If it seems like you can’t step out of the house without spending a $100 minimum, you’re not imagining things. If your grocery bill is higher than it’s ever been, there’s a reason for that. If you feel like your money is not exactly stretching like you need it to, you’re not being irresponsible. This is a sign of the times. The cost of living has changed dramatically.
While prices are rising more slowly than they were earlier this year, they are certainly higher than they were pre-pandemic. And many Americans are struggling to adjust to this new way of life. While many are figuring out ways to make ends meet, one mom on TikTok was explicitly clear about what she would not be doing.
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'Things out here are getting expensive,' Shay began.
Shay, who goes by @shayjo21 on TikTok, shared that she does not plan on taking on additional work to handle rising costs. There will be no second job in her future. In a video where she spoke plainly and directly at the camera, Shay began, “I don’t know who needs to hear this but I felt compelled to say it.”
Then she explained what we’ve all witnessed. “Things out here are getting expensive. I see that. Grapes: $7 Eggs $5. Homes: half a million dollars. Cars: 40 grand, used. It could be a Mazda, they don’t care.”
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But no matter how much prices rise, Shay will not do it.
Then Shay hit us with the conclusion she’s come to for herself. “But one thing I do wanna say is I don’t give a damn how expensive it gets, I’m not working a second job. Y’all not about to have me out here working twice. I’m good until about 5:30. 5:31, legs start buckling, knees going. 6:00? Vision blurry. Can’t find my car. I can’t work two jobs,” she says.
“So whoever needs to fix it, please fix it. Because it’s to the point now where working 40 hours a week ain’t enough. But I’m going to make it enough.”
'$100k is money we used to dream of ... now it’s worth 1/2,' one commenter shared.
Shay was speaking for the people. The video has been viewed over 1 million times, and the comments section is full of support and understanding.
“We shouldn’t have to work 2-3 jobs to afford life for ONE person,” one user wrote.
Others said that their first job is already stressing them.
“My vision is blurry at 9 am baby,” another user said. “At clock in.”
Others discussed the noticeable changes in our economy.
“$100k is money we used to dream of … now it’s worth 1/2,” someone commented.
Another person took the video as a divine message: “This was my sign. I was thisssss close to getting another. We get what Shay’s saying. Something’s got to give.”
With everything else going on in our lives, more work seems like it could be the straw that breaks the camel's back.
We feel her. Between work, taking care of ourselves, our children, making time for partners, friends and family, it’s enough to just stay afloat. Another job may mean more income but it likely won’t mean more peace or time for the things that we’d like to be doing.
If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that we should make time for the things and people that bring us joy. And for many of us, that doesn’t mean additional labor. We understand Shay’s sentiment completely, but in the end, moms are gonna do what they gotta do to put food on the table for their babies.
