I am currently living in the YMCA, I work part time, minimum wage, and im currently in a poverty trap. Im having to spend ALL the money I earn on rent and food, i cannot save up to do anything that willl actually give me a future, so what do you recommend i do???
Any help/advice would be much appreciated
-What traits do you have?
-What is your income?
-How many hours do you work?
-What is your food/rent bill?
I think there’s the root of the problem.
I used to work for minimum wage in the US, and not only did I find it easy to sustain myself, I actually saved quite a bit, but I worked 10-12, sometimes 14 hours per day. So the only way I see out of your situation is to ask your employer for more hours or look for an extra job or two. Granted, it must be easier said then done in the current economy.
Once you have enough savings to last you a month or two, use the money to get some skills/permits that will land you a better job.
Where do you live? The employment situation in San Diego, California, is pretty bad right now, but it’s not as bad as everybody makes it out to be. You can still find jobs. You have to apply. Some places pay more than minimum wage. You have to increase your productivity and find ways of enhancing your resumé, making you more attractive to potential employers. I work for minimum wage, but I’m in college so I’m not in your exact situation. I know some banks are hiring if you can find them and sell yourself well enough, or night jobs generally hire, as well.
Apply to places where you’d never think to apply before.
If you have family / relatives elsewhere & inquire about the economic climate in said area, & it is possible to get a better job and/or improve your situation (such as working for a family business, odd jobs in a closely nitted neighborhood while getting some skills training like say bartending etc.), I would suggest doing that.
You might be able to get a good deal concerning rent with family and/or support, & if there’s an improved possibility of employment (with more hours, or even full-time) somewhere, I would recommend doing it sooner than later.
Before considering that though, is there any room for advancement at your current job? You might need to consider all options, & not just attractive and/or easy ones, in order to improve your situation.
Not to be pitiless or anything, but honestly… there are jobs out there. Getting one just depends on how important your dignity is to you. Some people refuse to take horrid minimum wage jobs and end up broke because they felt like they were better than that.