Local News

Profile Of A Man Struggling To Make Ends Meet

CHICAGO (CBS) ― Today, nine-and-a-half million Americans are unemployed. Thousands more are underemployed. Their new jobs pay a lot less than the ones they lost. CBS 2's Dorothy Tucker reports on how one man struggles with a smaller paycheck.

Scott Bolon's living room is practically empty. It was once full of furniture and family heirlooms that belonged to his late mother.

"Starting right around here was a huge sectional sofa," Bolon said.

But it's all gone now because Bolon sold it.

"Because the rent was due and I didn't have any money," Bolon said. "I had to get money in really quick."

Money has been an issue for Bolon since he lost a $65,000 a year job as a retail manager three years ago. He spent a year looking for employment. He says he sent out more than 300 resumes and got few responses. That was his first clue the economy was headed for trouble.

"I would have taken anything. I would have taken toilet washer at McDonald's if I could, but nobody was hiring," Bolon said.

Bolon finally found another retail job, but it's less than half of what he used to make. His monthly income doesn't cover his monthly bills. He picks up odd jobs to help make ends meet, but he's not looking for cash.

"I'm looking for food stamps," Bolon said. "I mean, give me a Trader Joe card so I can go grocery shopping."

Vacations and movies are also a thing of the past. They've been replaced by video games at home.

"It was so good yesterday. Now everything's so bad," Bolon said. "Me and my friends, we're all struggling. I just don't understand. This is the U.S. It's not supposed to happen to us."

If you'd like to share your story about how the economic crisis is affecting you and your family, click here.

(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

---