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Originally Posted by DeltAlum
Of course it isn't -- but it is a huge stereotype on your part to think that the poor assume that they're "entitled" to anything. Many of them are working very hard at simple survival.
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I'm talking about Americans in general. In this thread, we aren't talking about survival, we're talking about quality of life/luxury. Anyone can
survive in the U.S. but they might just not get what the
want. Our issue with entitlement is far reaching. It's why we are such a lawsuit-happy society.
I'm currently in the process of figuring out how I'm going to keep myself housed with my rate of pay, which is pretty generous. My problem is that I have to be concerned with my appearance, health and reliable transportation as I work in a professional environment. If I were a full-time retail employee (as I've been in the past), I wouldn't require quite as much money to survive.
Currently, I'm looking at about $150 over budget each week (my fall calculation which begins in September when I get married) and I'm always looking at ways to shave off some expenses. My problem is that housing costs in my area are astronomical, even for ant-infested dungeon apartments. I also have to deal with gas prices in the $3.25+ range.
I'm trying to figure out how to cover all my expenses (two cars, rent, food, utilities, tithing, etc.) on my salary until my soon-to-be husband is able to find employment in this area. The public transportation in this area is fair at best or else I would be all over it.
I'm a very frugal person. Most of what I own came in the form of gifts. I simply don't buy things for myself that aren't absolutely necessary. I won't buy things until I have disposable cash above and beyond my minimum savings requirements.
I've worked with many, many people with many, many income levels on budgeting and meeting goals (debt payment, savings, etc.) Even people on the lower end of the pay scale can be healthy and happy, although it might mean that they have to live in a rundown building and eat the same food day after day until they can get control of their finances. Like I said, it's not an issue of survival. It's an issue of what people want.
By the way, the sole purpose of my career is matching people with jobs. I go out and find a job and then act as an advocate in the matching process. In fact, citizens have access to FREE training (in-office or with our partners) to help them upgrade their career levels. Offices like mine exist in nearly every, if not every, county in the U.S. as a result of a federal initiative. I'm very aware of what's happening, at least in my area, in the job market and what types of jobs adults are getting in my county. We serve more than 40% of the unemployed citizens in the county and we're constantly trying to reach the other 60%.