Prior to the pandemic I worked a freelance job making $25 an hour which is really good for my area and I enjoyed it because I set my own hours and the pay was great. I did this for 3 years. Then covid hit, lost my job, got on unemployment made more than I ever had on that, then took a weekend part time $15 an hour, jumped to full time under the presumption that my pay would raise…. It did not.
I work Mon-Fri 2-11pm for $15 an hour. Which I thought since it was a set schedule it'd basically equal out mostly. But now inflation has happened and I can barely afford gas to get to work let alone bills, rent, and food. And for what?! I could go get another job, but everywhere around me is paying practically the same. Everything is going up except our pay.
If we go to war with Russia which its looking like it'll happen, we are completely fucked. My friend who works a factory and makes around $28 an hr is struggling. This is ridiculous!! Like how are we even suppose to get ahead in life?!