I work at a factory and make what is considered a “good” wage where I am. For reference i am in upstate New York. I make about $23.50 an hour and work full time. Not to mention I work overnights, yet the differential is only 50¢, which is another complaint on its own. But overall, one of the better wages around me, considering I don't have a college degree.
I don't usually pay too much attention to the details on my paystub, but today I looked at the net pay out of curiosity since we're halfway through the year.
My net pay for these past 6 months has been just under $17k. Maybe I just can't do math in my head or just thought it would add up to more, I don't know. But that's it? So roughly $35k by the end of the year… And I'm expected to live off of this? I knew it was bad in America already, but this gave me some new perspective. My deductions so far have been about $4k, including 401k. So, being generous, my gross pay for the year will be around $50k. Even if I took all of that home, i don't think it would be enough.
Anyway, I feel like dropping everything and living in the woods until that becomes illegal too. Anyone wanna join?