Are American Women Financially Struggling by Choice?
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Chapter 1: The Context of Financial Struggles
In a recent statement, Kim Kardashian provocatively declared, "Get your ducking ass up and work." This remark coincides with the upcoming season premiere of her family's reality show, scheduled for April 14 on Hulu, likely intended to generate buzz and engagement.
This bold statement raises questions about the economic landscape built on inequality. It's a well-known fact that those who put in the least effort often reap the most rewards. For instance, Jeff Bezos amasses significant wealth while his employees earn comparatively little. But is it fair to attribute the business failures of American women to a lack of motivation?
Remote Work Opportunities
It's disheartening to observe the limited number of countries approved by Stripe for business transactions. While the world consists of numerous nations, only a select few can fully benefit from Stripe's services. For Americans with social security numbers, the online landscape is more accessible. In contrast, individuals from the remaining 148 countries often have to rely on alternatives like Paypal or Tipalti.
Here are the key challenges:
Paypal is widely recognized and utilized across various platforms, yet withdrawing funds can be a daunting task. Most sites that enable creators to earn income online primarily use Stripe. Popular platforms such as Gumroad and Vocal Media accept Stripe, while many freelance sites expect high-quality work for minimal pay, often just $5.
Americans enjoy a significant advantage in capitalizing on remote job opportunities. However, competition remains fierce. Success requires not only skill but also consistency. Having a chance to sell doesn't guarantee actual sales, and merely working hard doesn’t ensure a living wage. Upskilling and targeting higher-paying consumers can make a more substantial difference than just putting in more hours. After all, many of us have voiced concerns about burnout and the struggles of juggling work and family responsibilities.
Personal Lines of Credit
In the U.S., individuals can start using credit cards as early as 14, providing them with access to credit while their parents cover the costs. Over half of American teens secure jobs by the age of 16, contributing to a labor participation rate of around 50% in 2019. This employment often serves as proof of independent income, allowing them to access credit at 18.
Typically, young adults with a credit score of 667 can expect an average credit limit of around $2,500. When converted to other currencies, this amount can be quite substantial. However, many of these young adults find themselves in low-paying jobs. The prevailing narrative encourages them to pursue higher education, often leading to significant debt for a four-year degree.
The average starting salary for entry-level positions in the U.S. is around $50,000 per year, but the failure rate for online businesses is alarmingly high. Approximately 90% of internet startups fail within the first 120 days. While not everyone mismanages their credit, numerous hurdles still exist that can lead to financial failure.
Conclusion
Recall Kanye's controversial comment that "slavery was a choice." Kim's statement reflects a similar perspective, emerging from a place of privilege and designed to attract attention—exactly what she needs to expand her brand.
Hard work alone is insufficient for success. Observing Kim's approach rather than merely listening to her words reveals her strategy: she invested years in building a brand synonymous with beauty. She collaborates with emerging talents and actively promotes her products ahead of launches. Her Instagram remains consistently updated, and she willingly embodies her brands.
Whether the attention is positive or negative, Kim leverages it for marketing. She's selective about her audience, focusing on those who can afford her services.
How are you positioning yourself to take advantage of similar marketing opportunities?
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