People come to the rescue of woman struggling to navigate life in today's economy

Graduating from college no longer carries the excitement it once did, as many face daunting economic realities. Many find it difficult to face the real world's trials, including an unreasonably high cost of living. Despite working over 40 hours a week and juggling multiple jobs, many still can't afford a comfortable lifestyle. Recently, a woman u/FunctionUpbeat7126, who recently graduated from college, shared on Reddit the woes of living a tight-fisted lifestyle despite working in a full-time salaried position and she turned to the internet seeking advice on navigating life in this unpredictable economy.

Having double-majored in dance and business, the woman secured a job she liked. "I knew dance was not the career to become rich with, but I do value my own happiness," she pointed out. Her full-time salaried position required her to work remotely half the time. "I teach for 20 hours and then do administrative work for the other 20," she mentioned. She added, "The company I work for is pretty big with corporate schools all around the world. I am an associate director. This is a full-time position with benefits at a big company."

Yet, her full-time job fell short of providing the lifestyle she anticipated. "My rent alone is over half my income. I live in an expensive area, but I already commute an hour to work every day. I wanted to move to a cheaper area, but it would have made my commute go up another hour with morning traffic," she said. As the reality hit, she had to start taking additional jobs to make ends meet. "Maybe I am just being naive, but this doesn't sit well with me," she said. "I see my higher-ups in beautiful houses on our Zoom meetings and I'm sitting here eating butter pasta for breakfast, lunch and dinner."

She felt uncertain about how to navigate her career and life under these economic conditions. "With my three jobs, I'm working/commuting from 8 am to 11 pm every day. I'm exhausted. I like my jobs and I'm happy, but I am so tired. I don't have time to cook, sleep, go to the dentist, get groceries, etc." Having shared her concern in another Reddit forum, she received some apathetic comments like, "Well, what did you expect?" or "Welcome to the real world." So, this time, she clarified that she wasn't stupid not to realize the reality but wanted some help to navigate life. So, users pitched in their thoughts and suggestions.

"Take a 2 prong approach- higher paying jobs in an LCOL (low cost of living) area and higher paying jobs in an HCOL (high cost of living) area with great public transit like NY, DC or BOS. I got rid of my SUV and it saves about $1000/month," recommended u/MaleficentExtent1777. "Apply for jobs in your field and be ready to jump ship without notice. When you get a chance, let your employer know you are about to leave immediately. If they value you, then they will pay you. If they refuse to pay you more, then you never had a long-term job in the first place. Leave them in the dust," added u/Spiel_Foss.

Some reassured her that it wasn't her fault that the flawed corporate system had made life difficult for everyone. "Please don't look at this like any sort of personal failing. The system is built like this to keep you down. Hard to be an activist/push for reform/change the system when you are constantly hustling just to get by," said u/Weird-Captain-4727. "Don't become personally attached to your job. Hard work gets you more hard work. Don't fall into the trap of thinking that going above and beyond will yield promotions, raises or any other rewards. Start saving for retirement now," emphasized u/Rude_Violinist4131.