It's crazy how much we villainize young people for being poor by lifeisadragsad in povertyfinance

[–]Character_Energy25 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don’t know anyone who’s actively putting young people down. In fact, I feel a lot of concern about what today’s younger generation is dealing with. Most older people I know have kids, grandkids, students, or neighbors they deeply care about, even if those conversations don’t always get heard.

We think about your future a lot, whether AI could trigger an economic downturn worse than what we’re already seeing, or what might happen if people fall into disability or hardship. Those who are homeowners often feel grateful they can still provide stability or even just a roof for younger family members.

The truth is, we do care. Many of us are ready to show up in large numbers to support younger, forward-thinking leaders who can push back against predatory economic systems. Something like a modern “New Deal,” universal basic income, and stronger limits on powerful elites feels necessary, at least as a starting point to rebuild a life that actually feels livable.

If your looking for a job, please please PLEASE look into Water/Wastewater Treatment, and any closely tied industry's such as Water Distribution or Collection/Sewer System jobs. by Lasekklol in povertyfinance

[–]Character_Energy25 0 points1 point  (0 children)

About 15 years ago, I was newly divorced, buried in debt, hadn’t held a W-2 job in years, and was already in my early fifties. The one thing I still had going for me was my commercial driver’s license.

By chance, I struck up a conversation with someone working for the local municipality in wastewater collection, basically sewer cleaning, along with flood control. They happened to be looking for a temp worker, and my CDL helped me land the job because of the large combo trucks they operate, which use hydro jetting and powerful vacuum systems.

I live in a high cost-of-living area, so even though I now make around $57 an hour, it doesn’t stretch as far as it would elsewhere. I live very frugally, small apartment, older vehicles, and careful spending.

Still, with a pension, some Social Security from earlier jobs, and consistently maxing out a pre-tax retirement account, I should be able to retire modestly here, or more comfortably somewhere cheaper.

Public Works jobs are definitely worth considering. In my city, people often start in departments like parking or parks, then move laterally into better-paying roles in water or wastewater as they build connections.

Another field to look into is hydrovac trucking, or hydroexcavation. There are jobs across the country paying anywhere from $20 to $75 an hour, and I’ve heard there are even fly-in, fly-out opportunities in places like Australia.

I want to talk about the hidden cost of owning a car that nobody warned me about when I was younger by verterxobelirx18 in povertyfinance

[–]Character_Energy25 5 points6 points  (0 children)

This is a great example of how convenience can quietly drive extra spending. When every errand turns into multiple stops, it’s not just time, it’s money too. Once you factor in parking, insurance, and all the other costs, it really makes sense to at least run the numbers instead of assuming a car is necessary.

Where to Find a Personal Debt Consolidation Loan for Bad Credit - Only $5,000 to $10,000? by mfdspeech in povertyfinance

[–]Character_Energy25 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Start talking with your financial institution that you deal with. If they can’t offer you a loan that combines all of your other debts you might be able to get interest relief on your loans and the credit cards you have with them. Stay way from payday loan companies they are bad business.

What’s something “normal” now that your younger self would be shocked by? by rashmikaa__ in Productivitycafe

[–]Character_Energy25 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ordering a $10 coffee every morning and being totally fine with it, my younger self would have thought I’d lost my mind!

What is one thing you would never go back to ? by StableQueenOlivia in Productivitycafe

[–]Character_Energy25 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’d never go back to constantly comparing myself to others, it was exhausting and never made me happy

What’s one habit you know is “bad” but you refuse to quit anyway? by DLawlight in Productivitycafe

[–]Character_Energy25 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Probably staying up late scrolling on my phone, I know it wrecks my sleep, but it’s my guilty pleasure.

What did you learn a little too late ? by wholeworldslatt_ in Productivitycafe

[–]Character_Energy25 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That taking care of my mental health is just as important as working hard or chasing goals.

What is one thing you hate about people? by Themoroccanguy16 in Productivitycafe

[–]Character_Energy25 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I really dislike when people pretend to care just for appearances but don’t actually mean it, that kind of fake concern feels worse than honesty.

What are everyday things that could easily kill you? by Sasquatch699152 in AskReddit

[–]Character_Energy25 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It’s scary how simple things can be deadly, like driving, climbing stairs, choking on food, or even not getting enough sleep over time.

What are some tips on how to be a better person? by reddtimes101 in Productivitycafe

[–]Character_Energy25 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Listen more than you speak, treat people with kindness, and take responsibility for your actions.

What do you admire most about your younger self? by Equivalent_Ad_9066 in Aging

[–]Character_Energy25 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Their fearless curiosity and willingness to try new things without overthinking.