Antiwork

After leaving a mind numbing fast food job, I managed to get a position in a warehouse distributing medical supplies. The work is fairly easy, the hours are good, and my coworkers are cool. However, I've been making less money over time for the same amount of work. Minimum wage in my state is $14.49 and my wage is $17.53. I've now been here long enough that my 401K and health insurance have kicked in, for the last 80.5 hours of work, I am taking home $925. That's barely over $11/hr. That's one months rent and almost my car insurance. I've spoken to my boss about money problems in the past but he tells me my wage is budgeted by someone way higher up the ladder than him, and all he can do is suggest I take on overtime and speak to a company provided financial advisor. I'm sitting in…

For the past 15 years I have been trying to do better. For the past 10 years I have been trying very hard. I have a degree. I have a job. I pay my bills. I am raising children. These days I am actively contributing to my community. I am growing as a person. I have quit smoking. I have maybe one drink a week. I'm sober and not doing drugs. My spending is down. I'm making adult choices. I contribute to a 401k. My wages haven't been growing at a rate to keep up with inflation. Rent has gone up. I can't save enough to get a head. It makes everything seem so pointless. My family isn't safe or secure. One accident or medical emergency and all I have struggled for is gone. This isn't just me. And chances are that if you are reading this you are in…

still shit at titles, so sorry about that from the go! I'm just so excited but within my excitement I can see how important the fight for livable wage is I interviewed with a company a while back and didn't get the job, but I was actually happy. I don't want to be a manager right now, so I took a sales spot within a small company. oh boy, the work and people are ok but the wage and benefits are shit. I spend every day thinking about how none of the work is worth doing, because I can't afford life. Well they called me back because they have another spot they needed filled. Went and interviewed today, and it went so fucking great. they asked what I wanted to be paid, and I was so nervous but I asked for $10,000 more than what I said for the managerial…

My mother died a couple of weeks ago. As her Durable Power of Attorney it was my responsibility to fly out, meet with her medical team, make end of life decisions, and make all funeral arrangements, close bank accounts, etc. This all happened suddenly, and Mom had the temerity to take her downward turn while I was at work. My boss required me to formally apply for a leave of absence (LOA) because otherwise “this will affect your attendance.” So while dealing with all of my mother's stuff and trying to help my sister through this I am now also trying to navigate the evils of HR and the LOA team. They want an 8 page document from her doctor with details of my mom's medical conditions. I don't even remember the name of the hospital she was at. I spoke with 5 different doctors and social workers. The death…