‘I’m selling my blood’: millions in US can’t make ends meet with two jobs

It's especially bad when put into context that America is the richest country by far on the planet, yet wealth distribution is extremely out of whack and we allow such conditions to even exist in this country.

People struggle and many don't know it needn't be so difficult, even at the 'bottom'. Sadly, most Americans have no idea just how far off things are, as indicated in this 2011 study: https://jeremiahstanghini.com/2013/03/06/perception-vs-reali...

I worry about the instability this causes, both economically and politically, as extreme wealth (and power) continues to concentrate in few hands while so many fall down the class ladder.

In a former role, leadership and HR shut down a division meeting after anonymous polls were presented showing how many full time employees were selling plasma, had one or more additional jobs working at least 20 hours a week, were unable meet their retirement targets, and showed real incomes after inflation based on hire year. Almost every employee hired after a certain date lost money while in their role, inversely correlated to profits and expansion of executive roles and compensation.

This one is really an example of the US having a 3rd world safety net. No matter how much that worker makes, her partner can have more uncovered medical costs.

Isnt the UK struggling with poverty as well? Which first-world nations provide good QOL's without taking on multiple jobs while working for near-minimum wage? I understand a lot of the problem is companies not paying their fair share. Its an honest question though because I've thought about moving to more socialized country in the past but wouldn't know where best to go. And tbh it's not in the north american continent.

Obviously grim, but even on the high end of the statistic in the article, ~7M people working themselves to death at the bottom of the economy, out of 164M people working... is terrible, but not exactly true for everyone?

I remember reading about people crossing the border to sell plasma for money over a decade ago. This isn't anything new. America is a meat grinder, and, increasingly, I'm glad I don't live there.

“was previously fired from her job for sleeping in her car behind her place of employment.”

The cruelty of managers never stops surprising me. As long as she is doing her job and is presentable etc. what’s the problem? Worst case just ask her to park her car somewhere else?

How would one go about selling their blood?