Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America

Ehrenreich dismantles common misconceptions around low-wage work, such as the myth that these jobs are easy, the perception that the people who perform these jobs are less able or educated, and the notion that low-wage work provides a sure path out of poverty.

She notes that the jobs were far more difficult than what many people assume, requiring her full attention and effort, as they involved not only learning new skills but also navigating complex social hierarchies. She believes that the term “unskilled work” is a misnomer: all of the jobs were difficult and, despite her PhD education, she never caught on especially quickly or easily mastered the skills required. She was “a person of average ability” (194) in her jobs. She is proud that she was able to do the work, especially because of the physically exhausting nature of the work, and highlights a few moments that gave her a strong sense of accomplishment. By sharing the sense of meaning and worth that she felt when she did the jobs well, Ehrenreich is showing that despite the drudgery of these jobs, they are valuable and important work that provides important services.