[nxsynonym]

The issue is circular, in this regard. You should't HAVE to work two jobs or perform above average just to make ends meet.

FWIW, I'm 25, working in non-tech at the moment, making 32k a year in the one of the more expensive cities on the east coast. I'm trying to relocate to a cheaper part of the country but between mandatory student loan payments, high rent and general cost of living I can either choose to build an emergency fund, or dump it all on the cost of relocating.

My bigger point is that this attitude of workaholism is way too prevalent in American culture. Cost of living and wage decline has followed the trend of "down on their luck millionaires" who think everyone else is just lazy.

When minimum wage lands you in deep poverty the system is broken.