by Jeanette R. Harrison, MPH
Today, I’m proud of how far I’ve come, even as I face another unexpected hurdle. I realized too late that I forgot to clock in my hours on Friday, and by Saturday morning I discovered my paycheck was missing an entire day’s wages. For someone struggling financially, even a small setback like missing a day of pay can be a huge hurdle—especially when every dollar counts. That missing amount is the final piece I need to settle my mediation agreement—a commitment that’s already cost me nearly $6,000. It's only $200, but it might as well be $2000.
 |
I took this picture on a walk several years ago, and it was a representation of how even a lone, fragile flower can be strong against a storm. |
My day job is incredibly tiring. Working long hours in an entry-level position and spending two to three hours a day on a commute while living in working-class poverty isn’t just physically exhausting—it wears on you emotionally, too. After another tiring day, I found solace on my heating pad, trying to ease a body that aches from the relentless stress. Every day feels like a battle, and sometimes the weight of it all makes even getting out of bed a monumental effort. The heightened stress has caused my weight to increase (because -- cortisol) and also leaves me feeling exhausted. I am concerned about how this is impacting my overall health, as I am not able to do so many of the things I normally do to manage my stress.
What hurts almost as much as the financial strain is the isolation. Here in the Boise metro, I have no close friends with whom I can share these challenges. I’ve started to question whether the so-called friends who offered advice—from urging me into a job that underutilizes my skills and education, to suggesting I isolate myself because of my financial struggles, or even misdiagnosing me of supposed "mental health issues" from afar—were ever truly there for me. Genuine support should lift you up, not add to the burden. Today, I was kindly reminded by someone at work to speak more kindly to myself. However, it's challenging when 90% of the comments from others are negative, negative, negative.
My stress has reached a level where I’m constantly exhausted, my body is in physical pain, and every small worry—like that final $200—feels overwhelming. Yet, even amid these hardships, I take pride in my determination to keep fighting for a better future.
I share my story not as a cry for sympathy, but as a testament to resilience. I believe that every challenge brings me closer to stability, and I’m holding on tightly to that hope. With the support of those who truly care and my own unwavering resolve, I know brighter days are ahead.
If you are able to help me close this final gap, I have a GoFundMe set up to assist with this last financial hurdle. Every contribution, no matter the size, means the world to me. Thank you for standing by me as I continue to navigate this storm. Your support means more than words can say.
Comments
Post a Comment