Speaking as someone who's never -quite- been in poverty, but has been pretty close to the 'lowest tier' of financial status at least once. How close? A little

Speaking as someone who's never -quite- been in poverty, but has been pretty close to the 'lowest tier' of financial status at least once. How close? A little over 10 years ago I had to move back in with my parents, owed a lot of folks money due to a separation (back rent the ex wouldn't pay, moving costs, etc) and it got to where a low-interest loan from my parents was the only thing that kept me solvent. I still wonder where I'd be right now if they said no, or didn't have the money, or didn't let me live there rent-free during that time. And I -remember- how hard it was, to do anything to improve the situation. I was being taken advantage of by a very toxic boss. Here's a scenario: - Your mom had a heart attack a week and a half ago - There were severe complications and she might not make it past 72 hours - Your boss tells you "Didn't I already give you a day off for that?" when you ask to see her. What do you do? Staying 'positive' through a situation like that sounds a lot like other groups of people told to 'be happy with their lot'.