Analysis Of Barbara Ehrenreich's Nickel And Dimed

Words: 420
Pages: 2

The author of Nickel and Dimed, Barbara Ehrenreich, relocated to Minnesota to try the experiment one more time. She found housing to be a struggle as there seems to be a shortage of houses; as a result she transitions herself into a hotel. Her stay at the hotel proved to surpass her estimated expenses despite the fact this was her only safe haven. She speculated there would be a refreshing strength between rent and wages. Ehrenreich thought working in a low-wage setting would be uncomplicated; she discovered she was absolutely wrong. She began her search for a job in retail because she thought it would be easier. She had stressed over the required pre-employment screening. For years, the average American had understood the end result to find a job and worked strenuously and be committed which the essential necessity would be gained. All states enforced minimum wages, as a result of …show more content…
As she continues her job-search, she applies at Menards and was told she would make $10 an hour. She learns she would not receive $10 an hour, so she quits. She applies at Wal-Mart, which she lands the job in the ladies clothing earning $7 an hour. She found the low income housing is forcing people to live further away or sharing rent with other people. She found housing to be a struggle as there seems to be a shortage of houses Ehrenreich spends a lot more time looking for a job than in any other cities. She finds a place at the Twin Lakes Motel, which has no microwave or no refrigerator, but is reasonable for her needs. However, the $295 per week would not be economical. She found a room at the Hopkins Park Plaza for $179 per week which has a refrigerator. Overall, she learns low-wage workers will burn out of their style of living and realizes the low-wage employees do not stick up for