Are women unable to have a great career just supposed to accept life with no economic security?

[panickpanickpanick]

I have serious ongoing health issues, it has really affected me in terms of jobs/ careers since I was very young. I'm job hunting and regularly in a sick, tearful panic because I just don't have the right skills, experience or - the elephant in the room - the robust health or stamina to sign up for working 50 hour weeks. I have two degrees, the second postgraduate degree in theory is very attractive to employers but I just don't have all the other skills and experience. I am so tired of it all.

So, SO many jobs just do not pay enough to meet the rent plus basic bills.

Most part time jobs pay very little in general unless you are quite well established in your career to begin with.

Leaving out illness, there are plenty of other women who for various reasons cannot manage a job that pays enough to live on? I'm fortunate to have a partner who can support me but not everyone has this? I NEVER thought I'd end up relying financially on a partner and it's terrible for my self esteem

Not everyone can manage to slog their way into a job that pays a true living wage reflecting the real cost of renting and paying bills and having a small amount left to save - what am i missing? Why don't most jobs pay?

Also, I do know that plenty of men are working in poorly paid jobs too.

But women are more likely to have health problems like autoimmune conditions. Plus lots of jobs predominantly done by women such as a nursery worker or TA or care assistant are notoriously poorly paid.

I’m sorry you’re in this position

In theory, it’s the welfare state to provide some security - though obviously that’s rather different in practice 😔

Is this a women’s issue? I don’t think so. In fact, I know more women supported financially by men than vice versa. I’m not talking about parenting decisions - just in general.

I think there is a huge amount of hidden financial support. I have two siblings who can’t work and receive ESA, brother and sister. One lives at home, the other has their rent paid for by my parents - who aren’t wealthy. I’m sure there is a lot of that going on. Parents supporting, partners, siblings helping out - or children with parents.

Thanks, Cocomarine. Do you not think women are disproportionately affected by low wages though? I know that more women than men are in poverty due to disability, but as I say I feel it's a broader issue...Wages are just so low and people are depending on benefit top ups which often aren't really enough and people are still in very financially precarious situations. Shouldn't work pay better to start with?

I guess one of the issues is the high cost of accomodation and living. I think that living together with others (eg partner, parents,siblings, friends) can help reduce cost, but requires a lot of trust.

Yes housing costs are just unreal. Especially compared to the salaries in a huge amount of jobs. i don't understand it honestly.

Got another rejection from a job I really thought I'd get an interview with, and feeling crap.

You shouldn't need to be working 50 hour weeks to have a decent paying job?!

I do agree a lot of jobs salary is shocking and how they expect someone to live off it.

hwoever, if you have degrees but no experience, you will presumably be starting at junior level in whatever field/profession, so salaries will be lower but should pick up after a year or two....? if your partner can support you in the meantime you sound like you're in a good position compared to some others as you will be able to survive on the lower 'grad' wage for a bit? I think most 'grads' get by through living with parents or house shares but that isn't viable for all.

I know I struggled as i retrained at age 27/28 and therefore went into t a junior 'grad' role in my industry for which the salary was extremely difficult to live off for a 28 year old. However, progression was quick and so now at age 30, things have dramatically improved. Think those first years without experience are always going to be tough but doesnt mean you cant become financially independent.