Record price ...
Record price increases: You make excuses because you can no longer afford the coffee
When a visit to the swimming pool becomes a luxury item
The qualified masseuse is happy that she has the opportunity to do her apprenticeship in a company that she likes. It is important for them to stay in practice and "not have gaps in their CV". She likes to work and has done so with pleasure all her life. But now she’s experiencing what it’s like to live in poverty as an adult.
One reason is the current massive price increases. The rent for her apartment in November was 750 euros, but now she has to pay 785 euros for the same apartment. Last month she was only able to pay the rent with the climate bonus because the money was transferred far too late by the AMS. Even in the supermarket, there is only enough money for the essentials:
“I notice the high prices for groceries insanely because I always buy the same products. I have to take care of myself because of my health situation, but that’s almost impossible now," she says.
Her doctor actually advises her to exercise regularly because of her herniated disc. “But I can neither afford to go to the swimming pool or to the fitness center for strength training. Because even with the mobile pass, I still have to pay 4 euros for it and that’s just not possible anymore," says Grunner.
"You make excuses because you can’t afford the coffee anymore"
Brigitte Grunner has worked in the care sector for many years.
This financial situation also affects her social contacts, as she explains.
"I’m 46 and I don’t even have a couch because I can’t afford it. I’m embarrassed to invite anyone to my house.” At the same time, she can’t do anything either. "If you have 80 to 120 euros a month to live on, then you can’t go away or meet for a coffee. You’re embarrassed about it and instead make excuses that you don’t have time."
Everything used to be possible for her and her three children. "We’re a normal working-class family, we weren’t rich either, but my children could do anything. They could go on trips, ice skate, go to the swimming pool, have bicycles or buy ice cream. All of that would no longer be affordable today.”
Mental stress increases significantly
Many in their environment are currently experiencing this situation. Her son, a trained masseur, lost his job three times during the Corona crisis and has now found a 35-hour job – for 1,400 net. He lives in the Weinviertel and relies on a car. "The gas prices are crazy for him."
A friend of hers is now moving to Schwechat because she can no longer afford the rent in Vienna. It almost got to the point where the electricity and water were cut off. Many of those around them no longer know what to do. Acquaintances who have worked their whole life and now have to go to the social welfare office. "It’s a catastrophe for a person when you can’t even afford to eat anymore. I’m not even talking about luxury goods, about a visit to a Heurigen, but about the fact that you can take a shower, heat up and eat what you like. You’re just embarrassed," says Grunner.
At the same time, the burdens are now so high that many no longer have the strength to work or look for a job.
“Work should be rewarded, but people just can’t do it anymore. People aren’t lazy or stupid, they just can’t take it anymore and stay at home. Many are mentally shattered and now there is also the fear of the next electricity and gas bill, or that something will break. This constant fear makes you tired. I notice this mental stress in all age groups.”
The Government would have to introduce a price cap for housing and energy
Grunner expects permanent solutions from the government, such as price caps for electricity, energy and housing. “The things that are essential to life must be capped. It simply has to be a fundamental right!” she is convinced. In addition, wages would have to be raised, but non-wage labor costs would also have to be reduced.
“If the situation stays like this, it will also ruin the economy. After all, what are people supposed to buy if they don’t have any money?” Grunner is convinced. She also notices this in her company, people save money, buy fewer products and do without treatments and massages. That’s why her boss can’t afford to take her on after her final apprenticeship exam.
Of Lena Krainz https://kontrast.at/umschulung-pflegeberufe-erfahrung/
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