Scrolling on TikTok will definitely lead you to a couple of videos of people going through hard financial times in America. So many Americans are living with the reality of not having enough money to make ends meet, whether that means paying medical bills or buying groceries. One Utah man is shedding a light on the very real scenario that so many people are facing right now. Only, for him, it’s taken to an extreme because he’s dealing with chronic illness in a desperate situation.
Adam (@chronically_adam) shared a TikTok video sharing his drastic situation with his audience: He’s living in his car. But to make matters worse, he’s also suffering with chronic illness and rarely getting the help he needs. According to Adam, he’s in a situation that is “not sustainable” and he’s angry at his own country because of it, urging them to do better. He doesn’t want anybody to wind up in a desperate situation like his own.
Adam says that his disabilities, caused by chronic illness, make it impossible for him to “hold a regular job.” This tracks, as recent statistics taken at Harvard show that 49% of people with chronic conditions say they felt they couldn’t take needed time off of work, or even take a break at times. To be able to make a little bit of income, Adam does DoorDashing. He said it usually doesn’t bring in much money, so it’s really hit or miss.
On a daily basis, Adam endures a lot of turmoil and tribulation as he lives out of his car. As he says, “I don’t even have a [expletive] place to go to the bathroom at night.” He says he has to drive to a gas station, which involves using his own gas, to use the bathroom. Adam worries about the cops knocking on his window or strangers approaching him. He also has to find parking. At the time of making the video, he was staying overnight in a Walmart parking lot, which nobody should have to do. Unfortunately, it’s a reality for so many Americans, including entire families.
Adam points out that America makes things difficult for those who go through with a disability case. He says he would have to look forward to “$1,690 a month,” which is significantly less than some people pay in rent, by the way. Instead, you see people “living out of their car on disability.” Adam also adds that he’s a “white man” and it would be “way more dangerous if I were a woman” in this situation.
Many commenters shared their opinion on what Adam is going through. One commenter mentioned, “Our system is so broken,” while another stated, “America is a corporate country… This isn’t living anymore.” Others shared with Adam that they’re experiencing the exact same thing to show him he isn’t alone out there. One commenter stated, “I have systemic lupus, live in my truck, and live on $967 a month. It’s not easy.” Another shared, “I’m 66 and living in my car for 10 days now. I’m lucky to be able to park in the parking lot of a 24/7 convenience store for now. I have no money though for gas or to eat.” It goes to show that it’s not enough for so many Americans.
This video brought in attention from many commenters who were able to relate to Adam’s story. Others shared how they go through their own struggles living in America. The video showed that, no matter your walk of life, you’re capable of understanding the impact being poor can have on others. It’s so relatable for so many living throughout the U.S.
