This probably isn't a revolutionary post, but I'm at my wits end, honestly.
In July, I graduate with a first in a video game related degree. I live in the 'Hollywood of video games' and a 30/40 minute commute from London. There is absolutely no chance of securing a job in this industry, but I gave up on that half way through my degree anyway. Now I don't care about career path, I apply for anything I can.
I've been working part time for one of the largest supermarkets in the UK for £10/$12.26 an hour. Best job I've ever had, but the bar is incredibly low. I have to leave because a) there's no full time contracts despite massive staffing issues, and b) even working full time, I wouldn't be able to afford my minimum monthly costs just to survive.
Things are dire. In the past month, my monthly living expenses have gone from just under £900 to £1.2k. My rent has gone up, my energy has almost tripled, and petrol is genuinely unbelievable. I remember it hitting 154 in the wake of '08 and my dad having to stop using the car. The average by me right now is 190. ($8.64 a gallon). I barely use my car more than commuting to work but it costs me £50 to fill up a 2008 Ford Fiesta.
My paycheck doesn't even cover rent any more, let alone food, bills, petrol etc. But finding another job has been hell.
Just to get by, I need £20k a year, and that's with food shops consisting of the cheapest tins possible.
Every single entry-level job either provides no training and requires 2-3 years prior experience and a relevant degree, or pays £16-18k. I literally cannot cut down on costs any more. My medication alone is £100 a month (so much for free healthcare).
I rent with roommates, everything is split, and it's still impossible to just survive.
I'm 22. I was born to very financially instable parents, I grew up under the 08 recession. Now as an adult, I have no one to rely on financially besides myself, no home to return to if everything goes wrong.
I just don't understand how I'm supposed to live like this. I know we're just collateral damage. If we don't own capital, we have no worth, no power. Those with capital don't have the humanity enough to care unless their power is threatened.
I'm continuing to look for jobs, and maybe I'll get lucky. But I just.. . What are we supposed to do? This country refuses to riot for anything, even the train strikes today are met with backlash. I don't understand how we're supposed to continue when even trying to survive is so hopeless.