I am one of the 7.6 million Americans who has to work multiple jobs. I work three jobs so that I can meet my living expenses, pay bills, have health insurance, and build a new career in video production, all while living in Washington, D.C. (a place that is seeing huge wage disparities as the district grows).
Yes, we are at a time where the economy continues to post gains and unemployment is low, but wage growth remains stubbornly stunted – leaving people like myself and my co-workers with a daily, multi-front battle to feed ourselves and pay our rent.
Because I am not alone in my pursuit to make ends meet and develop myself as a professional, I want to bring some of these stories to light. A living wage, a wage at which workers can live with dignity, including seeing a doctor when needed, remains a dream for many Americans. I know the United States can be a society where all people can thrive on a living wage—but we still are fighting, demanding that this is a basic necessity for everyone in our great country.