From the dangerously breakneck pace of fast food restaurants to self-storage units as symbols of loss in a housing crisis, read our collection of recent first-person stories examining working class realities during late-stage capitalism.

In Fast Food, Worker Stress Is the Business Model

In the fast-food industry, worker stress is built into the system by design. The more unnatural and unsustainable the pace, the greater the corporate profits.

Alex Park, Co-published by Economic Hardship Reporting Project and Jacobin

Tired Of Losing

“My mother’s journey with self-storage showed me how, for many Americans, these units hold much more than material possessions.”

Julie Poole, Co-published by Economic Hardship Reporting Project and Slate

America’s Animal Shelters Are Overwhelmed. Pets–and Staff–Are at Breaking Point

“The shelter where I work took in 694 animals last year. Every day, we face animal cruelty – and communicating the crisis can feel impossible.”

s.e. smith Co-published by Economic Hardship Reporting Project and The Guardian

The Relentless Cost of Chronic Diseases

We must help ease the economic burden for patients who have chronic diseases, as well as the stigma that trails them.

Alissa Quart, Co-published by Economic Hardship Reporting Project and TIME

The Rich and the Poor

How inequality messes with teenagers’ minds.

Emi Nietfeld, Co-published by Economic Hardship Reporting Project and Slate