We are a family of 6. Both adults work FT and on a decent combined salary. The increase in cost of living will hit us but we shouldn't be in a position where we have to go without basics unless we have a drastic change of circumstances. We will be losing the nice extras I realise that this puts us in a position of privelidge compared to many.
I work in the public sector in a job, often with very vulnerable people, trying to advocate for them and help them make their lives better. At every corner we are thwarted by layers of bureaucracy. For example, if someone finds themselves homeless they will need to register. To register they need to call the local council. Then they will spend 5 minutes listening to an automated message before they get directed to a web page. To actually talk to someone will take around half an hour. Then they'll need ID and to register with a GP they'll need an address. To register for benefits they need the internet, ID and a bank account or someone will to let them use theirs who is not an unscrupulous bastard. Add this to their mental health/Substance misuse issues etc then it is very challenging. It's all so fucking backwards and exhausting.
I also volunteer in the community - in a school and running a children's activity. I did this to help create better opportunities for my own kids. Again everything is a battle from facilities to understaffing to underfunding. However, the club will fold if I don't do it (we have 60 odd kids in a deprived area). The school will be okay but I know they will struggle to find someone to replace me and the significant knowledge and network I have. I am considering standing for our local town council because the situation in our town is dire and looking at our current representatives it's not going to get better anytime soon.
I am a competent and capable person. I am generally high energy and my energy can be infectious which is I am successful in certain areas. I also find people seek me out.
However, I'm exhausted. I'm sick of fighting and nothing seems to get better and things only get harder both personally and professionally. I worry that if I feel like this then many do and at some point we'll all just stop, it will be about self-preservation and those who have the least will have their support reduced even further.