Improving Your Situation

7:30:55

2023-11-27

598

1- Educate yourself. Research shows that you stand to make more money if you have a higher level of education. If you want to get out of poverty and stay out, one of the best things you can do is get the right education and training.

Some careers only require a two-year degree, and offer $50,000-60,000 a year. Go to your local community college and see what programs they offer. They should be able to help you find careers in high demand.
Talk to the financial aid office about programs to help you pay tuition. Depending on your circumstances, you may not need to take out student loans.

2- Examine your housing options. Finding affordable housing can be difficult if you're living on or below minimum wage. If you're renting, try to find a roommate. Sharing the cost of housing can make things much more affordable.

If you have a house, see if you can find a way to lease one of the rooms. Make sure to do a background check on any potential roommates. Be especially thorough if you have children.
Consider moving to a state with a lower cost of living. If it is particularly difficult to find inexpensive housing, you may need to move. Do some research and compare the cost of living in different cities. If you do decide to move, make sure you have a job lined up before setting out.

3- Look for better work. Chances are, if you're living in poverty, you already work multiple jobs. Working two or more jobs is not a permanent solution to overcoming poverty, and may cause more stress than it relieves.

If you don't have access to the internet at your house, use the public library.
Make searching for a better full-time job part of your daily routine. If you have a few hours in the morning before you go to work, use that time to search for jobs.
Don't apply to every job you come across. Be selective in your job search and find something that will improve your situation.
Build a Linked in account to help you with your job search. Build your profile to attract potential employers. Include a professional photograph and a catchy headline. Fill out as much of the profile as you can. Treat it like an overflow for your resume. If you have a lot of volunteer experience but can't fit it on your resume, include it in your profile.

4- Try to negotiate a raise. Depending on how long you've been in your current job, you may be able to persuade your manager to give you a raise. However, make sure you have a reason to ask for a raise before scheduling a meeting with your boss.

Do a little research and see what other people in your field are getting paid. Don't ask your coworkers how much they make, but check online and see what the average pay rate is for your job.
Don't demand more money from your boss because you think you deserve it. Stay calm and try to work with your boss to reach a decision that is beneficial for both of you. Look for ways to help your boss. You may have to take on more responsibilities for higher pay.