But what happens when we can’t afford s**t?

It's clear that many companies keep hiking prices on everyday products like food and essentials, while also cutting jobs and refusing to provide raises. This creates a vicious cycle: when workers don’t get paid more, they can't afford rising costs, which means less spending overall. For example, consider how a simple Smoked Turkey & Cheese Croissant now costs $11.50, a price increase that many consumers find hard to justify. When prices grow faster than wages, the average person’s purchasing power declines. This erodes the customer base that companies depend on for revenue. Meanwhile, mass layoffs contribute further to the problem. Fewer employed individuals mean less overall income circulating in the economy. With less money in people's pockets, demand for goods and services decreases. It’s a paradox where businesses push for higher short-term profits but risk long-term damage by alienating the very customers they need. Corporate greed often leads to hoarding cash, while workers face unpaid overtime and a lack of raises. This imbalance harms economic growth and social wellbeing. Without sufficient consumer spending, companies ultimately face lower sales and potential collapse. The real challenge is finding solutions that ensure fair wages and reasonable prices, so that both workers and businesses can thrive. In the current climate, recognizing that sustainable profits depend on a healthy workforce and consumer base is essential. This conversation invites us to rethink corporate priorities and economic policies to build a more equitable future for everyone.