Virginia teachers complain about 3% raise because some are working two jobs

Virginai teachers are sstruggling like many others in the state.Photo byElement5 DigitalonUnsplash

Virginia teachers say 3% raise is not enough

Wavy News reports that Virginia teachers are grateful for the 3% pay raise but say it's insufficient. Laquetta Mackey, president of the Norfolk Federation of Teachers, stated that some teachers work two jobs. To that, I say, "Welcome to 2024 living."

There was a day when a college education ensured one good job that met all your needs and that you could retire from. Virginians used to work second jobs for a specific purpose, but now, two jobs are necessary for some to barley make ends meet.

Two jobs is becoming the norm in Virginia

A member of my family has two Master's degrees, and now works two jobs plus driving for Uber. He owes nearly $200,000 in student loans and continually says it's not supposed to be this way, but it is.

Yahoo reports inflation and the swtoc market have forced many older adults back into the workforce. I know seniors in the Commonwealth who cannot retire, and others who have retired have returned to work. Teachers are not the only ones suffering, and some people are not even getting a 3% raise.