Panhandling
By Colene
@cpefley (1926)
San Jose, California
September 16, 2017 7:53pm CST
So I have been trying to start from rock bottom, and it has been hard. I have a long way to go, but I have 3 of my kids with me renting a room.
I use some apps on my phone to make money. One of them is Job Spotter. Basically, you take pictures of hiring signs and they pay you. It isn't much, but if you run into a bunch of stores hiring, it is nice. With the holidays coming up, there will be lots more. The app is ran by Indeed.
Anyway, I was taking a picture a panhandler came up to me. One that has came up to me several times at the gas stations on that same corner. It irritated me!
I have so many kids, no money, no car, no real home and I just made 36 cents for taking a picture of a sign. He is begging for other people's hard earned money...He always looks high, and I don't understand how people can live with themselves doing that. I'd rather take 15 pictures for $5 or so than ask someone for their hard earned money, but that's just me...
8 people like this
7 responses
@marguicha (222989)
• Chile
17 Sep 17
Once, some years ago, I was going to work when a beggar, very well dressed, asked me for money. I had just lost my husband and did not have my life solved at all. I told him that I worked for money.
4 people like this
@TiarasOceanView (70022)
• United States
17 Sep 17
Yes you have enough on your plate right now..I dont blame you for being annoyed..he doesnt need your little bit of money you are right.
3 people like this
@peavey (16936)
• United States
17 Sep 17
There are people who really are in need, but so many are not, or are in need only of another fix or another drink. It makes it hard to even want to help anyone, especially when you're in need yourself. I hope your situation gets better each day.
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (160663)
• United States
17 Sep 17
If he looks high and he is there all the time I cannot blame you for being irritated. Good luck with your apps and myLot and anything else you find.
2 people like this
@bystander (2292)
• Philippines
29 Sep 17
I admire your resolve in addressing your survival challenges. Genuinely, I do. Imagine the hardship you must face everyday in your life -- "so many kids, no money, no car, no real home and I just made 36 cents... " -- and still you keep your dignity intact by trying hard not to humble yourself by begging. You have every right to get irritated by a panhandler or beggar. You know what I mean.
I wish you and your kids the best of everything, Life is not always full of difficulties and challenges, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
@ramapo17 (30441)
• Melbourne, Florida
29 Sep 17
Many years ago my husband and I over spent and I tried to make ends meet. He worked full time but had many medical issues. I worked 4 or 5 jobs a week to make ends meet. I had a full time job that paid well and being I got out of work early, I had a connection to a local garden center so I worked for them part time. I also had a friend that was a manager at a large chain and I loved the store so I worked part time there. I also lived in a tourist neighborhood so I got a part time job there to. I actually loved all the different jobs and didn't want to leave any of them. It did help pay off some bills. Sometime we do what we have to do to get by. Things are not easy.
1 person likes this
@bystander (2292)
• Philippines
1 Oct 17
Indeed, Nancy, life is not always easy. There will always be challenges that will test our resolve. In the end, however, our determination and faith will keep our body and soul together in surmounting difficulties we encounter in life.
1 person likes this
@ramapo17 (30441)
• Melbourne, Florida
1 Oct 17
@bystander I totally agree with you.
1 person likes this
@Courtlynn (67085)
• United States
17 Sep 17
It's hard for some to ask for help. Has been for my mom and I, too. But we've done it when needed. And we never get mad at others for asking for help because we know how tough it is to get the courage to do so.
1 person likes this
