Minimum wage rises by 3%!!!
People receiving the minimum wage could not be happier, I’m sure!
When I was a waitress my mood would depend on how much I
would get in tips. If it was less than £20 during a single shift I would always
feel as though it was worthless coming to work. I live in zone 5 and worked in
zone 1. My train fare would cost up to £15.80 including trains, buses or trams.
If I got home late and the tram had stopped running and it was a Friday or
Saturday- I would have to get a cab for £6. Otherwise I’d put myself at risk
and have to walk for 20 mins to get home.
When travel expenses increase by 10% every year, food prices
increase even more, not to mention bills and rent! How on earth one is supposed
to survive on an extra 20p per hour?
Are you dreaming about having your own home? Maybe a dog
too? How about a holiday to escape all the stress of trying to make your ends
meet every single month? Wouldn’t you like to go to the gym and let all the
frustrations out and come home all serene; make a healthy smoothie and have a
healthy dinner? You would? Well, you can’t. Every one of these luxuries is out
of your reach, even if you earn £10 per hour and live in Greater London.
Stress
that you experience daily will eventually make you depressed. If you are trying
to avoid depression with every single brain cell knowing it will make it much
worse by keeping positive, going for a jog or long walk, reading a book (you
can’t really afford anything else)- fantastic! But for how long? I did all
those things and a year later was diagnosed with severe IBS (pretty much sure
it’s due to stress) and classic migraines with aura. Means I better follow
FODMAP dietician’s advice or else live an uncomfortable life. Well.. I can’t be
referred to a dietician. According to my GP, NHS cuts do not allow him to refer
me. As a result I need to pay between £50 to £85 for a private one. I scrutinised
all the online research available and created a diet plan for myself. The bummer
is that healthy food costs much more than “normal” ranges. I literally can’t
afford to have a sensitive stomach. Have you seen the prices of gluten free
products?? Do take a look- it’ll blow your mind! Almost entertaining.
In 10 years I have never regretted moving to London,
thinking that if I study here, if I work hard, if I put all the efforts
possible- I will make a good living. I will enjoy my life. Bitter reality proved me wrong. I did
all that and much, much more. This Christmas it will be 11 years since I've arrived here and I’m researching where I could take my youth, intellect and
talents to be recognised and put to good use.
Sincerely,
G
