Jane AdamsHeard a senior academic recently say, in regards to not being able to afford talent for intern positions, that "Grad students these days have different standards. When I was in grad school, I had roommates and ate ramen". To be crystal clear: renting a room in a house *with 5 roommates* in Boston costs $1,000/month, not including utilities. $15/hr before taxes means 70+ hours of work *just to pay rent*.
PB Livin'@janeadams There's a serious disconnect for anyone who owns a home and hasn't experienced the increase in rent in their own lives. Just complete obliviousness.
Heather@wh0sthatd0g @janeadams
I have rented various apts and homes for the last 30 years because of my fear of commitment (and lack of disposable income for a down payment). When I started college 30 years ago, I had 4 roommates and we paid $800/month (total) in rent for a 3 BR house. 15 years ago, I paid $950 a month in rent for a 3 BR house. Now we can't find a 3 BR house for less than like $2,400/month. (And we live in a supposedly "cheap" area of the country. Meanwhile, min wage is still the same as it was 15 years ago.)
If folks haven't had to move in the last three years, they absolutely do not know what they are talking about. Cost of living was already rising more quickly than wages, but the influx of cash into our economy during the pandemic completely fucked the housing/rental market for us normies. Rich folks decided that real estate was one of the safest investments, so they bought up every "asset" they could find.
@wh0sthatd0g @janeadams
I guess I should also mention that 15 years ago I was a GA in my masters program making $15/hr. Today I am a GA in my PhD program making.... $15/hr. Wages have not kept up with increases in the cost of living.
I guess I should also mention that 15 years ago I was a GA in my masters program making $15/hr. Today I am a GA in my PhD program making.... $15/hr. Wages have not kept up with increases in the cost of living.