Hard Earned is a documentary series that puts aside economic debates and follows five families around the country to find out what it takes to get by on $8, $10 or $15 an hour. The series turns an intimate lens on this group of 21st century American dreamers as they fight against all odds to thrive when it takes everything they have to simply survive. Have a safe New Year.
ANOTHER instance of you trying to pass off an old documentary as brand new. Explain why Emilia’s work calendar at 15:11 is in September of 2013? You’re a complete joke of a page trying to pull the wool over peoples eyes.
I'm 50 years old, a Canadian, and I live with my mother. My younger brother lives with us as well, as he is on disability, and cannot work. I earn $21.50 an hour, which is not enough to afford rent by myself. For the longest time, I was embarrassed to be living in this arrangement, but I now realize it's for the best. I pay rent, which my mom uses to pay the mortgage, and we take care of each other. That would be hard to do, if I lived somewhere else. I'm warm, I have shelter, and food. I am grateful, even though it is not my dream situation.
There is nothing to be ashamed of my brother. Your doing the right thing. Your life is very similar to the vast majority of the population in America. Hard times are going to get Real Hard once the US cant pay back what it borrowed.
Canadian here - there is nothing to be ashamed with to live with your parents/family. we are brainwashed to think everyone should live on their own. if you look at traditional cultures they all live with their family! i have never understood why most Canadians kick their kids out at 18 years old.
This documentary was filmed in 2013, but released in 2015. Elizabeth is now an Assistant Principal at a middle school, and Jose works in Facilities & Production Support at a court reporting agency - I think he still works at the same company that was showed in the documentary, but he was able to move up. They’re still married and now have 3 children. Let this be a testament that your current circumstances, don’t have to be your destination. Life is a journey, and some chapters are harder than others. I’m happy they were able to beat the odds and live a beautiful life together!
Thank you for the updates. So don't have to watch the documentary too painful. I was there at one point many years ago making nothing until I enrolled myself in school since than financially its gotten much better
I came from a share cropper family. It took me 50 years to get ahead, I am 77 now, and I still dream. You must not ever give up on your dreams, but you must never give up on yourself...
You’re so right. I’m just about 50 years old and I finally don’t have to worry when it’s time for license plate renewal, which bill won’t get paid for the month. 50 years old and I’m just making enough to pay my bills without stressing out. It’s crazy; like you said, never give up. Once you get there….you’ll look back and be amazed at how you made it through!
Thanks for the inspirational advice. I’ve been dealing with feelings of failure at 45 yrs old. I’m not really able to see any real progress. It seems I’m working harder just not to lose everything I’ve worked for thus far.
I'm a high school drop out with only a GED who also grew up poor. Now at 50 yrs of age I own 3 brick and mortar businesses that do ok. I've always told folks that ask how I did it that I'm not the smartest guy. I'm not even the hardest working guy. But what I've always had is tenacity and investment plans. I don't give up. It may take me longer to cross the finish line. But I will cross it. I was ignorant on so many things when I first took over my first business. But I learned and grew. I'm a slow learner also. But again, I keep going, I pray that anyone who reads this will be successful in life too 🙏🙏🙏
You're right, you've remind me of what someone once said "The mind is the man, the poor is in it and the rich is it too". This sentence is the secret of most successful investors. I once attended similar and ever since then been waxing strong financially, and i most tell you the truth..investment is the key that can secure your family future.
Sometimes, it's not about having a talent, skill, or passion. But what if I told you that with the right investment, you can still achieve your goals? No talent, no skill, no passion, but good investment can bring you financial freedom. Don't underestimate the power of smart financial decisions!"
that's why I always urge everyone to start investing somewhere now no matter how small, this is literally the time for that, forget material things, don't get tempted,i became more better the moment i realized this.
Yeah there's a lot of sense in these comments but so many people will view it as not reasonable enough due to the fact that many are middle class living paycheck to paycheck
After watching several of Oprah's financial shows, I found anyone can save money, it's just a matter of priorities. Someone working minimum wage can find alternative accomodations and save on rent. Don't eat out, don't buy prepared food. You have already saved hundreds per month that way. Put a percentage of that money into blue chip stocks or silver and gold. Freedom to do so is extremely important and since socialism always ends in tyranny, don't vote socialism into power
Living below the poverty level, I'm glad I don't have children. I hold two degrees and used to make great money in SF, but I went blind, got surgery, am still blind in one eye and half blind in the other, but not blind ENOUGH for govt. asistance. They just have a way....Cant drive and can't do what I went to college for 6.5 years to do. Life is rough, but it could be worse and I'm grateful! Keep your chin up!❤ To everyone!
Pardon, But if you don't mind my asking how did you go blind? Blindness isn't considered a disability you to get a monthly check? I thought it was. And out of curiosity are you Black, foreign or wite
Keep trying to get disability. Get a lawyer. They deny and deny but a lawyer will help you get through and they take a bit of the back pay. If you are as blind as you claim, you should be able to get disability. The system is difficult due to all the abusers of the system.
Well I guess if having a solid 6 figure career, substantial savings, investments, 2 pensions, a paid off house and being debt free when I hit 50 is getting nowhere I'll take it.
100% agree. Growing up I kept my head bent into books. I was teased relentlessly. I'm now 40. I've been a nurse for 20 years. I have almost raised 4 children. During Covid I made tons of overtime thank God. A trade seems to be the only way. God bless!
@@SomeGalIt's actually infuriating. It makes me so angry how they are praised for simply BEING there and not having disappeared from their children's lives, yet where is the love for the mothers that go out of their way to make life as good as it can be?
My Dad was a Hard Coal miner. He gave his life to our family. The mines took him from us when I was 5. Mom was only 33 and never married another . She raised Sis and I on her own. Growing in this world without a father is tough. No one to stand and defend you. Vultures always taking advantage of you. You grow up hard.
😢😢😢😢😢. I know. I was an orphan, no mom no dad. They were beat down by the world, dad took off, mom became mentally ill. I would rather have been unborn than have the childhood I had. Poverty sucks. Don't have kids, unless you can afford them. Than when you survive to be eighteen and want a life of your own you get told, "you have to go to work to help raise the younger one's." No dreams, no plans, no nothing, but having to slave fir the mistakes of your parent's. Working classes are really slaves here in the USA, and around the world. Sorrowful.
1:56:44 - God bless Calvin and his beautiful family. I loved Takita’s commentary about her father, all his sacrifices, and how she felt scared of disappointing her dad. I love their precious bond. The connection between a father and a daughter is so sacred and beautiful, and I’m so glad they have each other!
Thank you so much for this documentary depicting REALITY ! It is quite depressing watching normal viewing because it’s impossible to relate to any of the high society folk depicted in most programs. This documentary depicts most peoples battle with debt and struggle to survive.
We have a housing crisis, low wage crisis, medical insurance crisis all pressing down on the people in the United States and there’s not enough help for us. It’s crushing us.
Yes 🙌. Food prices going up like crazy. Rent went up again in my big city, everything is just more. Property taxes went up as well. It just doesn’t stop… Only things profit the wealthy real estate developers.
The people stealing from their fellow citizens by raising rent by asking outrageous fees for med treatments... people owning more than 1 property, reasons for it need to be accessible to at least policy makers to find out vacant buildings that can be used as social housing etc etc... maybe smth similar to the french rev will have to happen to turn the tide
Would love to see an update on all the people in this documentary! I saw this was 4 hours and wasn't going to watch it all in 1 sitting. 4 hours later... i was invested
I’d love to know how all these guys are doing. After watching this I’ve really taken to them all. This is such a human story that most of us will all resonate with. Trying to better your life for your family. It’s such an endearing documentary. ❤
Worse now. I am glad I am older and escaped this craziness. Feel bad for young people, and I help my two sons, even if they make more than I ever did. Homeownership etc is a harder goal for millenniums. I am almost 63. Life is worse these days in 2024.
13 years working nights. My daughter had lukemia during covid Took me 13 years to get my kids a home and outta our apt. Of course while my daughter was doing chemo i made . $60 to much for assistance. I put myself in more debt driving back and fouth .. i had 2 teens at home ... Life is nooooooo joke We are all doing the best we can My daughter beat lukemia and just started her youtube channel.
This was so painfully real. I could see myself, my family , and many ppl around me depicted in this video. I pray we all see better times at some point God willing...❤
Well a couple hundred years ago, you would be worried about starving to death in the winter, if your crops failed. It might not be perfect, but we have it well off compared to our ancestors.
@@BubRPI don’t think that’s the issue. The retired men in this doc *have paid their dues.* The others are working and attempting to improve their situation. There’s no slackers here for sure, I see a lot of hard working, striving Americans, Yk? Our economy is undergoing a profound shift from making goods/manufacturing to an information economy. IMO, this period in the economy is as profound a change as the Industrial Revolution. Take care, my friend. Best wishes!
Saw a thing on modern times. It was interviewing what looked like "normal" suburbanites who recently found themselves in a tent city. Kinda feels like were all in Russia post Soviet collapse. No money, and no time to do anything other than chase the all mighty dollar. You sleep? You lost money. You try to do things you enjoy? You lost money. You try to date? You lost money. You give up? You'll die of starvation or exposure. Will you succeed if you put your life into it? Eh, maybe, maybe not.
The part when the couple sat near that kitchen explaining that they have been paying off the house for 13 years and none of that money has gone to the principal of paying off the house made my mouth drop
@@confidentialp6292 I don’t understand what you’re saying , what I am saying is, when you have a mortgage, your first payments , you are paying mostly interest and gradually you start to pay some principal. I don’t know what the couple did on the program… it’s sounds illegal if they been paying on the house for many years at 9 % interest and still own a lot of the principal amount.. however made up the loan is certainly not honest.
@@confidentialp6292I think what the poster means is when you pay a mortgage none of it goes to the principle often for the first years of the loan-the lending institution gets their interest on the loan first. After they get their money more of the payments start applying towards the principle.
This documentary really touched me. I’m from Europe and I’ve been to Chicago on business several times. I saw the working class downtown, but never the stories behind and didn’t really have insight to the vages. There are vast differences between us in Europe, our school and university and medical care are “free”, but in return my taxes are over 50% . Looking at the American dream, we just live and use way less. I think money goes further here. I live in small apartment, but I also have a sailing boat and I’m debt free. I could be in debt for a big house, but that’s just not in everyone’s mentality. Credit cards is also not how we borrow, the interest are insane. We are also not acumulating so much stuff or spend time in the shopping malls. US is tough and each time I return I cherish our “problems”. As I am watching this I am at home on paid sick leave.
That sounds real nice. If your ever in the states again, Texas and Arizona are different worlds compared to Chicago. I'm sorry that city was the main representative in your experience. @@mmacas7411
I would also like new documentaries. I enjoy Emilia’s basic old-fashionedness. I’m in the LA area, and we don’t have her type here. Her foray into addiction makes me less sympathetic toward her, though.
1969. I got my first part-time job. At a Zayre Discount store. I started at $1.60 per hour. The federally mandated minimum wage at the time. And it was also, at the time, considered really crappy wages. Today, in 2024, the equivalent buying power $1.60 had in 1969 would now have to be $13.50. So, the guy working at Walgreens for $10.50? He makes 22% less than what the minimum wage should be. And that's AFTER promotions and wage INCREASES. And there's NEVER going to be much of a chance at a better job somewhere else. Because those 'better jobs, MOST of them, MILLIONS of them, got packed up and moved to the other side of the planet. For millions, working in America is little more than a kinder slavery without shackles and the beatings.
Very good points 👏🏼 The only thing to keep in mind is that this documentary is from many years ago so the $10.50 from Walgreens would have to be equivalent to the buying power of the year the documentary was made.
This wasn't recorded in 2024. Someone said 2015, but I saw in the video gasoline at $1.18/gallon so it's probably early 2000's. My point is that $10.50 in 2004 was a lot more than it is in 2024.
In 1968 I was making $1.60 an hour working for Layne Drilling in Mississippi. My uncle arranged me a union book and a construction job on the New Jersey Turnpike for $4.60 an hour with plenty of overtime and double pay on holidays. I actually thought I was rich making that kind of money. The other guys thought I was crazy because I worked every hour they would let me and begging for more. Laziest bunch of guys I ever worked with. At lunch we went to gin mills and drank dive bombers (beer with a shot glass of whiskey dropped in it glass and all) it almost killed me but I wanted to be one of the guys. I still can’t believe I drank that.
Yes and then they guilt trip kids to stay and take care of the parents and extended family because you owe them now, so it's a transactional, conditional love and relationship. Immigrant communities still perpetuate this and it's not okay. If you wanted kids, it's because you truly wanted a family and when they turn into adults, let them build their life and as a parent focus on your health, hobbies, friends, create a life for yourself as well instead of letting yourself go and not have hobbies and friends and be mad that your grown kids aren't calling and coming over often to entertain you, they're not a retirement plan, they're human beings. There is too much parentification, enmeshment, and codependency in some families. That creates unhealthy attachments, anxiety, depression in kids and it follows them into adulthood.
And too young. Take care of yourself first. Go to community college & get a career or transfer to a state school. Get a trade, they pay well & many times you can get that through a community college. After you are financially stable, then have kids and not more than you can afford to have.
Yep im strongly suport even my House My little sis broth cat and after 3 moth now is 1 years whenever that can shouts for food My sis just said shuu shuu Or just ignore and say i give him morning And some time he even beat Dot be emotional This going to us also my father is drunk yar only give food and other money goes to his drink I said more than many rime dont get that cat and dont u afford to that cat milk then Dont But that not even he listened to me and sometime my father yelled at me He suad u are not working that way Isn't it funny joke Yep just dont give him birth If possible Im gona do same Its better if my suffer even for food if he don't born 🖤💜🙂
This is a great documentary on the workin class. I think a lot of people can relate. They all work so hard and should be proud. I wish them all the best!
I know it’s easier said then done but go to free tech training in high school in one of the high paying trades then do an apprenticeship. Don’t have children before you’re married and financially stable. Pay for everything in cash. Live below your means. Constantly work to get better positions through additional education and certifications. Stay away from drugs and alcohol. Look for free activities to have fun. Stay healthy and active. Don’t spend money on things that depreciate.
If everyone would live by those rules we wouldn't have problems like this. I can't even understand why those people have kids if they can just barely afford to live without them. It's a jungle out there.
I did some research and ran the numbers. The boyfriend that works at Walgreens will bring home a little over $16k for the year. Walgreens reported a net profit of $27 billion. The CEO, after bonuses will make $4.5 million for 2023. Tell me the system isn’t broken.
lol, the boyfriend is an uneducated oaf in an low skill entry level position. He could literally be replaced by a self scan machine, and given how old this documentary is, he probably has been. ps - the CEO guided the company to 27 billion in profit, id say hes worth 4.5million.
If nobody worked at Walgreens … 🤷🏼♀️ As long as people are willing to make that money, why should they change ? I’m just saying, all those folks protesting for a higher wage, were not forced to take that job ! Put the pressure on those businesses by NOT working there. They would have no choice then but to lure people in by increasing the starting salary. 👍🏻😊
I know and that's sad. We gotta do more. The overloards win because the masses get lazy and complacent. And think they can't change it anyway. Well, they can. We can. But it's not easy, it's not overnight. But we can. People have. We can.
@@ENDEVRDocs This was a wonderful documentary. Definitely would like to know how the people featured are doing ? It’s not much different in Canada. Essentials are are costing so much and we’re in a colder climate. The value of families needs to be instilled again in both countries! Working together people can achieve more. We’re sold the lie everyone should be able to live independently and own the next latest and greatest items. If you don’t then you’re called a loser. I’m reading now youth are stepping away from the burden of higher education. They don’t want the debt and only end up working low wages. If everyone had a degree there still wouldn’t be enough high paying job opportunities. The workforce is going through major changes. It’s hard to know what skills will be in demand in 5 years and beyond.
I was like this in the late 80’s. Both my husband and I worked 2nd and 3rd part time jobs. We never wanted to use credit cards to get ahead. Because you don’t.
@@RowenaSnow-px3jgwell a sure fire way to stay broke your whole life is 2 things … don’t graduate college and having a baby or 2 outside of marriage. It’s a stat
Like the couple living in a garage… you’d think they would’ve taken extra precaution to not get pregnant ! And then to find out they’re expecting twins ! If I were living in a garage, I’d use a couple of forms of protection !!!
Love Percy! So happy that he got hired by the auto company. Shame that the company he worked for all those years shut down and didn't pay out his pension.
Me too, he’s a sweet, hardworking man. Hope he can find a way to retire eventually. Some people would be really bitter in his situation and IMO, rightfully so. But Percy just keeps on keepin’ on with a positive “ get er done” attitude. Massive respect for all who appeared in this doc. You’re good people and thank you for allowing us the privilege to follow along with your journey. Best wishes to all of you, take care!
Our dreams are too small when trying to make money…. We don’t believe in our own potential because of fear of others perception and judgment. We instead give up on our hope in inclination and settles for the least resistance and we instead focus on peace which is less fruitful
I feel bad for the children being born in circumstances like this. A lt of people keep having children while unemployed, which makes it so much harder to get out of poverty.
Something could’ve happened in between, there are rich people with children that unexpectedly become poor too on the street due to job loss, you just never know what can happen, failing business, lay off’s, health issues, etc. it’s a scary world.
I'll just add this. As an American I was a bit blown away to find that McDonald's employees in Denmark make over $22 hourly. Have healthcare. Pension paid into. 6 weeks vacation. Paid maternity leave. And the prices are about the same. What does that tell you? GREED is the name of the game here in the US.
The wages, healthcare, 6 weeks holidays (give or take), paid maternity apply to most EU countries. And if you travel within the EU, have a medical emergency, you’re covered. It’s normal. The conditions for average workers in the US are quite frankly, shocking.
Complete NIGHTMARE. I studied medicine to avoid this trap. It’s a trap bc if u don’t escape as a teen then society will ensure u never get out. I grew up poorer than this. Texas suburb,Beautiful big house but behind closed doors often didn’t have electricity/running water. Food was so scarce that I developed anorexia to cope. Thank u Father God for gifting me education as means to escape.🙏🏽 class of 2022 👩🏽⚕️👩🏽🎓🇲🇽🇳🇬
Been there done that, I was from welfare stock, and it's hard to get out from under, especially if your family doesn't want you to get anywhere. But I don't want to give up. There was so shot at college back then, I had to go to work at 13
@@crystalsswtor3760 WOW! Sad to hear this. Being poor i learnt never take loans, so I couldn’t have done college without FAFSA paying it all which I heard wasn’t a thing back then. I wish there’d been resources available back in ur day that could’ve broken this generational poverty cycle. Don’t let regret take over. U did the best u could’ve with what u had. Never give up Crystal! U deserve every good thing that IS coming ur way.
Mechanics and teachers both make decent money yet you make it sound like you were very poor. I don't get it. Yours should have been a middle income family.
@@barbararobinson244 I was very poor. Teachers don’t make decent income. My mom made around 40k. My dad owned his small mechanic shop so his monthly income wasn’t consistent. Both legal immigrants from Mexico & Nigeria. He held a masters in business & she a degree in education. No debt, both drove used cars, didn’t splurge. Apologies if this comes off rude but u don’t get it bc the American dream doesn’t make sense. U can do everything right & still not make it.
I know people better off now than they were 10 years ago. Because they went back to school, got a degree or got technical training and are working and saving. 👍🏻
I'm 56. I live alone, single. I'm living off $28,000 a year. I drive a school bus. I don't get paid when school is out (summer and other breaks). If I want any health insurance, I have to pay for it, I can't afford any insurance. I have looked for a second job, but my age or the time of day and lack of experience keeps me from being hired. My grocery list consist of the cost.. each item costs no more than $3.00 each..can food, noodles..etc. if it's cheaper at the dollar store, I'll shop there. I use a space heater in my bedroom when cold weather hits, I have window units, and use one in a room I'll be in mostly and not through out my home (a 2/2 mobile home that wild animals are destroying) . My yearly property taxes are almost $2000. I'm not qualified for welfare. They tell me to sell my home, my car..I ask them where am I to live and how Im to get to work? A no win situation. Why is America suffering so much? Why are we not being taken care of?
"Why are we not being taken care of?" Are you serious? Who should 'take care' of you? You're only 56. You could start a small business. Just don't sit online and expect to become society's burden or another govt welfare recipient. If you watched the video, then you saw that those folks are hustling and working hard to get ahead.
@@homesteadgal4143 hey illiterate person, read again If you can read.. I DO work and I have many disabilities that disqualifies myself for other jobs positions I DON'T sit on my butt and collect ANY welfare benefits . The fact of the matter is I have two jobs that do not pay a lot. I don't need to justify this or to anymore about my personal business..but to clear your lack of brain cells and so you can sleep better..then there's some of my business explained..
Mad respect for these peoples work ethic! Americas employers work them to the bone and still dont pay enough. On top off that if you get sick it costs you all your savings...insane, please America, do better for your people
Exactly, we’re slaves basically working towards death, I’m scared to even retire one day because SSI does not pay much, cost of living is way too high for the amount we make.
@@FreeAuntJemima Thanks, I wasn’t trying to be sarcastic nor was I trying to complain on RUclips but it’s just very unfair if you ask me and I agree elections do matter I have to say the past few years have been a mess and I hope it gets better after the elections.
Funny thing is, living in different income brackets is represented in this documentary. Maybe you should watch the documentary again if you don't believe it reflects the true American experience.
Every Christmas I tip a waitress $100 at a restaurant just like the first one in the vid. Im not rich and its not extravagant spending. To build the $100, I stiff the servers at Starbucks, bars, and other franchise restaurants that provide poor service and act like they are entitled. Then, I find a nice little mom and pop place and put a smile on someone's face.
I pay for the groceries for the person in front of me if it’s pretty clear they’re struggling and I have a few extra bucks. I don’t wait for Xmas, I look for an opportunity year round. I know what it’s like to starve and I don’t think a person ever gets over that experience. It’s humiliating to have people make comments about how skinny you are and speculating if you’re a drug user or have some kind of eating disorder. Who wants to admit they don’t even have enough to feed themselves?
So glad this show highlighted how good Emilia's construction job was for her suited to her energy and practical sense. Look up National Association for Women in Construction.
In many cases enforced equality of outcome has actually hurt women more than it helped them. In this case the employer needs to pay her the same as her male colleagues, that means she is mostly more expensive, because she might don't get as much work done, so the employer will consider hiring women even less.
You can tell some people don't understand how the military works. You're not gone forever and the services won't keep you eternally separated from your family. For that dude, as young as he still is, going into the military now is a great option. He could also finish school while he's in.
Exactly! He shld have went to military steady pay and insurance for him and family ....va loan...and school help . That would have been great for him he cld have even trained to be an electrician or something while there
Well what can I say. I dont care how old this DOC., is I can relate, and I'm so very sad for alot of the folks and so proud of the others. I can relate to being a single mom with a latch key child at 5 having to come home with the baby sitter or cab and unlock and put his food in the microwave, and wait for me to come home. $10 an hour rent was $550 back then, (he has since passed at the age of 19), I lost an unborn child as well. It just all hits home. Now I'm single and 60 with no retirement, I have no idea in 2024 what my future holds, I do have a job, but my salary was DECREASED, (who does that), they were either take it or you have no job, (so guess what I did?). God help us all, we are moving backwards.
"It's no measure of health being well adjusted to a profoundly sick society" ~ J.Krishnamoorti. Putting aside debate when US governments has nurtured corporations and the rich like privileged spoiled brats while treating everyone else as expendable trash for 4 decades is impossible !
Ever since saint Ronny reagan' and slick Willie Clinton. Americans have voted themselves out of existence. Mission accomplished. Demorats and rethuglicans. One and the same.
Stupidity at its finest. And they wonder why they are broke. The next thing they did was to have a kid on top of that. No sympathy from here. They bring themselves into this mess.
Yes, I think it is ludicrous. You cannot have everything at the same time when you are struggling financially. They should have bought simple bands and have a court wedding with/ without a simple restaurant dinner after. Then if they are doing better after a while, doing a reception/party . That is a cultural thing, especially in Latino countries, which I am part of, that you have to have the wedding and expensive ring even if you cannot afford it.
@@vaderladyl same in my Ukrainian family. No longer can people afford even simple cultural traditions like we took for granted after WW2. I agree with you the reception wasn’t a great investment, they could’ve made it where people paid for their own meal and the rings could have been simpler. As if they were to sell the rings it would only be 50% of purchase and the divorce rate is 40%.
The 4 year college requirement to succeed is a lie. Most people are better off going into the trades. Less expensive schooling and more pay for decent hard workers. Many 4 year degree don't have a job tied to them. Medicine, engineering, and other specialized jobs need a specific 4 year. Other jobs like electricians and plumbers need a trades school. My parents told me "Go to school for a degree in a good paying job and not one to follow a dream. There will be time to pursue a dream after there is ample food on the table and a good shelter over your family's head." I am grateful for their advice and their sacrifices to give us the best chance they can to succeed. It also takes a bit of luck to not be burdened by bad heath or lose a job at a bad time like the GFC. One also has to be willing to bend the knee to the man till one doesn't need to. Wealthy people have the means and connections to give their kids insane opportunities. Realtors: "No one can take your home away from you." Typical salesperson.
University degrees actually do help you to be considered for corporate jobs and climb that ladder, but nowadays you need a masters. Problem is those that get a useless degree and do nothing with their degree. But I do agree there’s been a turn in the market place for more trade, specialized workers. It is a great option if standard education isn’t for you. At the end of the day, just do SOMETHING.
Trade work is NOT always the dream solution you lot make it out to be. It’s physically intensive and people wash out from it more than college, and the pay isn’t always enough to live on if you have a family
@@anangrywhiteguy4689 The point someone else in the trades made is that you gain experience working for someone, and then you start working for yourself. Why let someone else profit off of you once you have experience?
Nothing improved since then. Housing prices are now completely unaffordable in most of the more populous areas in the US. People now cannot afford to stay where they grew up. We will live in our cars and be happy about simply affording a parking spot to stay the night without getting harassed by cops or criminals all while working 3 jobs. How long will we continue to accept this? The means to offer everyone who works a decent life are out there more than ever!
It’s not a flex to have an expensive ring on your finger that you can’t afford and that physically makes your finance depressed. “Females look at the size.” No, real women are looking for truly successful women that prioritize what’s most important. As a female mechanic (who owns my own mechanic business), when that car didn’t start and the young man cried… that broke my heart to pieces.. I wanted to help. This is why I created a program that offers 30% off to those on EBT/Disability and on the last day of the month, we give free work to people in youth shelters/dv shelters
Blessings to you for your kindness. I agree about the ring. A simple silver band and at the reception people should at least pay for 50% of their dinner. Sadly we can’t afford to carry on our cultural traditions anymore!
Annoying smug manager making comments that she shouldn’t have went out last night. She works a lot that’s why she is tired. Can’t stand passive aggressive bosses who sit in their offices complaining with smug attitudes
Having children globally in most countries is no longer possible! Working does not pay enough to take care of oneself let alone kids who will just live now in poverty and "deaths of disparity ".
That escapes me too. One of the biggest financial costs are children: physical care and mental care and well-being, education. It’s a huge responsibility one should NOT take lightly.
Women, generally, are not cool with aborting their child regardless of financial circumstances. They tell themselves they’ll make it work. People struggling financially have to make it work because no one is going to save them. We still have to work and do the best we can.
@SolorockinOne There are such things as birth control. Having multiple kids when your finances are already stretched isn't just pure accident..it's called being irresponsible.
@@ENDEVRDocs I feel that we're about to experience the consequences of this in the next generation. Middle & upper class women choosing not to have children due to the feeling of not being financially able to provide a good life for them. At the same time we are losing reproductive rights which disproportionally affects lower class women. There's going to be less children born and those which are born will be to lower income famiies.
I'm only 20 minutes in and this is all so sad. I think it's ridiculous that Walgreens only pays $10 an hour. Also, so sad that this young man lost a scholarship due to an injury. Colleges are so GREEDY! College is a greedy business. I think if an athlete obtains a scholarship from a college, that college should be obligated to provide the full four years of education should the injury take place while participating in the school athletics. Colleges should be insured if an injury occurs to a student. And, what responsibility did the colleges have in the student loan forgiveness? Greed is running this country and it's sad.
I wouldn’t settle for $10 an hour. My son, a few years ago at age 20 almost took a job for $10 and I said, “look more, there’s something better” and he found a warehouse job for $14 to start, and full time. And after a year he worked up to a supervisor position… $22 an hour with bonuses. He worked hard. He stayed overtime if needed. Bosses notice those things. I used to be a retail manager. No college for that. Just worked hard up that ladder
The Hispanic couple living in the garage having twins? ! I don’t mean to sound unsympathetic but why? Birth control is free! It’s irresponsible and unfair to bring 2 babies into their world. Get on your feet first.
Forget universities and colleges. Too much competition in the job market for college degree jobs, unless you're going to become a medical doctor. Many degrees are basically worthless in the real world. Trade schools are where its at. There are jobs galore for plumbers, electricians, welders, nurse aids, beauticians, administration, carpenters, etc. Parents and high schools need to start teaching their kids about the alternatives. Universities have become a huge money racket.
I do not berate higher education at all, but today you can go to a tech school and learn landscapeing plumbing eletrical and make six figure salaries without taking on enormous student debt. But you have to work and many young people do not want to do that.
Yea but trades is not something for an old man. Trades are great when you are younger but not so great being a roofer or plumber in your 60s. My dad’s a trades me and he always wanted me to go to college. And this man made good money and still does 😂 still told me college is the way to go.
I truly identified with the 50 yr old woman bc, in the beginning, she's asked, "What's your dream?". Her reply: "I don't have one." WHAT american Dream??!!!
I wish all these wonderful people the very best in life, the wages in America are 3rd world & these poor souls having to work multiple jobs just to live is shameful & unsustainable in the long term. May god bless you all ❤
What a shock that Barbie here doesn't know anything about a third world lol. My parents came down a third world and they literally dealt with starvation and deplorable living conditions. You, on the other hand, think it's "ick third world" because they can only afford to go to Disneyland once every few years. "NoT sUsTaInAbLe". Guuuuuurl, of course you know nothing of our evolutionary history. Your ancestors literally slaves away hunting for food all day just to be able to survive. You wouldn't understand human resilience because your utterly privileged life has made you impatient, spoiled, and weak.
Gratitude for making less than most people would accept is enlightening. Most people that I know would never accept $13 an hour or 10.50 an hour. I have a big respect for people who can work for little to nothing but I hope they end up making much more to support their families and good dreams.
Go into the trades and eventually own your own business. Plumbers where I live are getting 150 an hour, heating repairs 160 an hour, electricians 125 to 150 an hour. Then they significantly mark up the materials and usually add an hour on extra for travel. Some of them make more than doctors each week. And always in much demand.
That's so true, I would always learn a trade, then go to University, so you have a backup, and only go for STEM degrees, everything else is hard to land a decent job. I went to engineering school, now I am studying at University while working part-time in a local machine shop, I live with my parents so I can live quite comfortably. I am a little bit sorry for all the students who have to work and grind at restaurants because they have no profession.
Then why are so many unemployed people living off social welfare having a bunch of kids? That's the problem... Too many burdens on society causing responsible people to pay for their children... And then those people can't afford their own kids because they're paying for others
@ToxicAveng😮erCleanYourMind been that way for at least 37 years. Why do I say that? Because my son, an only child, is 36. My late husband and I made the decision to have no more because we were struggling enough with just one. It use to tick me off to see healthy folks on government assistance have numerous kids while my husband and I both worked and couldn't afford to have more kids. Funny thing is that now, my son and his wife have made the same decision about kids due to the cost. I have a little precious granddaughter; yet, no more grand babies for me. I get it; I definitely understand...😔.
@@ToxicAvengerCleanYourMind exactly. Your right. It's very irresponsible for poor people to have kids on welfare impoverished. So sad that there are even 4th and 5th generations on welfare.
@@ToxicAvengerCleanYourMind Exactly. I’m a white-collar professional woman and I wanted kids. I didn’t have them because I didn’t get married, couldn’t afford them, and wouldn’t have been able to stay home with them. I’m alone, but have to pay for others to have families.
She has a job with the same company 19 yrs needs to move closer to her job so the commute does not make it harder for herself. Shes a good employee some companies help with moving something she may have not explored. Makes life much harder commuting an hour to work. Moving is what people ar afraid of but its necessary for a better lifestyle and helps in the longrun.
I hope that couple that was living with their parents found a place. This documentary was filmed in 2015. If they didn’t find a place by 2019, we can probably say they never will.
I'm 68 years old collecting Social Security .Still working full-time. Great decision continue working. Financially life changing. If you're capable of working in retirement do it.
Emilia needs to come to NZ. I am a 49 year old female and work in a predominantly male dominated industry & have never experienced discrimination. If anything women here are encouraged to excel in construction and treated as equals. Here in NZ most companies have what we call a performance review which every employee is entitled to annually. Regardless of sex you are paid what you are worth. Hard work, perseverance and in house up-skilling worked for me and it paid off. Hope all involved in this doco are better off today.
I did the same $50 a day as a single mom and on the weekends $30 was for the babysitter 😭😭 it was so difficult to survive, but with God’s help and hard work I went to college. Now I have a confortable life always grateful 🙏🙏
When I was a server in college, it only paid to work at an expensive place. The wine sales rep had tastings for us. That’s how I learned about wine. Working at a breakfast place would be the wrong way to go about it because breakfast is very hectic and it’s cheap, so the tips are low.
This was a fabulous series. I got so attached to everyone! Thank you for the updates at the end and I hope things are still going well for them. I wish them the very best always. ❤
I know a lady that grewup very poor, worked as a logger, joined the army and went to school to be an Aerospace Engineer. She had over 100,000 in school loans when she graduated. She is now a manager at a Aerospace company. She paid off her loans. She got out of the poverty. It's hard work but can be done. I worked at Walgreens as a beauty consultant for 2 weeks and quite after I saw my check. I'm a cosmetologist. I got a job at a salon making 3 times as much. Walgreens pays nothing.
Businesses aren't going to pay you anymore than they have to. And when forced to increase your wage they will find a way to cut and elimitate jobs so you have to now do 3 jobs if your lucky to keep it. And let's keep it real here, if you are making 10.50 and get a increase to 15 that is not the answer you are looking for it will not suddely make your living situtation comfortable. You need to find new employment with much better salary.
They raise wages and then raise the cost of everything needed to survive. Why? Profits. Wealthy don't lose money or take less profits. And if they do, their profits won't dip for long
@@SweetPotata10 WRONG! The inflationary trend is global and pandemic-induced. Nothing to do with the dems! Stop watching right-wing fear porn. Biden has our inflation rate way down, Turkey's rate is 80% for Christ's sake, our rate is the best in the world. Just imagine how screwed we'd be under Cheeto. So thankful for Biden and intelligent people he has around him, not toadies.
Dude the cost of everything was going up literally when the when minimum wage world were low The PlayStation 3 came out and PlayStation tried to charge people 599 during a recession when the minimum wage in 2006 was like 5.50 dollars. Sony caught mad hate for that and was forced to drop their price to equal to Xbox 360 which a lot of turn to anyway. My stepdad had apartment in Prince George's county Maryland. carriage Hill apartments that one bedroom apartment in 1996 was 575 dollars. About the time 2013 when this documentary was filmed that same one bedroom apartment was already $950 dollars. So the whole argument if they raise minimum wage then everything will go up is a bunch of baloney. The cost of living was going to go up regardless if the minimum wage goes up or if it stays where it was at.
The big lie is that you need that college degree. NO! Learn a trade. Plumbers, mechanics are ALWAYS needed. Vocation schools are the way to go. Also, not having children before rhe age of 25-28.
iam 40 years old... come from Germany... the last 15 years germany was a Highlight... i work maybe 50 hours a week only as a helper in streetbuilding and a little easy job in Restaurant.... every month i can save 1600 euro/Dollar because i live like a homeless... i buy 2 big 3 room appartement... and all Credit finish.....but yes no children.... but people can choose money and save life or children.... together no Chance... now in germany its a real nightmare... all people have no money all expensive... Jobs no more save.... i dont know whats going on....
Hard Earned is a documentary series that puts aside economic debates and follows five families around the country to find out what it takes to get by on $8, $10 or $15 an hour. The series turns an intimate lens on this group of 21st century American dreamers as they fight against all odds to thrive when it takes everything they have to simply survive.
Have a safe New Year.
Y’all need to make a new one.. it’s much harder now..
ANOTHER instance of you trying to pass off an old documentary as brand new. Explain why Emilia’s work calendar at 15:11 is in September of 2013? You’re a complete joke of a page trying to pull the wool over peoples eyes.
@@lifeoflw84They never will. They’ll just give passive aggressive comments when they’re called out on all this reposting old content
@@lifeoflw84why do you say that ?(not from the us but want to move there )
who sings the theme song? why haventyou credited the artist for the music?
I'm 50 years old, a Canadian, and I live with my mother. My younger brother lives with us as well, as he is on disability, and cannot work. I earn $21.50 an hour, which is not enough to afford rent by myself. For the longest time, I was embarrassed to be living in this arrangement, but I now realize it's for the best. I pay rent, which my mom uses to pay the mortgage, and we take care of each other. That would be hard to do, if I lived somewhere else. I'm warm, I have shelter, and food. I am grateful, even though it is not my dream situation.
There is nothing to be ashamed of my brother. Your doing the right thing. Your life is very similar to the vast majority of the population in America. Hard times are going to get Real Hard once the US cant pay back what it borrowed.
Living simply and being humble is rewarding.
Canadian here - there is nothing to be ashamed with to live with your parents/family. we are brainwashed to think everyone should live on their own. if you look at traditional cultures they all live with their family! i have never understood why most Canadians kick their kids out at 18 years old.
Oh whoa, the differences between countries is insane. Don't be ashamed, you do the best you can and you have your loved ones close by❤❤
Butifully said 😍
This documentary was filmed in 2013, but released in 2015. Elizabeth is now an Assistant Principal at a middle school, and Jose works in Facilities & Production Support at a court reporting agency - I think he still works at the same company that was showed in the documentary, but he was able to move up. They’re still married and now have 3 children. Let this be a testament that your current circumstances, don’t have to be your destination. Life is a journey, and some chapters are harder than others. I’m happy they were able to beat the odds and live a beautiful life together!
What a great update! Glad to hear they are doing well ❤
Hard work pays off! Good relationships are hard work too in those difficult times.
Thank you for the updates. So don't have to watch the documentary too painful. I was there at one point many years ago making nothing until I enrolled myself in school since than financially its gotten much better
Nice updates!
I heard Amelia got married!
I came from a share cropper family. It took me 50 years to get ahead, I am 77 now, and I still dream. You must not ever give up on your dreams, but you must never give up on yourself...
Thank you ❤️ for sharing this
Amen 🙏 💖
You’re so right. I’m just about 50 years old and I finally don’t have to worry when it’s time for license plate renewal, which bill won’t get paid for the month. 50 years old and I’m just making enough to pay my bills without stressing out. It’s crazy; like you said, never give up. Once you get there….you’ll look back and be amazed at how you made it through!
😂
Thanks for the inspirational advice. I’ve been dealing with feelings of failure at 45 yrs old. I’m not really able to see any real progress. It seems I’m working harder just not to lose everything I’ve worked for thus far.
I'm a high school drop out with only a GED who also grew up poor. Now at 50 yrs of age I own 3 brick and mortar businesses that do ok. I've always told folks that ask how I did it that I'm not the smartest guy. I'm not even the hardest working guy. But what I've always had is tenacity and investment plans. I don't give up. It may take me longer to cross the finish line. But I will cross it. I was ignorant on so many things when I first took over my first business. But I learned and grew. I'm a slow learner also. But again, I keep going, I pray that anyone who reads this will be successful in life too 🙏🙏🙏
You're right, you've remind me of what someone once said "The mind is the man, the poor is in it and the rich is it too". This sentence is the secret of most successful investors. I once attended similar and ever since then been waxing strong financially, and i most tell you the truth..investment is the key that can secure your family future.
Sometimes, it's not about having a talent, skill, or passion. But what if I told you that with the right investment, you can still achieve your goals? No talent, no skill, no passion, but good investment can bring you financial freedom. Don't underestimate the power of smart financial decisions!"
that's why I always urge everyone to start investing somewhere now no matter how small, this is literally the time for that, forget material things, don't get tempted,i became more better the moment i realized this.
Yeah there's a lot of sense in these comments but so many people will view it as not reasonable enough due to the fact that many are middle class living paycheck to paycheck
After watching several of Oprah's financial shows, I found anyone can save money, it's just a matter of priorities. Someone working minimum wage can find alternative accomodations and save on rent. Don't eat out, don't buy prepared food. You have already saved hundreds per month that way. Put a percentage of that money into blue chip stocks or silver and gold. Freedom to do so is extremely important and since socialism always ends in tyranny, don't vote socialism into power
Living below the poverty level, I'm glad I don't have children. I hold two degrees and used to make great money in SF, but I went blind, got surgery, am still blind in one eye and half blind in the other, but not blind ENOUGH for govt. asistance. They just have a way....Cant drive and can't do what I went to college for 6.5 years to do. Life is rough, but it could be worse and I'm grateful! Keep your chin up!❤ To everyone!
Pardon,
But if you don't mind my asking how did you go blind? Blindness isn't considered a disability you to get a monthly check? I thought it was. And out of curiosity are you Black, foreign or wite
Keep trying to get disability. Get a lawyer. They deny and deny but a lawyer will help you get through and they take a bit of the back pay. If you are as blind as you claim, you should be able to get disability. The system is difficult due to all the abusers of the system.
@@ShaneM420fun fact : you have to have a separate insurance to cover visits to opthalmotgissts
What I don't understand, is people say they have panic attacks or invisible disabilities and get it. It's not right if you are blind and can't get it.
@@ShaneM420 It does being blind is more than enough to get a monthly check, and race doesn't matter
“It's called the 'American dream' because you have to be asleep to believe it.” ― George Carlin
Miss that man. He spoke truth like no one else.
"I am the author of all quotes on the internet" - Mark Twain
@@mrMagpied HAHHAAA!! good one
With that attitude...you will get nowhere in life.
Well I guess if having a solid 6 figure career, substantial savings, investments, 2 pensions, a paid off house and being debt free when I hit 50 is getting nowhere I'll take it.
So grateful for my wonderful Mom, she knew education was my only way out and never let me fail. I succeeded only because of HER.
100% agree. Growing up I kept my head bent into books. I was teased relentlessly. I'm now 40. I've been a nurse for 20 years. I have almost raised 4 children. During Covid I made tons of overtime thank God. A trade seems to be the only way. God bless!
I'm very impressed with the young fathers in this documentary. I love how much they love their kiddos.
The bar is so low for men.
What is a kiddo?
@@deecee901 an endearing term for one’s child
@@SomeGalIt's actually infuriating. It makes me so angry how they are praised for simply BEING there and not having disappeared from their children's lives, yet where is the love for the mothers that go out of their way to make life as good as it can be?
Not impressed they should be working 3 jobs like my father did so his kids didn’t grow up in poverty
My Dad was a Hard Coal miner. He gave his life to our family. The mines took him from us when I was 5. Mom was only 33 and never married another . She raised Sis and I on her own. Growing in this world without a father is tough. No one to stand and defend you. Vultures always taking advantage of you. You grow up hard.
😢😢😢😢😢. I know. I was an orphan, no mom no dad. They were beat down by the world, dad took off, mom became mentally ill. I would rather have been unborn than have the childhood I had. Poverty sucks. Don't have kids, unless you can afford them. Than when you survive to be eighteen and want a life of your own you get told, "you have to go to work to help raise the younger one's." No dreams, no plans, no nothing, but having to slave fir the mistakes of your parent's. Working classes are really slaves here in the USA, and around the world. Sorrowful.
BEEN THERE, LOST MY FATHER AT 9.
1:56:44 - God bless Calvin and his beautiful family. I loved Takita’s commentary about her father, all his sacrifices, and how she felt scared of disappointing her dad. I love their precious bond. The connection between a father and a daughter is so sacred and beautiful, and I’m so glad they have each other!
Sweet. Yeah this was a pretty realistic documentary.
Thank you so much for this documentary depicting REALITY !
It is quite depressing watching normal viewing because it’s impossible to relate to any of the high society folk depicted in most programs.
This documentary depicts most peoples battle with debt and struggle to survive.
We have a housing crisis, low wage crisis, medical insurance crisis all pressing down on the people in the United States and there’s not enough help for us. It’s crushing us.
Yes 🙌.
Food prices going up like crazy. Rent went up again in my big city, everything is just more. Property taxes went up as well. It just doesn’t stop…
Only things profit the wealthy real estate developers.
Exactly. I couldn’t imagine having kids, dealing with this.
The people stealing from their fellow citizens by raising rent by asking outrageous fees for med treatments... people owning more than 1 property, reasons for it need to be accessible to at least policy makers to find out vacant buildings that can be used as social housing etc etc... maybe smth similar to the french rev will have to happen to turn the tide
yall voted for biden because you hated trump more than you wanted what was best for the country.
Same in Australia. We are also experiencing a cost of living crisis. Groceries, rent, fuel, electricity. Everything is damn expensive!
Would love to see an update on all the people in this documentary! I saw this was 4 hours and wasn't going to watch it all in 1 sitting. 4 hours later... i was invested
Me too!!!
Same!
Very inspiring...
It looks like Percy died last year :(
I’d love to know how all these guys are doing. After watching this I’ve really taken to them all. This is such a human story that most of us will all resonate with. Trying to better your life for your family. It’s such an endearing documentary. ❤
Check the comments. It gives am update.❤
Worse now. I am glad I am older and escaped this craziness. Feel bad for young people, and I help my two sons, even if they make more than I ever did. Homeownership etc is a harder goal for millenniums. I am almost 63. Life is worse these days in 2024.
Yes it is! I’m also an millennial
I'm so glad you are older person and understand this ! I'm also a millennial
I admire this father, fr. “For my littles to see me at night, just not in the morning”
It would be great to have an update on these people’s lives,
This is such a fantastic documentary. I am glad to have found it in this complete version. I have utter respect and awe for all the people portrayed.
Agreed
59:30 De'Jaun Jackson & family getting ready to leave in the morning is the most relatable experience captured in this film 😂❤
The footage was filmed 10 years ago. I hope they all do well today, having jobs and staying in school.
13 years working nights.
My daughter had lukemia during covid
Took me 13 years to get my kids a home and outta our apt.
Of course while my daughter was doing chemo i made . $60 to much for assistance.
I put myself in more debt driving back and fouth .. i had 2 teens at home ...
Life is nooooooo joke
We are all doing the best we can
My daughter beat lukemia and just started her youtube channel.
Provide her RUclips so she can get views
God bless bro
Stay strong and keep your family close. As a family you can get thru. The kids will graduate and open their own businesses with your guidance.
Totally agree with you 😅
@@nikitawashington9328 I'm trying to show all 3 follow any dream you have. Just can't give up ♥️🙏
This was so painfully real. I could see myself, my family , and many ppl around me depicted in this video. I pray we all see better times at some point God willing...❤
DJ is an amazing young man leading his family with patience and strength. Love to see it! ❤
Emelia reminds me of a very special aunt I had. Beautiful soul with a sailors mouth. I miss you aunt Sherry RIP.
Oh my gosh, when she said she’s tired of her money being dependent on how someone feels about her-that hit me right in my soul 😩 Man do I get that…
This was 10 years ago? Imagine people today. We're all grinding to grind again tomorrow.
How do you know it was 10 years ago? I thought it was recent
@@metallicflare1made in 2013, released in 2015
Well a couple hundred years ago, you would be worried about starving to death in the winter, if your crops failed. It might not be perfect, but we have it well off compared to our ancestors.
@@BubRPI don’t think that’s the issue. The retired men in this doc *have paid their dues.* The others are working and attempting to improve their situation. There’s no slackers here for sure, I see a lot of hard working, striving Americans, Yk? Our economy is undergoing a profound shift from making goods/manufacturing to an information economy. IMO, this period in the economy is as profound a change as the Industrial Revolution. Take care, my friend. Best wishes!
Saw a thing on modern times. It was interviewing what looked like "normal" suburbanites who recently found themselves in a tent city. Kinda feels like were all in Russia post Soviet collapse. No money, and no time to do anything other than chase the all mighty dollar. You sleep? You lost money. You try to do things you enjoy? You lost money. You try to date? You lost money. You give up? You'll die of starvation or exposure. Will you succeed if you put your life into it? Eh, maybe, maybe not.
The part when the couple sat near that kitchen explaining that they have been paying off the house for 13 years and none of that money has gone to the principal of paying off the house made my mouth drop
That’s how a mortgage works , they want there money first ..
@@Ricken2022 not true!. I own. The problem with their situation is they purchased their home with what should’ve been an illegal interest rate.
@@confidentialp6292 I don’t understand what you’re saying , what I am saying is, when you have a mortgage, your first payments , you are paying mostly interest and gradually you start to pay some principal. I don’t know what the couple did on the program… it’s sounds illegal if they been paying on the house for many years at 9 % interest and still own a lot of the principal amount.. however made up the loan is certainly not honest.
@@confidentialp6292I don’t understand, could they not have refinanced years ago for a lower interest rate?
@@confidentialp6292I think what the poster means is when you pay a mortgage none of it goes to the principle often for the first years of the loan-the lending institution gets their interest on the loan first. After they get their money more of the payments start applying towards the principle.
This documentary really touched me. I’m from Europe and I’ve been to Chicago on business several times. I saw the working class downtown, but never the stories behind and didn’t really have insight to the vages. There are vast differences between us in Europe, our school and university and medical care are “free”, but in return my taxes are over 50% . Looking at the American dream, we just live and use way less. I think money goes further here. I live in small apartment, but I also have a sailing boat and I’m debt free. I could be in debt for a big house, but that’s just not in everyone’s mentality. Credit cards is also not how we borrow, the interest are insane. We are also not acumulating so much stuff or spend time in the shopping malls. US is tough and each time I return I cherish our “problems”. As I am watching this I am at home on paid sick leave.
Mediterranean?
@@11227denis Yes, live in Slovenia and my boat is in Croatia, both EU countries.
That sounds real nice. If your ever in the states again, Texas and Arizona are different worlds compared to Chicago. I'm sorry that city was the main representative in your experience. @@mmacas7411
Greetings from the same country 😊
And yet millions even up to the 70s were willing to leave everything behind in Italy to move to US or Canada
I've seen this twice already. My favourite person is the Italian waitress. I love her story. I wish you had some new documentaries like this one.
Amelia
Mine too
I agree. Amelia was my favorite story to follow.
❤❤❤❤❤
I would also like new documentaries. I enjoy Emilia’s basic old-fashionedness. I’m in the LA area, and we don’t have her type here. Her foray into addiction makes me less sympathetic toward her, though.
1969. I got my first part-time job. At a Zayre Discount store. I started at $1.60 per hour. The federally mandated minimum wage at the time. And it was also, at the time, considered really crappy wages. Today, in 2024, the equivalent buying power $1.60 had in 1969 would now have to be $13.50. So, the guy working at Walgreens for $10.50? He makes 22% less than what the minimum wage should be. And that's AFTER promotions and wage INCREASES. And there's NEVER going to be much of a chance at a better job somewhere else. Because those 'better jobs, MOST of them, MILLIONS of them, got packed up and moved to the other side of the planet. For millions, working in America is little more than a kinder slavery without shackles and the beatings.
Very good points 👏🏼
The only thing to keep in mind is that this documentary is from many years ago so the $10.50 from Walgreens would have to be equivalent to the buying power of the year the documentary was made.
This wasn't recorded in 2024. Someone said 2015, but I saw in the video gasoline at $1.18/gallon so it's probably early 2000's. My point is that $10.50 in 2004 was a lot more than it is in 2024.
In 1968 I was making $1.60 an hour working for Layne Drilling in Mississippi.
My uncle arranged me a union book and a construction job on the New Jersey Turnpike for $4.60 an hour with plenty of overtime and double pay on holidays. I actually thought I was rich making that kind of money. The other guys thought I was crazy because I worked every hour they would let me and begging for more. Laziest bunch of guys I ever worked with. At lunch we went to gin mills and drank dive bombers (beer with a shot glass of whiskey dropped in it glass and all) it almost killed me but I wanted to be one of the guys. I still can’t believe I drank that.
A very common theme among people who are living in poverty is having children when you cannot afford them 😢.
Yes and then they guilt trip kids to stay and take care of the parents and extended family because you owe them now, so it's a transactional, conditional love and relationship. Immigrant communities still perpetuate this and it's not okay. If you wanted kids, it's because you truly wanted a family and when they turn into adults, let them build their life and as a parent focus on your health, hobbies, friends, create a life for yourself as well instead of letting yourself go and not have hobbies and friends and be mad that your grown kids aren't calling and coming over often to entertain you, they're not a retirement plan, they're human beings.
There is too much parentification, enmeshment, and codependency in some families. That creates unhealthy attachments, anxiety, depression in kids and it follows them into adulthood.
And too young. Take care of yourself first. Go to community college & get a career or transfer to a state school. Get a trade, they pay well & many times you can get that through a community college. After you are financially stable, then have kids and not more than you can afford to have.
@@AA-iy4gmExactly. We have taken care of ourselves and won’t have to rely on our adult children.
Yep im strongly suport even my House
My little sis broth cat and after 3 moth now is 1 years whenever that can shouts for food
My sis just said shuu shuu
Or just ignore and say i give him morning
And some time he even beat
Dot be emotional
This going to us also my father is drunk yar only give food and other money goes to his drink
I said more than many rime dont get that cat and dont u afford to that cat milk then
Dont
But that not even he listened to me and sometime my father yelled at me
He suad u are not working that way
Isn't it funny joke
Yep just dont give him birth
If possible
Im gona do same
Its better if my suffer even for food if he don't born
🖤💜🙂
This is a great documentary on the workin class. I think a lot of people can relate. They all work so hard and should be proud. I wish them all the best!
I know it’s easier said then done but go to free tech training in high school in one of the high paying trades then do an apprenticeship. Don’t have children before you’re married and financially stable. Pay for everything in cash. Live below your means. Constantly work to get better positions through additional education and certifications. Stay away from drugs and alcohol. Look for free activities to have fun. Stay healthy and active. Don’t spend money on things that depreciate.
Amen, 100% agree
If everyone would live by those rules we wouldn't have problems like this. I can't even understand why those people have kids if they can just barely afford to live without them. It's a jungle out there.
I did some research and ran the numbers. The boyfriend that works at Walgreens will bring home a little over $16k for the year. Walgreens reported a net profit of $27 billion. The CEO, after bonuses will make $4.5 million for 2023. Tell me the system isn’t broken.
lol, the boyfriend is an uneducated oaf in an low skill entry level position. He could literally be replaced by a self scan machine, and given how old this documentary is, he probably has been.
ps - the CEO guided the company to 27 billion in profit, id say hes worth 4.5million.
If nobody worked at Walgreens … 🤷🏼♀️
As long as people are willing to make that money, why should they change ? I’m just saying, all those folks protesting for a higher wage, were not forced to take that job ! Put the pressure on those businesses by NOT working there. They would have no choice then but to lure people in by increasing the starting salary. 👍🏻😊
A dozen years later after this was filmed and the story stays the same.
I know and that's sad. We gotta do more. The overloards win because the masses get lazy and complacent. And think they can't change it anyway. Well, they can. We can. But it's not easy, it's not overnight. But we can. People have. We can.
@@ENDEVRDocs This was a wonderful documentary. Definitely would like to know how the people featured are doing ? It’s not much different in Canada. Essentials are are costing so much and we’re in a colder climate. The value of families needs to be instilled again in both countries! Working together people can achieve more. We’re sold the lie everyone should be able to live independently and own the next latest and greatest items. If you don’t then you’re called a loser. I’m reading now youth are stepping away from the burden of higher education. They don’t want the debt and only end up working low wages. If everyone had a degree there still wouldn’t be enough high paying job opportunities. The workforce is going through major changes. It’s hard to know what skills will be in demand in 5 years and beyond.
Sad
It’s gotten worse 😢
I was like this in the late 80’s. Both my husband and I worked 2nd and 3rd part time jobs. We never wanted to use credit cards to get ahead. Because you don’t.
I just don't get how people who are already broke and down bad decide to bring kids in to that?!🤦🏾♂️
Maybe they already had kids and THEN fell on hard times?!
They thinking with their genitals
@@RowenaSnow-px3jgwell a sure fire way to stay broke your whole life is 2 things … don’t graduate college and having a baby or 2 outside of marriage. It’s a stat
Like the couple living in a garage… you’d think they would’ve taken extra precaution to not get pregnant ! And then to find out they’re expecting twins ! If I were living in a garage, I’d use a couple of forms of protection !!!
@@cjhoward409collage doesn’t guarantee you a good job. It does guarantee you a lot of debt.
Love Percy! So happy that he got hired by the auto company. Shame that the company he worked for all those years shut down and didn't pay out his pension.
He really deserved to be hired.
Me too, he’s a sweet, hardworking man. Hope he can find a way to retire eventually. Some people would be really bitter in his situation and IMO, rightfully so. But Percy just keeps on keepin’ on with a positive “ get er done” attitude. Massive respect for all who appeared in this doc. You’re good people and thank you for allowing us the privilege to follow along with your journey. Best wishes to all of you, take care!
Our dreams are too small when trying to make money…. We don’t believe in our own potential because of fear of others perception and judgment. We instead give up on our hope in inclination and settles
for the least resistance and we instead focus on peace which is less fruitful
Well said !
Percy reminds me of my dad. He's in his sixties and is retired. To think that he could have very easily ended up in Percy's situation, makes me sad.
I feel bad for the children being born in circumstances like this. A lt of people keep having children while unemployed, which makes it so much harder to get out of poverty.
Something could’ve happened in between, there are rich people with children that unexpectedly become poor too on the street due to job loss, you just never know what can happen, failing business, lay off’s, health issues, etc. it’s a scary world.
@@Juju-l3oMost Rich people dont have jobs.
@@richradtylr4 what do you mean?
@@Juju-l3o Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Warren Buffet, Elon Musk, etc.... Donald J.Trump even if he running, he still not reliant on a job.
@@Juju-l3onothing ever happens between except for habitual poor choices. That excuse is old and tired, and this entire doc proved it.
I'll just add this. As an American I was a bit blown away to find that McDonald's employees in Denmark make over $22 hourly. Have healthcare. Pension paid into. 6 weeks vacation. Paid maternity leave. And the prices are about the same. What does that tell you? GREED is the name of the game here in the US.
The wages, healthcare, 6 weeks holidays (give or take), paid maternity apply to most EU countries. And if you travel within the EU, have a medical emergency, you’re covered. It’s normal. The conditions for average workers in the US are quite frankly, shocking.
If you want the government to do this, get ready for an incredible tax hike.
"Nothing ever goes away until it has taught us what we need to know."
- Pema Chödrön
Emilia is blessed to have a family who support her. She sure came a long way and tries so hard. Strong willed. I hope she finds a good paying job.
It is pretty straightforward: don’t smoke, don’t drink, don’t own pets and don’t have babies if one can’t afford...
Complete NIGHTMARE. I studied medicine to avoid this trap. It’s a trap bc if u don’t escape as a teen then society will ensure u never get out. I grew up poorer than this. Texas suburb,Beautiful big house but behind closed doors often didn’t have electricity/running water. Food was so scarce that I developed anorexia to cope. Thank u Father God for gifting me education as means to escape.🙏🏽 class of 2022 👩🏽⚕️👩🏽🎓🇲🇽🇳🇬
Amen, thank you Lord!
Been there done that, I was from welfare stock, and it's hard to get out from under, especially if your family doesn't want you to get anywhere. But I don't want to give up. There was so shot at college back then, I had to go to work at 13
@@crystalsswtor3760 WOW! Sad to hear this. Being poor i learnt never take loans, so I couldn’t have done college without FAFSA paying it all which I heard wasn’t a thing back then. I wish there’d been resources available back in ur day that could’ve broken this generational poverty cycle. Don’t let regret take over. U did the best u could’ve with what u had. Never give up Crystal! U deserve every good thing that IS coming ur way.
Mechanics and teachers both make decent money yet you make it sound like you were very poor. I don't get it. Yours should have been a middle income family.
@@barbararobinson244 I was very poor. Teachers don’t make decent income. My mom made around 40k. My dad owned his small mechanic shop so his monthly income wasn’t consistent. Both legal immigrants from Mexico & Nigeria. He held a masters in business & she a degree in education. No debt, both drove used cars, didn’t splurge. Apologies if this comes off rude but u don’t get it bc the American dream doesn’t make sense. U can do everything right & still not make it.
This came out a decade ago. How about a current one. It's much much worse 😟
I know people better off now than they were 10 years ago. Because they went back to school, got a degree or got technical training and are working and saving. 👍🏻
I'm 56. I live alone, single. I'm living off $28,000 a year. I drive a school bus. I don't get paid when school is out (summer and other breaks). If I want any health insurance, I have to pay for it, I can't afford any insurance.
I have looked for a second job, but my age or the time of day and lack of experience keeps me from being hired. My grocery list consist of the cost.. each item costs no more than $3.00 each..can food, noodles..etc. if it's cheaper at the dollar store, I'll shop there.
I use a space heater in my bedroom when cold weather hits, I have window units, and use one in a room I'll be in mostly and not through out my home (a 2/2 mobile home that wild animals are destroying) . My yearly property taxes are almost $2000.
I'm not qualified for welfare. They tell me to sell my home, my car..I ask them where am I to live and how Im to get to work? A no win situation.
Why is America suffering so much? Why are we not being taken care of?
Get your CDL A. I started driving OTR at age 56.
@@akutan224byes, let’s just continue to ignore and dodge the actual problem.
"Why are we not being taken care of?" Are you serious? Who should 'take care' of you?
You're only 56. You could start a small business. Just don't sit online and expect to become society's burden or another govt welfare recipient. If you watched the video, then you saw that those folks are hustling and working hard to get ahead.
@@homesteadgal4143 hey illiterate person, read again If you can read.. I DO work and I have many disabilities that disqualifies myself for other jobs positions I DON'T sit on my butt and collect ANY welfare benefits . The fact of the matter is I have two jobs that do not pay a lot. I don't need to justify this or to anymore about my personal business..but to clear your lack of brain cells and so you can sleep better..then there's some of my business explained..
@@homesteadgal4143 also.. I pay taxes for the people who are receiving welfare assistance, so I DO deserve to be taken care of by my country.
Mad respect for these peoples work ethic! Americas employers work them to the bone and still dont pay enough.
On top off that if you get sick it costs you all your savings...insane, please America, do better for your people
Exactly, we’re slaves basically working towards death, I’m scared to even retire one day because SSI does not pay much, cost of living is way too high for the amount we make.
@KruimeltjeliefI thought it was very realistic. I must have missed something. Huh.
@@FreeAuntJemima Not if that paycheck is going straight back to the government don’t you see the cycle?
@@FreeAuntJemima Thanks, I wasn’t trying to be sarcastic nor was I trying to complain on RUclips but it’s just very unfair if you ask me and I agree elections do matter I have to say the past few years have been a mess and I hope it gets better after the elections.
Funny thing is, living in different income brackets is represented in this documentary. Maybe you should watch the documentary again if you don't believe it reflects the true American experience.
Every Christmas I tip a waitress $100 at a restaurant just like the first one in the vid. Im not rich and its not extravagant spending. To build the $100, I stiff the servers at Starbucks, bars, and other franchise restaurants that provide poor service and act like they are entitled. Then, I find a nice little mom and pop place and put a smile on someone's face.
Good for you. Tips should be earned.
I pay for the groceries for the person in front of me if it’s pretty clear they’re struggling and I have a few extra bucks. I don’t wait for Xmas, I look for an opportunity year round. I know what it’s like to starve and I don’t think a person ever gets over that experience. It’s humiliating to have people make comments about how skinny you are and speculating if you’re a drug user or have some kind of eating disorder. Who wants to admit they don’t even have enough to feed themselves?
Love this
@@tundrawomansays694 you’ve inspired me to do this.
Love doing /seeing random acts of kind ess in person.
So glad this show highlighted how good Emilia's construction job was for her suited to her energy and practical sense. Look up National Association for Women in Construction.
In many cases enforced equality of outcome has actually hurt women more than it helped them. In this case the employer needs to pay her the same as her male colleagues, that means she is mostly more expensive, because she might don't get as much work done, so the employer will consider hiring women even less.
Nice to hear of a dad out there being a loving warrior for his kids.
You can tell some people don't understand how the military works. You're not gone forever and the services won't keep you eternally separated from your family. For that dude, as young as he still is, going into the military now is a great option. He could also finish school while he's in.
Exactly! He shld have went to military steady pay and insurance for him and family ....va loan...and school help . That would have been great for him he cld have even trained to be an electrician or something while there
Emelia is clever,funny and a special lady. I really hope she has found her way in life. She deserves so much more.👍🇬🇧
Well what can I say. I dont care how old this DOC., is I can relate, and I'm so very sad for alot of the folks and so proud of the others. I can relate to being a single mom with a latch key child at 5 having to come home with the baby sitter or cab and unlock and put his food in the microwave, and wait for me to come home. $10 an hour rent was $550 back then, (he has since passed at the age of 19), I lost an unborn child as well. It just all hits home. Now I'm single and 60 with no retirement, I have no idea in 2024 what my future holds, I do have a job, but my salary was DECREASED, (who does that), they were either take it or you have no job, (so guess what I did?). God help us all, we are moving backwards.
Sorry for your loss ❤
Sorry for your loss
"It's no measure of health being well adjusted to a profoundly sick society" ~ J.Krishnamoorti.
Putting aside debate when US governments has nurtured corporations and the rich like privileged spoiled brats while treating everyone else as expendable trash for 4 decades is impossible !
I hear ya.
Ever since saint Ronny reagan' and slick Willie Clinton. Americans have voted themselves out of existence. Mission accomplished. Demorats and rethuglicans. One and the same.
Well done! I wanted to reach through the video and help each one. The struggles are so real. We all have so many struggles.
I think it's crazy to spend over 3,000 dollars for wedding rings. Spend 200 and save the rest toward the down payment for a house.
Stupidity at its finest. And they wonder why they are broke. The next thing they did was to have a kid on top of that. No sympathy from here. They bring themselves into this mess.
Yes, I think it is ludicrous. You cannot have everything at the same time when you are struggling financially.
They should have bought simple bands and have a court wedding with/ without a simple restaurant dinner after.
Then if they are doing better after a while, doing a reception/party . That is a cultural thing, especially in Latino countries, which I am part of, that you have to have the wedding and expensive ring even if you cannot afford it.
She is manipulative and also being manipulated by her parents. She put a lot of pressure on her husband.
@@vaderladyl same in my Ukrainian family. No longer can people afford even simple cultural traditions like we took for granted after WW2. I agree with you the reception wasn’t a great investment, they could’ve made it where people paid for their own meal and the rings could have been simpler. As if they were to sell the rings it would only be 50% of purchase and the divorce rate is 40%.
Diamonds never depreciate, so nothing was lost.
The 4 year college requirement to succeed is a lie. Most people are better off going into the trades. Less expensive schooling and more pay for decent hard workers. Many 4 year degree don't have a job tied to them. Medicine, engineering, and other specialized jobs need a specific 4 year. Other jobs like electricians and plumbers need a trades school.
My parents told me "Go to school for a degree in a good paying job and not one to follow a dream. There will be time to pursue a dream after there is ample food on the table and a good shelter over your family's head."
I am grateful for their advice and their sacrifices to give us the best chance they can to succeed. It also takes a bit of luck to not be burdened by bad heath or lose a job at a bad time like the GFC. One also has to be willing to bend the knee to the man till one doesn't need to.
Wealthy people have the means and connections to give their kids insane opportunities.
Realtors: "No one can take your home away from you." Typical salesperson.
University degrees actually do help you to be considered for corporate jobs and climb that ladder, but nowadays you need a masters. Problem is those that get a useless degree and do nothing with their degree. But I do agree there’s been a turn in the market place for more trade, specialized workers. It is a great option if standard education isn’t for you. At the end of the day, just do SOMETHING.
Trade work is NOT always the dream solution you lot make it out to be. It’s physically intensive and people wash out from it more than college, and the pay isn’t always enough to live on if you have a family
I went to a trade school and I'm ok.
@@considerthis410 Depends on where you live and the company you work for. Some people in the trades make bank, others barely survive.
@@anangrywhiteguy4689 The point someone else in the trades made is that you gain experience working for someone, and then you start working for yourself. Why let someone else profit off of you once you have experience?
I don’t understand why this documentary is just being put out when it was filmed over 10 years ago but I’m glad that there has been some improvements
what improvements? its worse now than then
Which improvements?
@@hashh2019literally
I think jazzymurray meant improvements for some of those in this older doc., like Elizabeth and Jose.
This is a re posting.
Nothing improved since then. Housing prices are now completely unaffordable in most of the more populous areas in the US. People now cannot afford to stay where they grew up. We will live in our cars and be happy about simply affording a parking spot to stay the night without getting harassed by cops or criminals all while working 3 jobs. How long will we continue to accept this? The means to offer everyone who works a decent life are out there more than ever!
An excellent series! The best to all those who strive for a better life and put in the effort to make their dreams a reality!
It’s not a flex to have an expensive ring on your finger that you can’t afford and that physically makes your finance depressed. “Females look at the size.” No, real women are looking for truly successful women that prioritize what’s most important.
As a female mechanic (who owns my own mechanic business), when that car didn’t start and the young man cried… that broke my heart to pieces.. I wanted to help. This is why I created a program that offers 30% off to those on EBT/Disability and on the last day of the month, we give free work to people in youth shelters/dv shelters
Blessings to you for your kindness. I agree about the ring. A simple silver band and at the reception people should at least pay for 50% of their dinner. Sadly we can’t afford to carry on our cultural traditions anymore!
God bless you !!!
Looking at this from Australia - I am so glad we are looked after medically and in old age.
Annoying smug manager making comments that she shouldn’t have went out last night. She works a lot that’s why she is tired. Can’t stand passive aggressive bosses who sit in their offices complaining with smug attitudes
I’m wondering with all costs went up after the pandemic how people are doing now. It will be good to see an updated documentary.
You mean afyer Brandon.
Such eye opening. Life can be hard when it comes to living and why we as a planet should looking after each other. Thank you for sharing x
Our countries are not being run properly when young people can't afford a home of their own and earning a pittance to live.
Having children globally in most countries is no longer possible! Working does not pay enough to take care of oneself let alone kids who will just live now in poverty and "deaths of disparity ".
I never get why people have kids, multiple kids, when they're already struggling financially..
That escapes me too. One of the biggest financial costs are children: physical care and mental care and well-being, education. It’s a huge responsibility one should NOT take lightly.
Women, generally, are not cool with aborting their child regardless of financial circumstances. They tell themselves they’ll make it work. People struggling financially have to make it work because no one is going to save them. We still have to work and do the best we can.
Abstinence or birth control come to mind. Why bring a child into that mess?
@SolorockinOne There are such things as birth control. Having multiple kids when your finances are already stretched isn't just pure accident..it's called being irresponsible.
@@ENDEVRDocs I feel that we're about to experience the consequences of this in the next generation. Middle & upper class women choosing not to have children due to the feeling of not being financially able to provide a good life for them. At the same time we are losing reproductive rights which disproportionally affects lower class women. There's going to be less children born and those which are born will be to lower income famiies.
I'm only 20 minutes in and this is all so sad. I think it's ridiculous that Walgreens only pays $10 an hour. Also, so sad that this young man lost a scholarship due to an injury. Colleges are so GREEDY! College is a greedy business. I think if an athlete obtains a scholarship from a college, that college should be obligated to provide the full four years of education should the injury take place while participating in the school athletics. Colleges should be insured if an injury occurs to a student. And, what responsibility did the colleges have in the student loan forgiveness? Greed is running this country and it's sad.
I wouldn’t settle for $10 an hour. My son, a few years ago at age 20 almost took a job for $10 and I said, “look more, there’s something better” and he found a warehouse job for $14 to start, and full time. And after a year he worked up to a supervisor position… $22 an hour with bonuses. He worked hard. He stayed overtime if needed. Bosses notice those things. I used to be a retail manager. No college for that. Just worked hard up that ladder
@@cjhoward409 $10 an hour is ridiculous! No wonder so many are working, but poor.
The Hispanic couple living in the garage having twins? ! I don’t mean to sound unsympathetic but why? Birth control is free! It’s irresponsible and unfair to bring 2 babies into their world. Get on your feet first.
Anyone else still singing “come on bus!”
Forget universities and colleges. Too much competition in the job market for college degree jobs, unless you're going to become a medical doctor. Many degrees are basically worthless in the real world. Trade schools are where its at. There are jobs galore for plumbers, electricians, welders, nurse aids, beauticians, administration, carpenters, etc. Parents and high schools need to start teaching their kids about the alternatives. Universities have become a huge money racket.
💯💯💯
A lot of trade jobs don't get paid well either.
I do not berate higher education at all, but today you can go to a tech school and learn landscapeing plumbing eletrical and make six figure salaries without taking on enormous student debt. But you have to work and many young people do not want to do that.
Yea but trades is not something for an old man. Trades are great when you are younger but not so great being a roofer or plumber in your 60s. My dad’s a trades me and he always wanted me to go to college. And this man made good money and still does 😂 still told me college is the way to go.
God Bless. Anywhere in the world - working class is what the world stands on. Good hardworking people.
I truly identified with the 50 yr old woman bc, in the beginning, she's asked, "What's your dream?". Her reply: "I don't have one."
WHAT american Dream??!!!
She probably wanted to add, "anymore. I don't have one anymore." Very sad.
Greed is killing society. No more humanity at all
I wish all these wonderful people the very best in life, the wages in America are 3rd world & these poor souls having to work multiple jobs just to live is shameful & unsustainable in the long term. May god bless you all ❤
What a shock that Barbie here doesn't know anything about a third world lol. My parents came down a third world and they literally dealt with starvation and deplorable living conditions. You, on the other hand, think it's "ick third world" because they can only afford to go to Disneyland once every few years.
"NoT sUsTaInAbLe". Guuuuuurl, of course you know nothing of our evolutionary history. Your ancestors literally slaves away hunting for food all day just to be able to survive. You wouldn't understand human resilience because your utterly privileged life has made you impatient, spoiled, and weak.
Gratitude for making less than most people would accept is enlightening. Most people that I know would never accept $13 an hour or 10.50 an hour. I have a big respect for people who can work for little to nothing but I hope they end up making much more to support their families and good dreams.
Just to see Akita's father step-up, fills me with happiness. He's a real man. Proudness.
Go into the trades and eventually own your own business. Plumbers where I live are getting 150 an hour, heating repairs 160 an hour, electricians 125 to 150 an hour. Then they significantly mark up the materials and usually add an hour on extra for travel. Some of them make more than doctors each week. And always in much demand.
Agree. The money is in trade school.
Very true. Universities and degrees are often waste of money. People study stuff that they will never be able to use.
That's so true, I would always learn a trade, then go to University, so you have a backup, and only go for STEM degrees, everything else is hard to land a decent job. I went to engineering school, now I am studying at University while working part-time in a local machine shop, I live with my parents so I can live quite comfortably. I am a little bit sorry for all the students who have to work and grind at restaurants because they have no profession.
About what part of the country are you talking, the west coast? If you aren't making 6 figures there, you will be living in the street.
Good job at showing hard working men and fathers… That’s is so important for these boys to see.. Don’t give up. We need you!
In the USA today many do not want kids. Kids are for the rich and wealthy. Middle class is the new upper poor. 😢
Then why are so many unemployed people living off social welfare having a bunch of kids? That's the problem... Too many burdens on society causing responsible people to pay for their children... And then those people can't afford their own kids because they're paying for others
@ToxicAveng😮erCleanYourMind been that way for at least 37 years. Why do I say that? Because my son, an only child, is 36. My late husband and I made the decision to have no more because we were struggling enough with just one. It use to tick me off to see healthy folks on government assistance have numerous kids while my husband and I both worked and couldn't afford to have more kids.
Funny thing is that now, my son and his wife have made the same decision about kids due to the cost. I have a little precious granddaughter; yet, no more grand babies for me. I get it; I definitely understand...😔.
@@ToxicAvengerCleanYourMind exactly. Your right. It's very irresponsible for poor people to have kids on welfare impoverished. So sad that there are even 4th and 5th generations on welfare.
@@ToxicAvengerCleanYourMind Exactly. I’m a white-collar professional woman and I wanted kids. I didn’t have them because I didn’t get married, couldn’t afford them, and wouldn’t have been able to stay home with them. I’m alone, but have to pay for others to have families.
She has a job with the same company 19 yrs needs to move closer to her job so the commute does not make it harder for herself. Shes a good employee some companies help with moving something she may have not explored. Makes life much harder commuting an hour to work. Moving is what people ar afraid of but its necessary for a better lifestyle and helps in the longrun.
I hope that couple that was living with their parents found a place. This documentary was filmed in 2015. If they didn’t find a place by 2019, we can probably say they never will.
I'm 68 years old collecting Social Security .Still working full-time. Great decision continue working. Financially life changing. If you're capable of working in retirement do it.
Emilia needs to come to NZ. I am a 49 year old female and work in a predominantly male dominated industry & have never experienced discrimination. If anything women here are encouraged to excel in construction and treated as equals. Here in NZ most companies have what we call a performance review which every employee is entitled to annually. Regardless of sex you are paid what you are worth. Hard work, perseverance and in house up-skilling worked for me and it paid off. Hope all involved in this doco are better off today.
Could you get into the trade in your 40s or 50s?
You can but there is more competition from younger applicants@@babycakes8434
Amazing this was 2013 and in 2024 nothing has changed. In fact it may even be worse today.
As a fellow server, it broke my heart that she only made $50 in 8 hours of busting her butt. I have it so good I am realizing!
That's crazy 😢
I did the same $50 a day as a single mom and on the weekends $30 was for the babysitter 😭😭 it was so difficult to survive, but with God’s help and hard work I went to college. Now I have a confortable life always grateful 🙏🙏
When I was a server in college, it only paid to work at an expensive place. The wine sales rep had tastings for us. That’s how I learned about wine. Working at a breakfast place would be the wrong way to go about it because breakfast is very hectic and it’s cheap, so the tips are low.
Minimum wage for Servers in America is disgraceful.... How come employers don't pay a living wage..
I like Emilia's warrior spirit. She is genuine.
Where are they now? This documentary is from 2015. Please do an update
This was a fabulous series. I got so attached to everyone! Thank you for the updates at the end and I hope things are still going well for them. I wish them the very best always. ❤
I know a lady that grewup very poor, worked as a logger, joined the army and went to school to be an Aerospace Engineer. She had over 100,000 in school loans when she graduated. She is now a manager at a Aerospace company. She paid off her loans. She got out of the poverty. It's hard work but can be done. I worked at Walgreens as a beauty consultant for 2 weeks and quite after I saw my check. I'm a cosmetologist. I got a job at a salon making 3 times as much. Walgreens pays nothing.
Lots of opportunities like this one, right?
My wife and I worked 4 jobs and had 2 kids. We also went to college and both have good degrees. You can do it! Don’t give up
Kept them distracted with fights over rainbows, and this idea they’d all be better off being great again.
Businesses aren't going to pay you anymore than they have to. And when forced to increase your wage they will find a way to cut and elimitate jobs so you have to now do 3 jobs if your lucky to keep it. And let's keep it real here, if you are making 10.50 and get a increase to 15 that is not the answer you are looking for it will not suddely make your living situtation comfortable. You need to find new employment with much better salary.
They raise wages and then raise the cost of everything needed to survive. Why? Profits. Wealthy don't lose money or take less profits. And if they do, their profits won't dip for long
@@SweetPotata10 WRONG! The inflationary trend is global and pandemic-induced. Nothing to do with the dems! Stop watching right-wing fear porn. Biden has our inflation rate way down, Turkey's rate is 80% for Christ's sake, our rate is the best in the world. Just imagine how screwed we'd be under Cheeto. So thankful for Biden and intelligent people he has around him, not toadies.
Dude the cost of everything was going up literally when the when minimum wage world were low
The PlayStation 3 came out and PlayStation tried to charge people 599 during a recession when the minimum wage in 2006 was like 5.50 dollars. Sony caught mad hate for that and was forced to drop their price to equal to Xbox 360 which a lot of turn to anyway.
My stepdad had apartment in Prince George's county Maryland. carriage Hill apartments that one bedroom apartment in 1996 was 575 dollars. About the time 2013 when this documentary was filmed that same one bedroom apartment was already $950 dollars.
So the whole argument if they raise minimum wage then everything will go up is a bunch of baloney. The cost of living was going to go up regardless if the minimum wage goes up or if it stays where it was at.
The big lie is that you need that college degree. NO! Learn a trade. Plumbers, mechanics are ALWAYS needed. Vocation schools are the way to go. Also, not having children before rhe age of 25-28.
iam 40 years old... come from Germany... the last 15 years germany was a Highlight... i work maybe 50 hours a week only as a helper in streetbuilding and a little easy job in Restaurant.... every month i can save 1600 euro/Dollar because i live like a homeless... i buy 2 big 3 room appartement... and all Credit finish.....but yes no children.... but people can choose money and save life or children.... together no Chance... now in germany its a real nightmare... all people have no money all expensive... Jobs no more save.... i dont know whats going on....