Why Do Poor Folks Not Just Get a Job?

A friend with whom I frequently engage in deep, philosophical dialogue recently posted a thoughtful response to an article of mine regarding employment and economic struggle. As I refine my definitive thoughts on this topic and present my most evolved stance on economic agency, I have spent a great deal of time contemplating the question, “Why Do Poor Folks Not Just Get a Job?” I believe my friend’s comments deserve our earnest attention.

Though your suggestions are practical, it does not apply to a significant population of urban/rural poor and uneducated…many city/rural dwellers are captured by birth into an environment that cannot provide simple things like how to speak in complete sentences, read or fill out an application, lack clean clothes, hot water or have something as simple as a hair brush, toothpaste and a tooth brush. Many of the poor must use all the resources they have to find food and shelter for the day…yes, there are those unemployed who are fortunate to find themselves driven and become more empowered to apply some of the practicum you suggest…from my perspective the question remains: how can we help those who cannot help themselves due to poverty, ignorance, drugs, violence, lack of shelter, clothing or other basic resources?…This quagmire is a very long-standing problem with solutions that require significant resources and time…I often find myself at a loss when working in the belly of the city’s poor…where does one start? What will it take to help them help themselves?..I often hear negative criticism about those who are born into such dire situations “why don’t they just go get a job”…To this group I recommend they broaden their understanding by personal investment, roll up their sleeves and reach out to touch the downcast. Once they have done this they will come to see the complexity of the problem and find the solutions very hard to find…I appreciate your effort to stimulate thinking and encourage you to continue to do so…I do ask that those who criticize the poor do not be so quick to condemn them until they have been in their shoes…It is heartbreaking to see the perpetuation of poverty and the solution to be a complex cycle to stop and reverse…Here are some obvious solutions to this issue of unemployed and poverty-stricken..we need to reach out and provide resources like education, a place to clean up, a safe place to get a good night’s sleep…this process is slow but effective…the world we live in is unfair, some of us are lucky to have been born into a more affluent situation while others unlucky to be born into abject poverty. The underprivileged need our resources to help and a warm amount of sympathy.

I do not agree in entirety with the above opinion, however, I agree with much of the underlying compassion. I will not dwell heavily on where our views align, but will instead investigate our differences as a shared journey toward truth. I will liberally use terms like “wealthy” and “poor” and, unless otherwise stated, my intended meaning is to describe a level of financial net worth. I recognize and appreciate that some are profoundly “rich in spirit and love,” but this piece assumes that the reader places a high value on financial stability and the options it provides.

This brings to mind a fundamental question I would like to pose for our contemplation. Is it objectively “better” to be financially wealthy than to be poor? When neighbor children play in a dirt lot collecting pieces of broken glass and stacking them as high as possible, those with financial means observe them with sympathy, noting their lack of material resources. Other children the same age, across town in large homes, likely have clean hands but might be isolated alone in front of a large television screen. Which environment truly fosters human flourishing?

I am absolutely convinced that youth facing poverty who possess ambition and drive can navigate out of their circumstances and achieve economic success. I hold a perspective that strongly favors individual liberty, and I think that reasonable people across the political spectrum mostly agree with the core premise of human potential. There are numerous examples of young people taking on early responsibilities, stepping away from rigid, one-size-fits-all institutional schooling systems, and building businesses to become affluent. When the systemic barriers are removed, and the desire is strong enough, individuals can achieve incredible things.

I want those I love, and those I advocate for, to have the things they dream of, including safe homes, reliable transportation, and financial security. Sometimes, I seem to want that for them more than they want it for themselves. One could suggest that I should not interfere with their choices by attempting to steer them toward wealth. This is a brilliant point. If I reverse the scenario, I wonder if there are folks who value a simple life with vast amounts of family time far above wealth, and I wonder what I would think of them if they entered MY world to “help” me break the chains of my career to enter into the bliss of simplicity. I realize that I can be arrogant in assuming that the financial milestones I value should be universal values. Maybe some prefer a life of deep community and simplicity over the relentless pursuit of financial maximization.

What gives me, or any well-intentioned advocate, the moral right to forcefully impose our solutions on others? A significant portion of the fruits of my labor is mandated away each year through taxation to “help” those in need. I do not voluntarily agree to this mandate, nor do I agree with the bureaucratic inefficiencies of how it is often spent. Because I am compelled to participate in this system, I have the absolute right to weigh in on its efficacy. Furthermore, the solutions I advocate for are strictly voluntary; I never believe in initiating force to “help” others. Much like offering a drowning person a flotation device, I am simply offering voluntary mutual aid. If my offer is refused, I respect their autonomy and accept it.

So, to address my friend’s specific points. Some individuals:

1. Lack the foundational skills to read, formulate professional communication, or fill out an application.
2. Lack clean clothes, hot water, or basic hygiene items. Many must use all their resources simply to secure food and shelter for the day.

As for point 1, I agree this is a profound challenge. Often, their environments have modeled different priorities. Furthermore, many have been cycled through institutional systems that prioritize obedience and standardization over critical thinking and individual empowerment. They are often conditioned to defer to distant authorities rather than realizing their own boundless potential as free-thinking creators.

My response is that it remains possible for individuals to make courageous choices that their peers might misunderstand—choices like seeking out complex literature, utilizing free digital resources to learn philosophy, or finding a mentor. Breaking the cycle is incredibly difficult, and it is a tragedy that systemic friction prevents more from doing so.

As for point 2, I believe we must look at this constructively. Within a compassionate community, securing a few dollars for basic hygiene items or finding access to a washroom is a hurdle that local, voluntary kindness can swiftly overcome. Of the millions facing economic hardship, those who are entirely trapped by point 2 are often battling severe mental health crises or profound trauma. These individuals require specialized, compassionate care that goes far beyond a simple job search. Would I voluntarily donate to local, transparent mutual aid groups to help them secure bare necessities? Absolutely. If given the opportunity to sit down with someone facing a tough economic barrier, I am confident that through mutual respect and brainstorming, we can map out a solid, actionable path forward.

“I appreciate your effort to stimulate thinking and encourage you to continue to do so…I do ask that those who criticize the poor do not be so quick to condemn them until they have been in their shoes.”

I do not believe that one must explicitly “be in someone’s shoes” to understand their perspective or engage in meaningful, empathetic discourse. For example, one does not need to be a battle-weary soldier to advocate for peace and the protection of innocent communities.

In this specific context, however, I HAVE walked in those shoes. My mother raised me utilizing government assistance programs. I have taken many sponge baths with water boiled on a stove, I have lived with only the most basic food, and by age 18, my educational path was entirely non-traditional. My mother and I moved to a new state without contacts, driving a $1200 car, relying on $700 in savings from our combined summer work at Dollywood. Mom worked as a maid at Motel 6, and I secured a job as a dishwasher. Two decades later, through voluntary cooperation, persistence, and the freedom to build, I achieved financial independence. I am a success story, and I hold the unwavering belief that others can be as well. I will never condemn those who make an earnest effort to learn and grow.

Here are some obvious solutions to this issue of unemployed and poverty stricken..we need to reach out and provide resources like education, a place to clean up, a safe place to get a good nights sleep…this process is slow but effective…the world we live in is unfair, some of us are lucky to have been born into a more affluent situation while others unlucky to be born into abject poverty. The underprivileged need our resources to help and a warm amount of sympathy.

I must first clarify our use of the words “we” and “must.” If by “we,” my friend refers to individuals voluntarily choosing to support their community, then I agree entirely. If by “must,” he means a personal moral calling that one freely embraces, I am in full agreement. If, however, he implies that a centralized collective is morally required to forcefully extract resources to take actions individuals do not voluntarily choose, then we philosophically diverge. I also want to reiterate my belief that many marginalized youths would thrive by stepping away from rigid schooling and embracing tailored, self-directed education and apprenticeships.

As someone deeply committed to helping, I am often disheartened by the inefficiency and impersonal nature of massive, distant bureaucratic programs. The ancient wisdom, “Give someone a fish; feed them for a day. Teach them to fish, and they will be fed for a lifetime,” remains a cornerstone of economic dignity. I believe the most compassionate path forward is to transition away from systemic dependency and toward robust, localized empowerment.

Solutions? Fostering Real Opportunity

I am dedicated to discovering voluntary solutions that honor human dignity without requiring the initiation of force or mandates. I envision a beautiful, voluntary ecosystem where successful professionals and creators eagerly offer their time and resources to mentor those seeking to launch themselves toward success. While my scope cannot solve every tragedy—such as profound mental illness, which requires dedicated, specialized care—my passion lies with those who are in a tough place, lack the specific knowledge to unlock opportunities, but possess an open, willing spirit to improve their lives.

I believe millions of entrepreneurs and financially secure individuals would be thrilled to provide high-quality mentorship and educational support to our youth. To make this a reality, we must recognize that human ambition flourishes best when the rewards of hard work are clear, and when systemic barriers are removed. Those of us who deeply value our time want to invest it in individuals who are ready to engage in a shared journey toward their own beautiful potential.

What about this idea for a Mentorship Program to Foster Economic Independence?

There are indeed other worthwhile challenges in our world, from providing compassionate care for the unhoused to advancing technological safety. I cannot solve everything, but I am committed to improving this corner of the world. 😉