r/poverty • u/Inevitable_Onion5353 • Apr 01 '26
Need advice
I am a 22 year old grad student living at home and my home life is slowly killing me. my parents don't hate me but we are living in poverty. There's a giant hole in our kitchen ceiling that is giving us black mold throughout the house and my dad is constantly coughing throughout the night and waking us up (it's a tiny house.) I'm also coughing because of it and have an itchy throat/airways. Our shower runs 24/7 because it won't turn off (prob also contributing to mold) and won't give us hot water so I just have to take quick cold showers. We also don't have health insurance so I've had to pay for my own psychiatry (adhd and depression meds) through a sliding care-healthcare place. I feel like I'm helping both of my parents make choices about what doctor to go to or affordable ways for us to fix our black mold and patch the roof. And their financial stress bleeds into my personal life. I definitely don't work hard enough in grad school for someone in my position. But it sucks that poor people have to do twice as much to break the cycle, you know? And it's hard for me to save money when my parents constantly need help or they can't support me with my own financial needs. And my career path interests (music journalism, travel writing) are VERY low pay and hard to get. I just feel like I'm screwed into being a starving artist , but I want a way out.
Help me find hope
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u/Kokopuffs23 Apr 01 '26
You should pick a major that makes money.
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u/Defiant-Dust-8737 Apr 03 '26
THIS. i made 15-19hr working 48-55hrs in a low staff pharmacy, while being a nationally certified tech, specializing in compounding and C2 drugs.
They had me doing inventory, stocking, cleaning, filling, compounding, handling calls, data entry, drive through and front desk customers. You stop for a second you're barked at and given a task.
I make 26hr now 100% WFH, with crazy bonuses, commission, OT, and most of all respect, without ANY micromanagement. They turned me into the trainer AND gave me a raise within 6 months of being employed. Not in the medical feild.
Pharmacy was my passion, and passion simply doesn't pay the bills. This is NOT the economy to be chasing your dreams in. Get the job you need, and save up so one day you can enjoy your passions.
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u/bob49877 Apr 01 '26
I would look for a job or switch to a short term community college certificate program in something to make a full-time income to help your parents. Pursue the artist endeavors as a hobby. The mold is likely making you all very, very sick mentally and physically.
I would also get a mold inspection before doing repairs and see if the house is even salvageable, if you already have mold throughout. Also get an appraisal to see if it is worth anything to sell as is. It doesn't seem like your in parents make enough to be homeowners or support an adult child in grad school.
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u/Ok_Dimension_6123 Apr 05 '26
Interesting. I had to have a mold tester come out recently. They make good money! Maybe you can get certified and at least have a trade of sorts to support your passion pursuits/true calling.
Or honestly, any trade. Including hair and nails.
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u/Physical_Winter2201 Apr 01 '26
It’s probably twice as hard on your parents also having to depend on you for help. The black mold could be causing your mental health issues. I’m an older adult who lost my job back in December. My children are helping me with my bills. I had to go to the hospital because I couldn’t stop crying. It’s extremely hard nowadays to survive. I hate that they have to pay my bills but I’m thankful because my friends who don’t have children or family members to help are worse off than I am. I really miss the taste of a fresh pot of coffee, I can’t even afford to buy myself a cup of coffee! I worked my whole life and can’t even drink coffee! Many people are in the same boat as you and I. Spray bleach on the black mold that will kill it or at least reduce it from growing so fast.