I think the GP's point is they don't think there is anything they can afford to do to better their situation in ways that matter.

All actions other than status quo lead to something worse. (Loss of job, unaffordable debt, etc.) And it's a perfectly normal situation in their part of the world for their skills and occupation, so it isn't them, it's just real life for the peasants.

That's why they struggle to find sympathy for those whose situation is vastly better already. It's like listening to royalty complaining about conditions in the palace, when you're a starving peasant.