Single Mom

May 19, 2021

I am a single mom with two young children at home. I had it tough before the pandemic, and it has only gotten worse. Schools are not fully open, and day care is not available. I was released from my pre-pandemic job as an in-home, healthcare worker. It paid barely above minimum wage, and was no where near the $15 per hour that has been talked about. I cleaned homes on the weekends to try and make ends meet. I haven’t had the time or the resources to get vaccinated, and I am not sure how I feel about it anyway. I will eventually, but, regardless, I am reluctant to get back to work until I know that everyone has had their shots. I can’t afford to get sick because I have a preexisting condition.

I know that people think that I am sitting at home eating bonbons on the couch, and watching soap operas. Nothing could be farther from the truth. My workload at home has increased dramatically with Zoom-based education. I barely graduated from high school so I am struggling to help my child get through his schoolwork. I saw something on TV this morning that the average women’s workload has gone up 77% with the pandemic. That rings true with me. I want and have to get back to work, but I need a job that pays better than minimum wage, and includes benefits. The government checks have been a godsend, but they barely keep our heads above water. I know they will run out shortly.

I need childcare, open schools, food security, and job training. I don’t need your lectures.