Crystal’s Story: Employed, but still struggling
After two years of searching, Crystal Broadnax, 30, has finally found a job. But she is barely able to pay her bills.
“It’s really taking a toll on me,” said Broadnax, who works a low-paying job as a security guard at a university in Durham, NC. “I never thought I would have a job and still be struggling this much.”
She is one of the nearly 8.8 million people in the US who are underemployed, working either part-time jobs or extremely low-paying ones.
Broadnax hoped going back to college would open up more opportunities, and last year she graduated with a degree in English. But so far, no new opportunities have arisen.
“It’s rough out here for everybody right now,” she said. “But it just seems like black women are taking a big hit. I know we’re not alone, but it feels like it sometimes. I just need a break.”