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