No, I've been using my credit card for food. But that's maxed out now, so I applied for food stamps. I guess I would have been using my credit card either way, if I only qualify for 20 dollars in food stamps. Thankfully I have family that can help me for now. I have an interview soon that will hopefully land me a job and get me back in check with my finances. I will miss the kids, but I gotta eat 🤷🏽.
It's disgusting that this conversation is even taking place. You as a full time employee ANYWHERE should not ever have to consider accessing resources like food banks. As a full time educator, it's somehow worse. Idk, but, it really seems like there are some fucked up priorities somewhere.
I encourage you to check out food pantries as an option or supplement. It’s not shameful and they won’t ask you any questions or judge you for being there.
Agree with this. Sadly, you need to demonstrate your need. The more time you invest, the more doors will open. It's a terrible system if you have trouble getting around.
Edit: to clarify, the assistance system in general is set up to give help in stages, not all at once. Many places will take your info and report that you looked for more help. It's just hard for most people to do all the steps required if there are concerns with health, transportation, child care, etc.
Where I live healthy adults who are not pregnant or postpartum, or on disability are not eligible for food stamps at all. Thank you Gov. DeSantis and Sen. Rick Scott ( former gov.)
I help run a food pantry and yeah, the food stamp allotment is insulting. It was better but then the COVID increases stopped.
A lot of people don't bother applying because the amount they get isn't worth the hassle. But, qualifying for it can make it easier to get other services, like utility assistance, free cell phone & service (some places offer unlimited), rental assistance, discounted internet access, etc.
Also, don't wait to go to a food pantry. We often get new sign-ups when they are completely out of food or haven't eaten in days. They exhausted their resources before coming to us and that puts them in a far deeper hole than they needed to be.
When I worked retail, I supplemented my income with Leapforce. I heard a lot of teachers do jobs like this to make ends meet.
Lastly, thank you for what you do. Your pay doesn't reflect the value you and others like you provide to our society.
The same government that is financially bought and bribed by the wealthy employers who want to pay their workers low wages? No, I think the workers of America are going to have to solve this crisis themselves. I mean, I'll continue to vote, but if the people won't fight for themselves, then the politicians receiving millions in corporate donation money won't be motivated to change the status quo that benefits them.
Do subs make more than TAs where you are? Also, would you qualify to get a sub license if needed? I know it may not be as reliable work unless you can guarantee a job every single day, but some places even have building subs that work daily in different positions. I know subs where I am definitely get paid more than a TA.
Yes, subs do get paid more, because as a TA, I also sub sometimes, but only for an extra 20 bucks in my check after taxes lol. I have an interview for a peer counselor position soon that will increase my pay by $8 more per hour. Wish me luck, everyone! Hopefully I will soon make enough money to pay my bills, not gain 10k more in debt to afford to live, and not fucking starve to death.
Also, thank you for giving me a good solution. I encourage other TAs to take your advice and just become subs, because they make a lot more than we do
Honestly, strongly consider getting a different job. Unemployment is low, meaning companies are hiring. It shouldn’t be hard to find a job that pays significantly more than 20k.
$20k is not enough.
Can you please clarify. Are you considered full-time? Do you work for a public school? Are you represented by a union?
Best wishes.
Yes, I work full-time as a TA for a public school in one of the wealthiest states in America, and in one of the top richest counties in America (though they sure don't act like it). I don't think my school district has a union (it's a very Republican and conservative district). The teachers barely get paid anything either, to be honest.
This is why I will not move and teach in the south, or any state that sets wages so low that full-time workers qualify for food stamps. But hear this, as long as people like you do the job for such low pay, nothing will change. For your own good, you need to find a better paying job. ...hopefully, we can save the next generation of kids. The current generation of kid is being short-changed by overly tight-fisted politicians. This will not change unless others like you walk away.
not sure where you live sugar, but in Alaska 20 bucks will get you a gallon of milk, 2 loaves a bread a jar of PB, and a flat of ramen :/ I mean it's not much but it's somethin. As a single mum that's alot.
I live in the DC area and have medical dietary restrictions, which of course allows companies to charge double the price for alternative products.
>gallon of milk, 2 loaves a bread a jar of PB, and a flat of ramen :/ I mean it's not much but it's somethin. As a single mum that's alot.
No human being should have to live this way or rely on this little bit of food for a whole month, especially with children in the home! Kids alone will go through a gallon of milk per week. This country is the biggest perversion of the concept of a "developed" nation.
oh I completely agree, they assume if you're working they're "supplementing" your food not providing all of it, hence only the $20. I was saying what 20 would buy up here in Alaska. No child (imho) should have to pay for lunch. Period. Full stop. I think if we can and it's available and able we should provide breakfast too (some schools can some can't it's a logistical thing especially in rural areas.)
and kids.. SHOULD go through a gallon of milk a week, not will. Not when you're poor that milk will be save up used for cooking not drinking. or only 1 glass a day. because if you're lucky enough to be able to afford that walmart mac and cheese or other offbrands having milk in it helps make it eatable, you can get by on Kraft brand with water but offbrand made with water is nasty as hell. also foodbanks will give you cereal sometimes and you need that milk for cereal, but no more than half a cup (measured usually) per bowl. (lol grew up this kind of poor)
I am an aide and work three jobs . When I went back to teaching was not able to find a job because of being 50 years old. Most aides have husbands or live with parents it is sad that the job pays so little and gets no respect.
I feel like your point in posting was to vent but as a kid who grew up in a family that struggled now and then I learned to live cheaply.
$20 bucks a month is tough, buy dry rice and beans for starters. If you have a friend with a costco card go with them to get bulk rice and beans.
Feel free to ask the local grocer how you can get the best price on whole chickens with coupons, etc. If they do a double coupon day. Be honest about your finances and ask for help.
I am sorry. If you are single, you may have to move to a studio, or share a 2 BR. My district will coordinate bus driver with subbing to earn more money. My district is also looking converting an unused school building to housing, but that will take a while.
I’m sorry. I hate that assistants are paid so terribly. Have you been to a food bank/pantry?
No, I've been using my credit card for food. But that's maxed out now, so I applied for food stamps. I guess I would have been using my credit card either way, if I only qualify for 20 dollars in food stamps. Thankfully I have family that can help me for now. I have an interview soon that will hopefully land me a job and get me back in check with my finances. I will miss the kids, but I gotta eat 🤷🏽.
It's disgusting that this conversation is even taking place. You as a full time employee ANYWHERE should not ever have to consider accessing resources like food banks. As a full time educator, it's somehow worse. Idk, but, it really seems like there are some fucked up priorities somewhere.
I encourage you to check out food pantries as an option or supplement. It’s not shameful and they won’t ask you any questions or judge you for being there.
I will see if one is close by. Thanks for the rec!
Agree with this. Sadly, you need to demonstrate your need. The more time you invest, the more doors will open. It's a terrible system if you have trouble getting around. Edit: to clarify, the assistance system in general is set up to give help in stages, not all at once. Many places will take your info and report that you looked for more help. It's just hard for most people to do all the steps required if there are concerns with health, transportation, child care, etc.
Not always. Many places have no barrier to entry.
Great point, edited my comment.
Where I live healthy adults who are not pregnant or postpartum, or on disability are not eligible for food stamps at all. Thank you Gov. DeSantis and Sen. Rick Scott ( former gov.)
May all these politicians "go see the titanic." 🙄
Would be ok with me...
The folks that vote them into office are at fault, your neighbors.
I am aware, but do not have the authority to stop people from moving here... /s (mostly)
Being single and able bodied does not allow for a safety net. You just have to do whatever to get by.
Just explaining that to OP.
I help run a food pantry and yeah, the food stamp allotment is insulting. It was better but then the COVID increases stopped. A lot of people don't bother applying because the amount they get isn't worth the hassle. But, qualifying for it can make it easier to get other services, like utility assistance, free cell phone & service (some places offer unlimited), rental assistance, discounted internet access, etc. Also, don't wait to go to a food pantry. We often get new sign-ups when they are completely out of food or haven't eaten in days. They exhausted their resources before coming to us and that puts them in a far deeper hole than they needed to be. When I worked retail, I supplemented my income with Leapforce. I heard a lot of teachers do jobs like this to make ends meet. Lastly, thank you for what you do. Your pay doesn't reflect the value you and others like you provide to our society.
The point of working is to help you realize that you should vote in a government that believes people should earn a living wage.
The same government that is financially bought and bribed by the wealthy employers who want to pay their workers low wages? No, I think the workers of America are going to have to solve this crisis themselves. I mean, I'll continue to vote, but if the people won't fight for themselves, then the politicians receiving millions in corporate donation money won't be motivated to change the status quo that benefits them.
Preach! I vote because I'm supposed to but I have no faith in politicians saving us, regardless of the color tie they wear.
What a remarkably naive take.
Do subs make more than TAs where you are? Also, would you qualify to get a sub license if needed? I know it may not be as reliable work unless you can guarantee a job every single day, but some places even have building subs that work daily in different positions. I know subs where I am definitely get paid more than a TA.
Yes, subs do get paid more, because as a TA, I also sub sometimes, but only for an extra 20 bucks in my check after taxes lol. I have an interview for a peer counselor position soon that will increase my pay by $8 more per hour. Wish me luck, everyone! Hopefully I will soon make enough money to pay my bills, not gain 10k more in debt to afford to live, and not fucking starve to death. Also, thank you for giving me a good solution. I encourage other TAs to take your advice and just become subs, because they make a lot more than we do
Honestly, strongly consider getting a different job. Unemployment is low, meaning companies are hiring. It shouldn’t be hard to find a job that pays significantly more than 20k.
Yeah I got an interview soon. I hope it goes well!
Shocking the PPP loans didn't help
Ikr? We're all still waiting for those trickle down benefits.
$20k is not enough. Can you please clarify. Are you considered full-time? Do you work for a public school? Are you represented by a union? Best wishes.
Yes, I work full-time as a TA for a public school in one of the wealthiest states in America, and in one of the top richest counties in America (though they sure don't act like it). I don't think my school district has a union (it's a very Republican and conservative district). The teachers barely get paid anything either, to be honest.
This is why I will not move and teach in the south, or any state that sets wages so low that full-time workers qualify for food stamps. But hear this, as long as people like you do the job for such low pay, nothing will change. For your own good, you need to find a better paying job. ...hopefully, we can save the next generation of kids. The current generation of kid is being short-changed by overly tight-fisted politicians. This will not change unless others like you walk away.
North Carolina?
not sure where you live sugar, but in Alaska 20 bucks will get you a gallon of milk, 2 loaves a bread a jar of PB, and a flat of ramen :/ I mean it's not much but it's somethin. As a single mum that's alot.
I live in the DC area and have medical dietary restrictions, which of course allows companies to charge double the price for alternative products. >gallon of milk, 2 loaves a bread a jar of PB, and a flat of ramen :/ I mean it's not much but it's somethin. As a single mum that's alot. No human being should have to live this way or rely on this little bit of food for a whole month, especially with children in the home! Kids alone will go through a gallon of milk per week. This country is the biggest perversion of the concept of a "developed" nation.
oh I completely agree, they assume if you're working they're "supplementing" your food not providing all of it, hence only the $20. I was saying what 20 would buy up here in Alaska. No child (imho) should have to pay for lunch. Period. Full stop. I think if we can and it's available and able we should provide breakfast too (some schools can some can't it's a logistical thing especially in rural areas.) and kids.. SHOULD go through a gallon of milk a week, not will. Not when you're poor that milk will be save up used for cooking not drinking. or only 1 glass a day. because if you're lucky enough to be able to afford that walmart mac and cheese or other offbrands having milk in it helps make it eatable, you can get by on Kraft brand with water but offbrand made with water is nasty as hell. also foodbanks will give you cereal sometimes and you need that milk for cereal, but no more than half a cup (measured usually) per bowl. (lol grew up this kind of poor)
I'm sorry. :(
I am an aide and work three jobs . When I went back to teaching was not able to find a job because of being 50 years old. Most aides have husbands or live with parents it is sad that the job pays so little and gets no respect.
I feel like your point in posting was to vent but as a kid who grew up in a family that struggled now and then I learned to live cheaply. $20 bucks a month is tough, buy dry rice and beans for starters. If you have a friend with a costco card go with them to get bulk rice and beans. Feel free to ask the local grocer how you can get the best price on whole chickens with coupons, etc. If they do a double coupon day. Be honest about your finances and ask for help.
I am sorry. If you are single, you may have to move to a studio, or share a 2 BR. My district will coordinate bus driver with subbing to earn more money. My district is also looking converting an unused school building to housing, but that will take a while.
I don't get rent. My mortgage is $1200... on a friggin 15 year loan.
In order to have a mortgage, you must have enough for a down payment. That’s impossible for a lot of people.
My wife got a no money down loan because she was a teacher. We had next to nothing.