Barbara Ehrenreich introduces us to the life of the working poor in America. Through her firsthand experience of working low-wage jobs in different parts of the country, she sheds light on the struggles faced by millions of Americans who are barely making ends meet.

Ehrenreich's journey begins with her decision to leave her comfortable life as a writer and live like the working poor for a few months. She takes on different jobs such as a waitress, a housekeeper, and a Walmart associate, among others, and tries to survive on the meager wages she earns.

Throughout her experience, Ehrenreich observes the harsh realities of low-wage work. She notes that many low-wage jobs have no benefits or job security, and that workers are often treated poorly by their employers. She also highlights the difficulties of finding affordable housing, which often forces low-wage workers to live in cramped and unsafe conditions.

Ehrenreich's experience also highlights the physical and emotional toll of low-wage work. She notes that many low-wage jobs are physically demanding and can cause long-term damage to workers' health. Additionally, the stress of trying to make ends meet on a low-wage salary can take a significant toll on workers' mental health.

Through her experience, Ehrenreich also explores the impact of race and gender on low-wage workers. She notes that women and people of color are often overrepresented in low-wage jobs and face additional challenges such as discrimination and harassment.