Challenge::Live on $5.15 an hour::

[tgavin71]

Re: Challenge::Live on $5.15 an hour::

We didn't have a phone until I was 16. We had to rely on getting messages from the neighbours for emergencies. My mum wanted it but my dad said no. Eventually he agreed as long as it didn't affect his money (they have separate accounts) in anyway. Guess who uses the phone the most? Yep dad. And it is usually to call the neighbour about something or other. I would find it difficult to live without the phone or the internet but if I had to give up one it would be the phone.

[sarah]

Re: Challenge::Live on $5.15 an hour::

I agree I'd miss the internet more than the phone.

[amberfocus]

Re: Challenge::Live on $5.15 an hour::

In a wired world the computer and internet access will become far more ubiquitous than TVs and other forms of communication!

I completely agree. I don't have a television, because I access all the news, weather, etc. I need online. All of my music is now digital, and only stereo I need is my computer. Want to watch a DVD? Computer! TV show? Bittorrent. Paper statement on my bank account, credit card, and investment account statements? Forget 'em, I get the electronic versions. I use e-mail and IM far more frequently for talking with friends than the telephone. I really only use my phone when I'm on the go (which admittedly is often), as well as with my family (but only because they insist on calling me). Also, tons of my friends use Skype to talk internationally. The scientific journals I read for work are all available online, so long as you've got institutional access--so no more library stacks and frustrating missing hardcopies for me.

This is probably more of a generational gap. I can't remember a time when I didn't have internet, even if it was just 28K dial-up (boy was I excited when it went up to 56K!). I've been building websites (not just using them!) since 2000. I don't have a landphone, but I have five billion ethernet cables. I type ten times faster than I can write.

If one defines "luxury" as "someone that you don't need", then doesn't your umbrella count? (I actually didn't have an umbrella for years--I kept losing them, so I gave up on keeping one, and just dealt with getting rained/snowed on. Finally, the BF shoved one into my hands and said "YOU'RE TAKING THIS, AND THAT'S FINAL." I haven't lost that one... yet.)

I honestly think I'd rather not have hot water than not have the internet. I can always heat some water, and wash my hair in the sink. Seriously. I've done it. It's not so bad!

best,
~mimi

[sarah]

Re: Challenge::Live on $5.15 an hour::

I don't think this is a generational thing as much as it is a personality one. Some people regardless of their age like and are comfortable around computers and others aren't. I can remember the introduction of the computer (yes the computer, not just the internet) and I adore theinternet. I have a nephew on the other hand wo was born poot internet and who rarely uses the computer.

[Gruntina]

Re: Challenge::Live on $5.15 an hour::

December of 1998 I moved spontaneously to California with two suitcase and only 600 dollar cash no job lined up. I know no family or friends in that state and managed to survive the first two years not making more than $7,000 per year doing odd jobs in the San Francisco Bay Area. I did all right and survived but I had to do without a car, phone and internet. Not having a phone number indeed made so many difficulties. People could not contact me for appointments from doctor office, job interviews and so on. I was allowed to use the computer at work with permission for some personal use after my work shift was over. That helps tremendously. What really made it possible was living in a “cat house” in the backyard of a nice home. It had no bathroom but it had sink and a fridge in there. I was allowed to go into the big house to use the bathroom and only had to come up with $250 dollars for rent. This is what made it possible in an ever so expensive area to live.

Nothing is impossible. But I have to admit I am living like a Queen now compared those couple of years.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Re: Challenge::Live on $5.15 an hour::

I know I could make it depending on where we live. Currently no, previously yes. Dh's brother in CA lives on $1k/month but it's not pretty. This is after taxes too. So he's close to the minimum wage before taxes. He's thrifty as you can get (really stingy/cheap) to be honest, he used to eat at our house when we lived there a lot. He would come over and refill condiments. He would get us to drive him places to save money on his car. So all in all yes it can be done.

But he also has medical through school. I wonder if people making $5.15 can make it without medical being paid for by the job?

[abowers]

Re: Challenge::Live on $5.15 an hour::

I think that internet/computer is becoming more of a necessity, and that we are in a transformational time. As we speak it may be a luxury, but five years...ten years...things are shifting.

It's totally a necessity for me. I get all communication regarding grad school through my email, and I need the internet for research for various papers for grad school.

Plus it's been a great way to keep in touch with friends and family who are out of state.

[disneysteve]

Re: Challenge::Live on $5.15 an hour::

It's totally a necessity for me. I get all communication regarding grad school through my email, and I need the internet for research for various papers for grad school.

And what would happen if you didn't have internet access? The school would mail you those communications and you'd go to the library to do your research.

Just because we use the internet regularly and depend on it for various tasks still doesn't make it a necessity. If you were struggling to get by on minimum wage, internet access would be a luxury you couldn't afford. That's the only point I've been trying to make.

[Ima saver]

Re: Challenge::Live on $5.15 an hour::

It is certainly not a necessity to me. If I was on minimum wage, I would not be able to afford the connection to a computer.

[abowers]

Re: Challenge::Live on $5.15 an hour::

Just because we use the internet regularly and depend on it for various tasks still doesn't make it a necessity. If you were struggling to get by on minimum wage, internet access would be a luxury you couldn't afford. That's the only point I've been trying to make.

Good point. I do have access to it at work (which is grad school) as well, but my point was that I do need it for what I do, regardless of where I use it.

[uncle_ank]

I just read Lewitt's book Freakonomics, a crack dealer on the street makes about 3,50$ per hour... I think we should tighten our budget

[Broken Arrow]

I just read Lewitt's book Freakonomics, a crack dealer on the street makes about 3,50$ per hour... I think we should tighten our budget

Wow, that's way, way less than what I would think is the industry standard. That guy should go to his Colombian employers and demand a pay raise. The money is certainly not worth the related occupational hazards.

[PrincessPerky]

Wow, that's way, way less than what I would think is the industry standard. That guy should go to his Colombian employers and demand a pay raise. The money is certainly not worth the related occupational hazards.

Ah but the benefits.