I played an online game called "Spent," I found myself navigating the harsh realities of poverty in a modern, industrialized American setting. The goal is to survive a month with only $$1,000,$ making decisions about jobs, housing, healthcare, and other expenses. Here's what I learned from this experience.

In the game, I had to choose a job. I picked a warehouse worker position because it seemed stable and paid $$14$ an hour. This job reflects the kind of work many people do in real life, especially in industrial societies where stable jobs are crucial. However, this kind of work can sometimes feel repetitive and unfulfilling, as if you're just a small part of a big machine. This feeling is common in industrial societies, where people often prioritize job security over personal satisfaction.

When I had to choose a health insurance plan in the game 'Spent,$\text{'}$ I went with the bronze plan. This was the cheapest option. I did this because I didn't have a lot of money to spend. In real life, as well, people often must make tough choices like this. They must think about how much they can afford to spend on health insurance while also paying for other important things. This is a common situation in places where the economy is based on capitalism, like in the United States. It shows how sometimes people must decide on healthcare based on how much money they have, not just what they need for their health.

I chose to live near where I work to cut down on travel costs. This meant I had to pay more for rent, but it saved me money on getting to and from work, which was important because I didn't have a lot of money to spare. Living close to work also meant I could save time and avoid the stress of a long trip to work every day.

Playing the game made me realize how your beliefs and where you come from can impact your risk of being poor. Guest talks about how your background and beliefs can influence the way you handle money $($Guest$,2017).$ For instance, if you're from a place where people rely on nature for living, you might struggle in a society where everything revolves around business and money.

At the end of the game "Spent," I had only $$102$ left. This was because I had to be very careful with my money. I had to make hard choices, like buying only the most necessary food and not spending money on anything else. This was tough, but it was the only way to make sure I didn't run out of money by the end of the month.

Playing "Spent" really opened my eyes. It showed me how hard it is to live with very little money. The game made me think a lot about how difficult life can be for people who don't have much money and how society affects this. It's not just about not having enough money for things; it's also about making tough decisions every day and always worrying about money.

The game is also a great way to learn. It teaches people about what it's like to be poor, how money works, and different problems in society. By putting you in the shoes of someone with not much money, "Spent" helps you understand their struggles. It's a strong reminder that for some people, getting by with just enough money is a real thing they deal with every day.