My constant struggle to stay above the poverty line

Tuesday, 12 June 2018

I started off strong - I was in work and saving from my mid-teens, and was able to partially buy the house I now live in.

This sounds like it should lead to a grand 'you can do it too' ending… however, that was over a decade ago.

As a young adult it felt like a prime situation, but as land value rose, so did rates and home loan interest. While I haven't failed any payments yet, I am getting short on options to stave them off in the not-so-distant future.

The pink, early 80s bench is starting to bow and the cupboards don't line up so well these days, but I'm unable to match costs with the co-owner of the house to remedy this.

**READ MORE:

* Living pay cheque to pay cheque

* We skip meals so our kids can eat

* New Zealand's 'working poor'

* My $3.30 daily food budget**

Outsiders assume I'm in good stead from having a decent lounge suite, multiple TVs and a playstation, but the truth is, my couch is from family who left the country, the TVs are hand-me-downs from whoever was upgrading and the playstation is from a friend who decided to get rid of their spare.

Unlike the costs of living, I have seen my wage stagnate badly. I've upskilled and have first aid and a myriad of NZQA certificates to my name, but it's still not enough.  

What seemed 'passable', as it was a few dollars above minimum wage some years ago, is now barely a dollar above, despite incremental increases.

After one such 20c an hour increase, my mother quipped, 'fantastic, now you can buy a cup of cafe coffee each week'. I laughed, before I realised just how accurate that statement was.

The truth of the matter is, keeping your head down and doing your best only gets you so far.

I have spent 15 years in my industry now, and while I am considered several grades above other staff as far as my skill set and expectations, the reality is I'm still base level and being paid accordingly.

Without any advancement opportunities, higher level staff are unable to move up, leaving other staff with nowhere to go. Like myself, my peers include many former managers who have settled as low/mid-level staff as the stress that goes along with a new job title doesn't sit well against the pitiable pay increase.

My car is currently a month overdue for a WOF, but luckily I haven't hit any traffic check points… yet. What was a fine mid 90s sedan when I bought it a decade ago, is having a hard time holding up. But with no money to fix, no money to upgrade and work shifts that start well before bus routes, my hands are tied.

I try to ask for pick-ups from mates if there are any social events I need to attend, because the flaked top-coat and 24 years of scratch marks, trolley dings and carpark bumps make me too embarrassed to show up in it. Oh, and there's also the fear that every trip may result in a fine, dragging me further into the red, and adding yet another week before I can attempt to pay for a warrant.

I tell myself that being just a little overdue for a WOF isn't so bad, but in the back of my head I can feel my insurance being invalidated every time I take myself to work.

Having worked in hospitality, I never drink. And having known so many stoners from my occupation, I can't stand drugs. I keep my body in as optimal condition as my food budget allows, but as much care as I take, there are things I can't control.

Recently my glasses broke. Even someone with some spare coin would struggle to fork out the $840 for the prescription, and I estimate it will take three months to bring my budget back in line, likely with cuts in other areas.

This is not a story of poverty. Yet. This is my attempt at staying above poverty.

Heaven help those with children, with medical conditions, or with any number of things that can blindside any of us.

We'll keep trying our hardest, and for those who try their hardest and are still falling behind - I may be joining you at the next turn.