In a nation that has long operated on the principle that the “American Dream” is available to anyone willing to try hard enough, the term “working poor” may seem to have a bright side. These individuals may struggle financially, but they do have jobs; which is the first and most essential step toward lifting oneself out of poverty. According to the Huffington Post, in the “2012 Census data, more than seven percent of American workers fell below the federal poverty line, making less than $11,170 for a single person and $15,130 for a couple.” In studies done by the Economics daily, “the number of ‘working poor’ in the United States was 10.5 million in 2013. The working poor are people who spent at least 27 weeks in the labor force during the year, either working or looking for work, but whose incomes were below the official poverty level.” In
…show more content…
According to studies done by Futurework by the U.S Department of Labor, “The working poor are less likely to work full-time and year-round compared to other workers.” The data shows that of twenty-six percent of the working poor work full-time year-round, compared to sixty-seven percent of all workers. Some might argue that the reason that the working poor are not able to work full-time is because they work seasonal jobs such as construction or farming. This is a very valid point; however there are other options for work during the off season. For example, if a worker has a job during the spring and summer as a landscaper, that same worker can also find working doing snow removal during the winter months. Also, another option for a worker in seasonal work where there might not be snow or enough snow, would be to find a seasonal job at a retailer. Every fall and winter stores hire thousands of employees for seasonal help during the busy Christmas
According to studies done by Futurework by the U.S Department of Labor, “The working poor are less likely to work full-time and year-round compared to other workers.” The data shows that of twenty-six percent of the working poor work full-time year-round, compared to sixty-seven percent of all workers. Some might argue that the reason that the working poor are not able to work full-time is because they work seasonal jobs such as construction or farming. This is a very valid point; however there are other options for work during the off season. For example, if a worker has a job during the spring and summer as a landscaper, that same worker can also find working doing snow removal during the winter months. Also, another option for a worker in seasonal work where there might not be snow or enough snow, would be to find a seasonal job at a retailer. Every fall and winter stores hire thousands of employees for seasonal help during the busy Christmas