It wasn't full time (which I guess I failed to mention). They could only offer 20 hours a week. Also the hourly rate was lower, I don't want to say how much to

It wasn't full time (which I guess I failed to mention). They could only offer 20 hours a week. Also the hourly rate was lower, I don't want to say how much to avoid doxing myself since some people from that company hang on hacker news. You're talking about median income but not expenses. Have you considered rent/housing costs? Health care? Car repair? Basic utility costs? Saving for retirement? Paying off debt? Especially in the light of recent inflation? As one example, my car is 24 years old, its falling apart, but with used car prices right now its pretty daunting to consider replacing it. And my taxes are quite high - mostly SALT stuff, which is pretty regressive. For federal, around that income level you have to be careful not to exceed 400% FPL since you may lose the ACA subsidy and thus owe thousands more. ACA plans are _not_ cheap. Sure I could move to a VLCOL area. If I can rent or find house, in good shape, in a non-blighted area. Not sure if you've ever driven across the middle USA, but it isn't generally the most pleasant place. And if I want to buy I have to get a mortgage, which isn't easy in the US if you are self employed and _especially_ if you have low income. Probably impossible right now actually. Have you ever tried living on even 20 hours a week at $40 per hour, in the US? If not, I encourage you to try, especially now. The US is just not a friendly place for people working hourly on low wage, most people doing this are just struggling, which is why I think my 3rd world comparison is still valid.