“The problem with living a dream is eventually you have to wake up to reality. As prices have increased, I was no longer able to afford my rental in Billerica… With remote work, we were able to afford our own place again, but I realized our combined income did not meet the required 3x rent threshold at most of the places near campus.”
Hi my name is Brittney Moore-Miller and I am a full time staff member at Middlesex Community College. I started my professional career as a special education teacher in Arizona. From the time I was in college, I always wanted to end up in higher education. I thought I would end up supporting students with disabilities at the college level. Eventually, I found my perfect job at Middlesex, in placement testing of all places. I realized that I had a unique way to follow my passion to make sure students had access to the supports they needed through my work. For many students, I am one of the first people they meet on their journey. I was living my dream.
The problem with living a dream is eventually you have to wake up to reality. As prices have increased, I was no longer able to afford my rental in Billerica. My parents had relocated to New Hampshire, and once again I found myself moving in with my parents and commuting almost an hour to work each day. Shortly after, the COVID-19 pandemic changed the game again. With remote work, we were able to afford our own place again, but I realized our combined income did not meet the required 3x rent threshold at most of the places near campus.
I am one of the lucky ones. I did have to relocate, but my home in southern New Hampshire is a shorter commute than many of my peers that live in the commonwealth. I do not work a second job. I am home every night for my kids. However, sacrifices have been made. To allow me these privileges, my husband works 60-70 hours a week. I worry because his job is very physically demanding, and he is a disabled veteran with chronic pain and diagnosed dementia. We do receive some benefits from the VA, but there is a looming fear that he may be unable to work before his 45th birthday. We feel like we are racing against the clock to get our two middle school aged children through high school while we can both work.
I accomplished my dream. I love the students I work with. I never want to leave, but it feels selfish when my family endures the burden. The guilt I carry makes it difficult to be the person students need. Now with MassEducate and MassReconnect, more students walk in to my office, more students need support, more of my time is needed on campus. I would love to meet all those needs. At the end of the day, I know I am giving the students the best I have to offer. I just know I could offer more if I wasn’t worried about how I am going to provide for my family.
A living wage would completely change the game for my family. My husband could reduce his hours and preserve his health. With him at home now, I would have more time for self-care so that I can be my best self when I arrive at the office each day. My kids would get to spend more time with both parents. We really need a change.