From Six Figures to Under $20 an Hour: Staying Positive Through the Grind

Let’s be real. Going from a six-figure job to making under $20 an hour isn’t just a change—it’s a plot twist straight out of a reality show no one signed up for. One minute you’re comfortably employed, sipping your overpriced drive-thru coffee, the next you’re wondering if you can make ramen last for three meals. Been there. Still got the microwave burns to prove it.

The Sudden Drop-Off

After I lost a good-paying job, I didn’t take time to sulk. I hit the ground running—or at least, stumbling with a resume in hand. I was applying everywhere, determined to keep moving. Rejections piled up faster than bills. Eventually, I landed a job at a shipyard making just under $20 an hour. Not glamorous, but it was honest work and I was grateful to have it.

Not All Construction Happens On-Site

While at the shipyard, I got a call about a construction job that paid better and included travel and a hotel room. Sounded like an upgrade—until I met my roommate. Let’s just say we didn’t share the same idea of "quiet hours" or personal hygiene. I stuck it out as long as I could, then made the call to walk away. No regrets. Your peace of mind is worth more than a paycheck.

The Hustle Life

Since then, I’ve been doing everything from plumbing and painting to auto mechanic work. It hasn’t been steady, but it’s been real. I’m not clocking into a 9-to-5, but I’m showing up. Every. Single. Day. Staying busy has kept my spirits up. Sometimes you don’t bounce back—you rebuild. Piece by piece. Job by job. Joke by joke.

Rent, Food, and the Power Bill That Won’t Quit

There were days when making rent was a miracle, and keeping the fridge full felt like an Olympic feat. But I learned to stretch every dollar like it was doing yoga. I cooked more, budgeted tighter, and learned which store brand coffee doesn’t taste like despair. It wasn't pretty, but it taught me discipline, grit, and how to fix a leaky sink without calling anyone named “Steve the Plumber.”

Working Through Fear Without Letting It Win

There’s a special kind of fear that comes when you’re working hard and still falling short. But I didn’t let it consume me. Instead of focusing on what I’d lost, I tried to focus on what I could still control—my attitude, my effort, and how many motivational YouTube videos I could watch before bed without crying.

Humor: Gotta Laugh it Out

When life punches you in the wallet, you’ve got two options: cry or crack a joke. I chose laughter. Humor helped me out. I laughed ot off and started writing posts like this to keep things in perspective. It doesn’t make everything okay, but it makes things lighter. And when your budget is light, your attitude has got to be right.

Encouragement to Keep Going

If you’re in a season like mine—tough, uncertain, unpredictable—let me be the voice that tells you: You’re not alone. You’re not failing. You’re rebuilding. Have faith. Stay consistent. Stay humble. And if you can, stay funny. The world needs more people like you who keep pushing even when life hits hard.

Has life ever thrown you a curveball that made you stronger? Tell me your story in the comments. I want to hear from you. Let’s lift each other up—one experience, one laugh, and one honest post at a time.