Working to Live: Struggling in the New Economy

Today I felt guilty as I spent $2.22 on a whopper junior and fries. I was able to eat and fill my stomach for the day but I was not able to pay my phone bill. I live every day wondering what I am going to spend my money on next. Will every purchase I make make me feel guilty and horrible.

I work five days a week and go to school five days a week. I commute an hour away to my school. I know this seems insane since the gas prices are so high, but my Cavalier is good on gas and I spend only $50 a week. This is compared to the $600 a month to live on campus. So I am saving a lot of money. I also know all the tricks when it comes to driving. Stay at the same speed, keep the trunk empty , and get your air filter changed frequently. But lately I am finding a hard time to even get the $50 a week to fill my tank up. I luckily get paid tips on top of my minimum wage job, so the tips help pay the gas bill. But people do not seem to want to tip any more, so the tip cup is getting smaller. The gas prices as the hurricanes come and go seems to be getting higher. I am sick of my struggle

Then of course the daily living bills, car payments, phone, insurance, and etc. Week after week I live for that money and I am sure will die for that money. I put on my fake smile and march up the customers hoping that one day they will leave a few pennies in my cup. I need that money to pay my bills, why do people not see that. Why has the United States economic situation gotten so bad? I truly do not understand this. Maybe it is because I am a college student, but I do not think I am the only one struggling. I can not seem to get ahead no matter what I do. Then to get a day off for a doctors appointment or a holiday drives me insane, that is a day of tips I need to get. I am losing my sanity, and losing my lunch.

Should I suffer everyday, wondering if I should eat or pay a bill. Can I get away with going just a day or two late on that bill so I can work one or two more days? Should I give up on getting my degree so I can pay my bills? I do not know what to do anymore. I am wondering if there is anything I can do to make this better, make this right. Live my life instead of living for the money. I want to not suffer anymore. I hope with the change of presidents things will get better for all. But for now all I can do is eat a few times a week and pay for gas the rest. One bill at a time, one pay check at a time, until I die from the bills.