Book Review - "Nickel and Dimed"

Author: Barbara Ehrenreich

The author is a journalist who goes "undercover" as a low wage worker to see how the lower class gets through life on a limited paycheck. Wondering how people can survive on only six or seven dollars an hour, she takes on that role herself for a few weeks at a time in different parts of the country to see if she herself can survive on a low wage.

Disguising herself as a long-time homemaker, returning to the workforce after 20 years, Barbara hunts out for a job among the low-wage service class. She allows herself some start up funds (to pay for an initial deposit on an apartment) and a small reserve for emergencies only. But other than that, she must find a job, a place to live and pay for all housing, transportation and food with what ever her wages bring in.

First, she stays close to home in Florida and gets a job as a waitress at a hotel restaurant. That one job is just not enough, however, and Barbara takes on a part-time housekeeping job at the hotel.

Next, she travels to Maine (to paraphrase: "Everyone here is so polite. This must be how white people really treat each other when they get a whole state to themselves.") In Maine, Barbara works at "The Maids," a housecleaning service. Once again, to make ends meet, she must work part-time on weekends as a "dietary technician" (essentially, a waitress) at a nursing home.

Finally, Barbara moves to Minneapolis and works in the ladies' department at Wal-Mart. During her time there, she starts to rile up her co-workers to create a union. She thinks she could have made a lot happen had she stuck around long enough.

This was actually my second time reading it. Maybe I'll read it again in a few years. This book was very fascinating. One of the author's main conclusions is that these low-wage jobs, although they are often referred to as "unskilled labor" are anything but. Each job was physically demanding and required her to learn many new skills very quickly. A Ph.D and an established, professional journalist still had to learn how to fold a shirt the Wal-Mart way, how to clean a house The Maid's way, and all new diner lingo.

Along the way, Barbara learns how her co-workers actually do survive on their low wages. Many have two jobs, or have a working spouse or significant other. Many, though, have spent time living in their car, skipping meals, and going without medical treatments.

Reading this book made me feel very fortunate and grateful for the hand I've been dealt. I have a great job, own a home, two cars, and all kinds of junk. I never have to worry about getting the mortgage paid. I never have to choose between medicine and groceries. I can afford to visit the dentist. This book might just have turned me into a more generous tipper.