Skip the Marriage, Build the Village

Today I’m bringing you an interview with someone I’m calling Heather.

She was one of the many amazing listeners who responded to my listener survey and she wrote something that intrigued me so much that I decided to reach out to her. (Don't worry, the survey is anonymous, but in this case she chose to enter her email!)

She wrote: "I’m a professor (mid-career) and I’m really struggling to make ends meet as a single mom of twins. I constantly wonder why this is so. Having a PhD shouldn’t mean financial struggle. Or at least, that wasn’t how it was a generation ago."

For this interview, Heather wanted to talk to me anonymously so that she could be really open about her financial situation and not risk anything when it comes to her job.

Heather lives and works in Baltimore with her twin 10-year olds and with her mother. In addition to being a professor of history, she's also a community advocate and organizer around public education.

She has built a village of friends, neighbors, and family members on her street and in her wider community. You'll hear in this episode how deep down, she always knew she desired the collective, rather than a diamond ring.

If you’re a regular listener of Other People’s Pockets, or even if this is your first listen, please fill out the listener survey! It gives you a chance to help shape the future of this show. The responses are completely anonymous and it is totally optional if you do want to include your contact info.

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