[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Trayderjoe

May I suggest that the problem is that there are jobs which exist that were never meant to provide an income that would cover the cost of living, yet expectations for these jobs have changed? And why is that? Yes, people lost jobs and are still losing them, but they are turning the wrong way if they expect to flip burgers at McDonald's for a living and thinking that should pay their rent. We are also "carrying" people who made decisions and can't/won't face the consequences of their decisions. This is a much larger issue but relates IMO in some way to the current minimum wage discussions

I am not suggesting that businesses aren't part of the problem either. Many companies don't provide pensions anymore, there are businesses which don't hire full time employees so they don't have to worry about benefits, and that does provide a burden on people to hold down more than one job. If you need more than one part time job, then get a second job. Is it easy for me to say? Yes, but then again, I already lived through "my pains" so I can speak to my experience.

Part of the problem is that there are expenses which are truly optional-it might be ideal to have them, but you can live without them. Rent, food, utilities and some form of medical insurance are a must. Owning a car, having a cell phone (a landline is still an option with an answering machine), having cable TV can all be eliminated. If you live where there is bus service to a subway, you take those means of transportation (if either fit in your budget) or you walk/ride a bike (granted, this may be less of an option for an older person). You could also share the cost of a house or apartment rental and get a roommate.

Whatever the minimum wage is, there is still a lack of context in terms of the number of hours that someone works at that scale. A 40 hour work week at $15/hour is $31,200. If no employer will hire for more than 30 hours a week,you are down to $23,400.

Ultimately we all pay the price one way or another and I merely suggest that some "may choke when they get their bill".

Good thoughts. Reasonable thoughts and shows background of living carefully. I so agree. I can afford a smart phone but don't have one...old habits die hard. I remember when my "living wage" was $33 a week in 1962. I didn't have my nails done then and I don't now.

G.G.