I’m 61 and forced to work 12-hour shifts 7 days a week just for ‘survival money’ – only years ago I earned six figures
A FORMER public relations executive has been forced to work as a food delivery person after being laid off.
According to the former executive, Becky Melvin, she was part of the layoff that occurred before the pandemic shut down the world.
The Florida native, who was pushed out from her six-figure Nashville position, revealed to NBC News on Saturday that she hardly goes anywhere without her phone.
“If I don’t carry my phone with me to the bathroom, I might miss an order,” Melvin said. “Or while I’m doing laundry.”
Melvin tells the outlet that she works seven days a week for 12 hours at a time.
Last year, Melvin says that she made about $50,000 without taxes.
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This year, she told the outlet that she hopes to raise to $75,000 if she makes it through the hiring process for a 911 dispatcher role she’s pursuing.
Prior to losing her PR job, Melvin said that she brought home almost $100,000 annually.
A STRUGGLE
Melvin says that almost $3,000 goes to maintaining her three-bedroom and two-bathroom house.
She also said that while her economic status could be worse, it's certainly not great at the moment.
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“I sound like I’m doing OK, but I have all these things hanging over me. If any of them go at one time, it’s like a domino effect,” she said.
“Don’t think I have it easy because I’m not on food stamps.”
According to a Bank of America survey, nearly 70 million customers who received income from gig platforms hit 3.8% in March, surpassing that of 2022.
Melvin revealed that the gig lifestyle has been very tough on her.
“I’m teetering," she admitted.
"I don’t get a day off. Physically that takes a toll. Emotionally this takes a toll on me.”
I’m teetering. I don’t get a day off. Physically that takes a toll. Emotionally this takes a toll on me. I don’t have the extra money to go get things done that I need to have done.
Delivery driver and former public relations executive Becky Melvin
In an effort to conserve money, Melvin stated that she has put off many medical procedures and repairs to her home.
“My fence is piecemealed together after several tropical storms and hurricanes have taken their toll on it over the years,” she said.
Melvin even stated that because she doesn’t have health insurance, she hadn't seen a dentist or doctor in years.
“I don’t have the extra money to go get things done that I need to have done,” she said.
According to Melvin, she relies heavily on the gratuities given by customers adding that she still hasn't gotten used to the idea.
“It feels bad pulling up to a house that costs seven figures, and I’ve just done a $248 Target order, I’ve used my car, used my time, delivered to you, and two hours later you didn’t tip me. Yeah, that pisses me off.”
Melvin said she keeps a list of addresses where clients didn’t tip so she can remember not to deliver there again.
According to the woman, she is still trying to find a salaried job.
“I’ve had second, third, final interviews. I’m just not getting the jobs,” she recalled.
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Melvin claims that many employers refuse to hire her due to her age.
Delivery driver work was a quick and accessible option after being fired but has created new stresses in Melvin's life.