Venting is important and we of course want to system to be corrected to value human life and properly compensate the working class. Minimum wage, universal health care, etc.
However until that time comes, if it ever does, what are some steps folks in this sub can do immediately or at least begin that will increase their quality of life?
I live in Florida and I was a 3rd generation diner cook. Dropped out of high school living paycheck to paycheck. My monthly treat to myself was a $5 footling from the Subway down the road. I had a beater car that cranked about 75% of the time that I did all my own repairs to. Lived in a trailer with semi functional AC. I brought home right at $1200 a month.
I went to massage school to get my license to practice massage therapy. It was a 6 month course and tuition was about $12,000. I got a grant for half and a loan for the other half. I also had to get my GED first but it was a small task
I graduated and immediately started earning about $52,000/yr. Big leap in salary. I was able to then work my way into management, switch companies, become a store manager and eventually the owner of a spa.
Right now licensed massage therapists in Florida working 40 hours a week are clearing $100k on average. Because of the high pay most people just work 25 ish hours a week and still bring home a healthy pay. Between base pay (here it's usually around $23-$25/hr) tips, commissions and other benefits it pays better than nearly all 4 year degree jobs I know of do.
It allowed my to climb out of poverty and into a very healthy financial situation. I actually recommend to anyone I know still struggling to take this path because it's cheap, quick, and easy.