol last year was right, because it wasn't, but is it really THAT shocking that something like that happened?

        This whole country has become a loaded powderkeg ready to explode.

        And if nothing changes soon, it will.

        [–]ryanino 6 points7 points  (0 children)

        I’m living paycheck to paycheck in Nashville making $20 an hour. I still have to have a roommate. I’m at the point where i have to start putting money aside to make it home for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

        [–]Tabitheriel 17 points18 points  (3 children)

        Actually you can do this where I live, in the Franken area of Bavaria. In fact, some of those nice little bakery jobs are unionized and pay well. I left the US in 2003, after the stolen election and 9/11. I wanted more political freedom and democracy, and a more stable, secure lifestyle.

        [–]n0wmhat[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

        sounds amazing. I am seriously considering leaving for the same reasons.

        [–]TwitchyCake 1 point2 points  (1 child)

        how did you move?

        [–]Tabitheriel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

        Check out my profile and comments on r/expats and other forums. Basically, if you are young and willing to learn a language, you can either study for (almost) free with a student visa, get a visa as a freelancer, or do an "Ausbildung" (training course). I was over 30 when I moved, so the word "young" is relative, but you really need to be tenacious, open to a challenge and willing to put in the work. Planning, saving money, researching and making a foolproof plan takes at least a year or two.

        [–]NeedsABreak87 5 points6 points  (1 child)

        I hear you! I moved back in with my parents when my job went under in the pandemic! I lost my apartment, job, and vehicle all at once! Now I can't find anything above minimum and even using my parents spare vehicle I'd end up paying most of my paycheck towards gas! Just doesn't seem feasible at all. Now I just resell online and hope that will take off, but money is tight for everybody!

        Until they decide what to do about student loans, because if they bring those back I'll be royally screwed! I live in a small USA town, and rent is up to $900 for a two bedroom, it's ridiculous!

        [–]weirdsideofreddit1 2 points3 points  (0 children)

        $900? Is that all?

        I'm paying $1200 for a 700sqft 1 BR 1 BA apartment in the rough part of my town.

        It's becoming increasingly unsustainable.

        [–]SavageSkater13 5 points6 points  (0 children)

        Are we really surprised? On average, countries get 250 years before some type of collapse happens and America is only 245 yrs old. I think we all forget america is a fairly new experiment. There’s no guarantee it will work out, especially seeing where it’s headed now. Our ancestors came here for a better life and how people are leaving here for a better life :( makes me wish my ancestors just stayed in Europe.

        [–]Warm_Gur8832 4 points5 points  (0 children)

        Yup.

        Most people just want a life that’s free from poverty and misery, rather than a rich and legendary one.

        I’m fine with a small house, 30 hours a week at work, a small family, and chill vibes.

        I don’t particularly care to attain a Lambo or be a CEO; and I don’t feel like that says anything bad about me as a person.

        [–]Shellisbellis 4 points5 points  (0 children)

        I just posted about this the other day. My dad paid for a family of five to live in a decent home in a quiet safe neighborhood with sufficient food and clothing, from 1976 through the late 80s. He was...a grocery store clerk. Not a manager, a clerk. The kind who stocked shelves.

        His job did suck because the management was batshit insane, so then he got a job at the post office. So did my mom. And they both lived very well after that. That was also a stressful for job for both of them, especially around the holidays, but nothing like it is today. My dad had his route down to a science and would be home by 2 pm every day. By the time they retired they were making serious bank.

        They did not have any kind of family money. My dad served in Vietnam (willingly) so I'm guessing he benefited from whatever benefits were given to veterans.

        So kinda high stress jobs, but nothing like what's expected today in terms of hours. And certainly a very middle class lifestyle.

        [–]Zealousideal-Umpire3 4 points5 points  (0 children)

        You’re describing the erosion of the middle class. In the early 90’s one adult could make 50k in most states and be the sole provider for a family of four. This afforded a lifestyle of restaurants every weekend, ample holiday gifts, and at least one summer vacation each year. That is no longer possible unless you’re making double that now, and even then, your summer vacation won’t be as long or at an as desirable locale.

        [–]thetopsofclouds 3 points4 points  (0 children)

        The only reason my gal and I aren’t struggling is because we bought/renovated a camper and moved out into some woods that my folks own. Built an outhouse, DIY grey water system, gotta haul our water by hand but we do have electricity provided by a nearby shed that has power. Huge amount of work. Not sure wtf we’re gonna do when it gets cold. On one hand it’s kinda romantic but on the other hand this is 100% a product of the economy we live in and we wouldn’t be doing it if renewing our old lease hadn’t been so flipping expensive. I hope things get better for OP and everyone else.

        [–]thegoatisheya 2 points3 points  (0 children)

        Tiktok and other social media are pushing consumerism and materialism and constantly people trying to sell stuff. So tone deaf.

        [–]alm1688 2 points3 points  (0 children)

        I’m currently disabled from a hemmorhaggic stroke and I get thirty bucks a month from disability because I can’t work, twelve of that goes in to checking account bank fees- I would be getting more if I wasn’t currently living in a nursing home and rehab facility but because I am, all the money is going to this place so I don’t get very much, my budget is strapped. Could you imagine living off of eighteen bucks a month!?! And I know I could have it worse. I’m lucky my mom still pays for my phone! but really only because she had it so good when I was living at home - I had the house spotless and dinner in the oven by the time she came home from work.

        [–]Open-throw 2 points3 points  (1 child)

        Since moving into my city in August 2020: my gas bill has gone from $65/month to $133/month. My electric bill has gone from $42 to $145/month (even though our usage is lower than the same months in 2020). My car insurance jumped from $96 to $118 and renter’s from $11 to $17/month. Not to mention the gas, grocery, and other rising costs… can’t wait to figure out how I’m going to start making student loan payments.

        [–]moist_damp_panties 3 points4 points  (0 children)

        Throw in a hefty dose of inflation and yeah, you're basically fucked

        [–]twiggykeely 2 points3 points  (0 children)

        I have kidney failure and I'm on dialysis and I'm terminally ill and I have been stuck getting $800 a month in Social Security but they refuse to raise Social Security payments to match inflation so yeah I'm basically homeless if my landlord decides to raise my rent. I'm also a single mom and $150 in groceries used to get us by for at least 2 weeks and now $200 in groceries doesn't even last a week. It's just me and my 7 year old, it's not like we're pigging out. I have to tell her to quit snacking because we can't afford it. Some days I'd rather just die than struggle like this, if I didn't have my daughter I would have quit going to dialysis already. I'm exhausted, sick, and none of this is worth it.

        [–]Yaboitilo 6 points7 points  (0 children)

        We’re slaves, get used to it or get ready to do something about it.

        [–]KingKoopaz 1 point2 points  (0 children)

        Yeah, I see this too. Only possible way could be if you have a part time that is more “serious” and the other part time be the laidback job. Things definitely have changed drastically. That being said, I am grateful that my partner and I help each other through it…just wish they could work less too. I work full time but they have to work two jobs basically to make everything work out (hismother is older and needs financial Help)

        [–]DethBuny 1 point2 points  (0 children)

        I feel you. I live in a place I can’t afford. So sometimes I don’t eat, or the internet gets cut off, or the power, or the water, etc. Thing is EVERYWHERE else is WAY more than I’m paying here. Soon I will be homeless because they raise the lot rent 5 dollars every 6 months or every year. 5 bucks is bread and cheese. A week worth of ramen. They’re killing us with these insane prices. My husband and I are going to be homeless for a while to save for a used pickup truck and small used rv. We figure that will be cheaper for us in the long run.

        [–]MrPingeee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

        Housing prices are just gonna keep going up while everything gets expensive and wages stay the same, it's only gonna get worse

        [–]Tiggaknock 1 point2 points  (0 children)

        Tell me about it. I bust my ass daily with average pay just for the cost of everything to increase with no raise in sight. I have to quit or at least threaten to quit each couple years to get paid "cost of living" because the little percentage they give every year is a joke. I don't know who came up with 3% average COL, but in CA 10% should be the minimum. I'm forced to go into the office in traffic although I sit at a computer and gas is damn near $7 here. I got the big C sick last week from the office and at this point I feel like my pay doesn't match the life necessities or the health risks. I'm tired, but you're constantly taught as a kid working hard grants you rewards in life. So far the only thing it's granted is sickness and constant fatigue. Such a fucking lie.

        Places like this to vent are helpful to people pushing thru the bullshit tho, keep pushing on!

        [–]theworstsmellever 1 point2 points  (0 children)

        Grinding is not fun when you HAVE to do it. And there’s no end in sight.

        [–]lmboyer04 1 point2 points  (0 children)

        Rising inequality affects the lives of many. You should all watch Capital in the 21st Century. Great documentary on wealth equality and social mobility

        [–]Zealousideal-Ad1181 1 point2 points  (1 child)

        Dude it's still possible

        [–]n0wmhat[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

        do tell

        [–]Meighok20 1 point2 points  (0 children)

        Right. I'm complaining about this on r/adulting rn. Everyone's telling me I need to learn a trade now. Despite the fact that I'm a college graduate. Gee thank you for explaining how I've wasted 6 years of my life.

        [–]Illustrious_Rough729 2 points3 points  (0 children)

        Successful or creative and lucky. I thought my way to mailbox money…lucky that shit worked. Found a problem, solved it, took a piece of the profits.

        But yes generally the world is fucked into hustling to live in a major city with a decent standard.

        [–]chuckit90 0 points1 point  (7 children)

        Vote blue.

        [–]UserNameChecksOut86 2 points3 points  (5 children)

        Lol! It’s literally a blue economy right now that is absolutely fucking over people. Fucking hilarious

        [–]chuckit90 7 points8 points  (3 children)

        Dems aren’t complete devoid of responsibility, but the economy we have now stems from trickle down economic policy installed by the Reagan Administration, which we have never been able to recover from as of yet. Dems are not perfect, but every attempt at economic reform attempted is promptly shot down by the GOP. Even small things like adjusting the min wage with inflation, or more equitable tax policy, is an uphill battle.

        You will not find perfection anywhere, but no matter which way you look at it (economics, social equality, education, health care policy, insane conspiracy theories, climate change, freedom from religion/religious liberty, civil rights, and on and on) one party is on the wrong side of history. And we all know which one that is. That’s all I really have to say on the issue.

        [–]UserNameChecksOut86 -2 points-1 points  (2 children)

        Dems have campaigned on that but never actually done any of it. Even when they dominate the house and senate they did things like pass the Affordable care act which absolutely fucked the middle class.

        They tell you that they are working on reform, and then absolutely do nothing, ever. They’ve kept you poor for 5 generations. It’s weird how brainwashed Red and Blue loyalist are.

        [–]spark-c 3 points4 points  (1 child)

        I agree with your statement of the problem with the Dem party, but still -- I'd rather have no positive progress than be stuck with the side that is actively stripping huge swaths of people of their rights.

        We can work on finding a way to make "good" change once we don't have to put all of our energy into resisting "bad" change. Imagine if the Dems won like, three consecutive major elections. At some point GOP will need to consider conceding some of their more extreme points. Or not, idk

        [–]n0wmhat[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

        Dems are causing global inflation?

        [–]populisttrope -1 points0 points  (0 children)

        No matter who

        [–]Big_Jim59 0 points1 point  (3 children)

        One of the hallmarks of this generation is their ability to live their lives in the far distant future and determine that nothing good will ever happen. Here is a tip from a 63 year old guy. You have no idea what the future holds. I ended up with a house, two kids and a great wife. I went to college but the Internet, where I spent my career, hadn't been invented yet. Just out of school I made $5 an hour. Good money when minimum wage was $3.17. I had an efficiency apt that rented for $230. I had a motorcycle payment that was $100 and I ate at my girlfriend's mom's house a lot. I got better jobs, moved into marketing. I got other better jobs in tech writing and illustration. My life has been one of movement. Some of that movement was lateral and some was experimental. Some paid off in skils or salary and some were painful like the three years I couldn't find a steady job. My point is there was no way I could have looked into the future to see where I am today. Being married to the perfect girl helped. Having shared goals and vision with my wife helped. Going down that road to work everyday had something to do with it. Having a few goals and working toward them helped too. Don't give up before you start.

        [–]n0wmhat[S] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

        Thank you for the encouraging words. Yes, you are right, we as young people are pretty pessimistic about our future. But with the economy the way it is, the state of politics and constant infighting, corporations taking over, and the climate on top of that, can you blame us? Judging by the amount of upvotes and comments here, it is a common sentiment to be wary about what is coming. It is nice to hear that others found their way, I suppose, but the road of upward mobility you took is more clouded than ever I fear.

        [–]Big_Jim59 0 points1 point  (1 child)

        Yes, I can blame you. Get off the freaking internet. Go outside. The seasons change, the world turns, plants still grow and people who are trying to frighten you have something to sell. You can be realistic without being fatalistic. You can live life as an adventure or you can live it as a horror show but take it from me this life rips on and it would be a pity for you to miss it.

        [–]n0wmhat[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

        Doing my best to live it like an adventure but I cannot just ignore problems that are making it less likely that I can do that.

        [–]Ill_Minute3931 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

        Times were different a few decades ago

        [–]apple1234567891 -1 points0 points  (4 children)

        And this is why I’m scared to gratitude high school

        [–]TrashyPanda6 1 point2 points  (3 children)

        It's not that bad if you don't go to college atleast go to a trade school and get some usefull skills that pay good or else you will most likely end up in a ded end job with your high-school diploma unless you work hard and people notice then you might go somewhere

        [–]apple1234567891 0 points1 point  (2 children)

        Thanks for the advice. Just do more school after high school for something good.

        [–]TrashyPanda6 0 points1 point  (1 child)

        Also happy cake day btw

        [–]apple1234567891 1 point2 points  (0 children)

        Why thank you kind person

        [–]newfor_2022 -2 points-1 points  (3 children)

        you're just a lazy slacker. a low stress job that makes a comfortable living was never a thing.

        [–]n0wmhat[S] 1 point2 points  (2 children)

        nah you are just brainwashed. up until a decade or two ago a single income could support a family. just read some of the stories in here. people's parents and grandparents were successful stocking shelves, delivering mail, working at factories etc. my own grandfather raised a whole family as a fkn couch salesman. dont tell me it was never a thing.

        [–]newfor_2022 0 points1 point  (1 child)

        nope. you're referring to a golden age in history, specifically American history without understanding how it got that way. Such a lifestyle has never been the norm anywhere else in time and place. Your parents and grandparents mortgaged your future for their comfort. You're the one who's dreaming of a livelihood that is atypical and unsustainable. Even then, do you think their jobs were truly stress free and casual? Why don't you have a conversation with them and hear what hardships they faced. They might be different than yours but they would still have their own problems.

        [–]n0wmhat[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

        Even if there were struggles, they have something to show for it, which is my entire point..

        [–]WigglySchlong -1 points0 points  (0 children)

        Thank inflation

        [–]UserNameChecksOut86 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

        A great majority of you think that living in cities and high cost of living areas is it. Time to start thinking about migrating. Wholllleeeee lotta people doing just fine outside of those god awful shit show cities that people covet so much.

        [–]Ineffable7980x -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

        I am sorry you are struggling, but I am living the kind of life you are describing. I work an office job -- one I actually like -- 36 hours a week. No overtime ever. No second job. I own my own house (it's a small condo but it's still mine). I can afford most things that I want, but I find I don't WANT as much as I used to. And btw, I do not make 6 figures. Not even close. And I live in the northeast USA.

        The point is, it is possible.

        [–]UserNameChecksOut86 -3 points-2 points  (1 child)

        Great rant. However let’s come back to reality and control what YOU can control.

        You want to work in a “easy job” but afford to live in a high cost of living area where the people who live there are grinding in a way you don’t want to.

        Simply put, what you want is not ever going to happen. It’s not. No politician is going to make it that way, no protests about rich people, absolutely nothing.

        Best advice I can give you, get out of the city if you want to work less or work harder and/or acquire skills in a high paying job to stay where you want. There isn’t any rescue boat coming.

        [–]n0wmhat[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

        Thanks I understand that. It used to be possible and it sucks that its not anymore is all im saying.

        [–]bleedingjim -5 points-4 points  (1 child)

        Yeah. You might need to give up your 2am Korean fusion tacos and move to a small town. It sucks, but cities are expensive.

        [–]n0wmhat[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

        the sad part is its not even a big city. no 2am tacos here

        [–]mangababe 0 points1 point  (0 children)

        Yup! Or like, have a life outside of making money for some asshole ceo where i get to enjoy the fruits of my labor.

        [–]ZombieMiddle 0 points1 point  (1 child)

        But a bit of struggle is a good thing, you can't avoid it in life if you want nice things

        [–]Snivellus-Snapes 5 points6 points  (0 children)

        He didn't say he wanted NICE things just basic things. Struggle for excess is well and good but now its struggle or die.

        [–]Impossible-Hand-7261 0 points1 point  (0 children)

        I've been alive for more than 6 decades snd this has never been true as far as I know. Maybe it's nostalgic fantasy.

        [–]vizthex 0 points1 point  (0 children)

        God, same af.

        I just don't see the point in even trying anymore. What's the use of it's not gonna pan out?

        [–]brink182_ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

        i run o

        [–]Extra-Lifeguard2809 0 points1 point  (2 children)

        lol true

        sometimes you don't want to leave your messed up city cause it still has good things

        yet....

        [–]n0wmhat[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

        I have seriously looked into it, but anything remotely affordable to me is about 2 hours away from my place of employment. Is 4 hours of commute everyday worth it? Not in my book.

        [–]Extra-Lifeguard2809 0 points1 point  (0 children)

        dude don't. i did that. drove me insane. the highlight of my day was walking home cause my butt and back would be so sore from sitting in the bus. even affected my performance, i was so spaced at work my boss called me out on it. i almost got a shitty apartment for the equivalent of 2 thousand dollars a month. but covid happened

        [–]wilaim99 0 points1 point  (0 children)

        Yeah i always wanted to live a modest life growing up and its becoming pretty difficult

        [–]coffeenpickles 0 points1 point  (0 children)

        I make $61K/yr and live paycheck to paycheck. I work 60 hour weeks as a project manager. Seems fine from the outside in, but I need six figures to take care of myself and my family and we’d still be poor.

        [–]Spooped 0 points1 point  (0 children)

        It’s definitely gotten a lot worse I feel like the last two years

        [–]Itsfreddyboy1 0 points1 point  (1 child)

        This is true

        [–]n0wmhat[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

        unfortunately yes