Nowadays, achieving the 'American dream' is challenging for many, especially those earning below the minimum wage or facing high living expenses.
However, even for those fortunate enough to earn above the minimum wage, financial stability is not guaranteed. This sentiment is echoed by a frustrated TikToker, who claims he can't afford to live despite his high earnings."
On social media, a TikToker gained attention after claiming he struggled to survive despite making over three times the minimum wage
On the TikTok platform, TikTok user Nicholas Sumners brought these feelings to light in a viral video he shared last month.
In the footage, he left the viewer stunned after claiming, 'American Dream is dead'. He also gained attention after revealing he couldn't afford to live despite earning three times the federal minimum wage.
He asked viewers to explain to him in simple terms why he 'cannot afford to live', despite earning around $22 per hour, or $3,520 a month working 40-hour weeks.
In the footage, he pointed out that his parents were able to live alone at his age, despite earning 'less than half' of what he makes now.
He explained: "I cannot afford to live anywhere alone," Sumner stated. With the cost of a one-bedroom apartment at $1,800 and a two-bedroom apartment at $2,200, he questioned who could afford such prices. He acknowledged the embarrassment in admitting the struggle to survive but recognized that many people are facing similar struggles.
Sumner acknowledged the role of inflation in increasing prices but questioned why society is allowing it. He lamented, "The American dream is dead. It is over. Gone and forgotten.” His video resonated with viewers, amassing more than 11 million views since he first shared it last month.
One person said: That is what ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’ is about. The death of the American dream; that happened a long time ago.
A second wrote: Capitalism has clawed back its hold over non-business owners. Read history, this is a return of the monopolists. Even Adam Smith wouldn’t have approved of this level of labor theft.
While a third commented: Boo hoo. There are people out here struggling to make it on ONE minimum wage job. Maybe he should learn something about budgeting & consider himself blessed.
Another added: The truth! Making “good” money doesn’t cut it anymore. Need multiple people to just afford an apartment let alone a house
In the comment selection, many viewers responded with their own thoughts about what people can afford with a minimum wage.
In a viral video on TikTok, Raspin revealed that she is left with just $150 every two weeks after budgeting for her expenses.
However, the cost of self-care services such as nails, hair, lash lift tint, brow lamination, sculpting, and dye amounts to a total of $370 per month, which exceeds her budget.
Additionally, Raspin left viewers stunned after admitting that self-care is expensive,.
These two situations highlight the struggle many individuals face when trying to afford basic living expenses and self-care, even when earning significantly more than the minimum wage.
What are your thoughts on these situations?
