Low wages mean there’s not a lot left over after meeting all my financial obligations. Any “pay rise” is often reduced by the cost of living expenses and any taxes that are taken out. Teacher aides aren’t paid what their value is and what there jobs require of them (toileting, medical needs of students etc) . Any allowances aren’t sufficient for what they are required to do. I make ends meet by being extreme my careful with my spend. My children go without alot. There is often nothing left of my current pay after meeting my requirements. I go without alot for my children to have the basics