Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

I know quite a few people who have either not looked for jobs because it would have meant less income overall, or refused promotions / higher salary for the same reasons.

This is a well known phenomenon known as the welfare trap [0].

This may not be the case if you have the opportunity to go from unemployed directly to a higher salary but most unemployed people have minimal wage as a best prospect, many times not even that.

UBI evens it out in that if you do get a job you'll make more money instead of downright trading your free time for busy time with no financial gain.

[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welfare_trap



Consider applying for YC's Fall 2025 batch! Applications are open till Aug 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: