In mid-May, I received a message that I was quoted in the article below which is a story that highlights living paycheck to paycheck. I feel fortunate to be included. The article was timely. It was published in the midst of a pandemic, when unemployment had skyrocketed to unforeseen levels since the Great Depression. Although the request for the quote took place weeks before the pandemic caused a major shift in everyone’s lives. My comments were worthy then and even more so now.
https://medium.com/@raininstantpay/living-paycheck-to-paycheck-stories-from-real-people-e37cffb94e19
Many people have seen their income completely change as a result of COVID. Jobs are gone. Some industries are still struggling. Others may never come back. I love the work I do. I believe it has become more valuable over the last several months as individuals and families have ventured into the outdoors to seek recreation, solace, and mental healing. The fact that my job doesn’t beget a large paycheck is a small downside in world that values economics and the all mighty dollar. Living with a smaller amount of means has enabled me to focus on what is important to purchase or where to spend the money I do earn. It has given me the insight to learn that life is much more then how much we make.
For many people the challenge of living with financial uncertainty provides a level of stress and anxiety they cannot handle. It does have its downsides when an unexpected crisis occurs. Or if you are trying to save for something special. The last several months have displayed that in greater force.
Ultimately, I do believe it is important to present another side of the financial story. There are many people who struggle week to week to be able to afford basic necessities. I believe this article provides a number of different prospectives.