I was having a hard time figuring out where I wanted to place the focus of my project on, especially after realizing that my original plan to work with maintenance-staff-at-schools was questionable. The people I knew back from my high school were custodians, at least to the best of my knowledge. Custodians can make $50,000+ a year, which disqualifies my original project ($50,000+ is certainly enough to meet living wage requirements, which I believe Ehrenreich puts at above a $10+ hourly wage or around $25,000 yearly income).

After some research I made a list of potential projects focuses: construction workers, retail workers, cashiers, fast food workers, waiters, restaurant cooks, dishwashers, busboys, etc. Unfortunately, I can’t really relate to any of these jobs. But given the circumstances, I have to choose something. In my opinion, my best bet is to go with the restaurant related jobs. I have a few friends who’ve worked at a restaurant before, so they’ll be a useful source of information.

But the problem I’m facing is dealing with the topic. Do I look at people in general who work at low-wages or do I look at people who have to work at low-wages. Teenagers certainly don’t have to, if supported by their families. But illegal immigrants, those who don’t finish school, or careless single mothers do. The low wage life sucks, but only if you’re desperate for money.

I’m certainly uncertain of what my goal is... but having my topic deal with the daily operations of a restaurant seems interesting enough.