Are other full-time working families finding there is nothing left?

[fatface001]

Alarm went off at 5:30 this morning, then an hour stood on a packed train into London for the commute. We are a normal family: one child and two full-time jobs. I’ve always enjoyed working and have always worked hard, and I don’t mind that at all — but I do expect that full-time work should still mean there’s something left at the end of the month for a normal life.

But that really doesn’t feel like the case anymore.

There’s nothing left at the end of the month. Everything has been stripped back, all non-essentials have gone, and even basic things around the house are being put off or done ourselves because there isn’t spare money for trades. It’s just constant cutting back.

What’s hard is that we’re both working really long hours and doing everything we’re “supposed” to do, but it still feels like we’re going backwards rather than getting ahead.

When I hear talk about “those with the broadest shoulders” contributing more, I honestly don’t recognise it anymore in real life. It doesn’t feel like anyone in our position has anything left to give — it feels like the pressure is entirely on ordinary working households just to stand still.

I’m not looking for luxuries — just the sense that working still gives you a bit of breathing room. Right now it doesn’t feel like that at all.

Is anyone else feeling the same?

well yes you had to rely on friends and family if you had any living near. my mother didn't nor did I and I had a child with additional needs so it was even more difficult to be able to leave them and go out to work.

Yes, my situation was similar - I did have a childminder but it was the lady over the fence at the bottom of my garden who had similar age children - it was an informal arrangement , however it was 5 days a week and agreed pay and arrangements between used holidays etc - she was totally fantastic and it suited her too as they were not well off at all.

Really? I thought after 6 months you went onto means tested?

It depends what group you are in. My dad was on contribution based ESA for years, but he was in the support group.

Thanks. Didn’t know that. X

Yeah, I'm in the support group too. Very glad to have it plus the PIP although it doesn't come anywhere near minimum wage as an income.

Yep - my gran worked with my grandad - and me the day they married she was required to resign by the employer. They did give a three piece suite as a wedding present as ‘compensation’, but that was that.

I think many on this thread are doing that thing where they are judging what people did in the past through today's lens.
I know they don't want to hear it, but things have actually moved on and families today are much more fortunate than out grandparents' families were.

we don't need coffee shops. Make your own. 😁

Talk about missing the point 🙄

Netcurtainnelly
we don't need coffee shops. Make your own. 😁

Less coffee shops, less employment, less socialising, less of the little things that make people smile. Cafés, book shops, newsagents have all closed in our town, it’s now all laser beauty clinics, beauticians, pubs, pharmacies, take aways and vape shops. Our lovely town looks like a dive now