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William
William
William is originally from the Philippines and has worked at Stanford as a custodian for over sixteen years. In that time, he has lived in Mountain View in an apartment. Though he originally rode the bus every morning to work, since the school changed their schedules for custodians he has started to drive instead. His main complaint is that the rent in San Jose has continuously risen and the cost of living in Silicon Valley is getting more expensive. Though it may be expensive to live here, William continues to love his work at Stanford.
My life is impacted because sometimes my salary is not enough, it's cut short, especially since i'm supporting my family back in the Philippines. I have to send money. I have to pay my rent. I have to pay everything here, so sometimes I'm short. Every month I am sending for sixteen years. I have stepsons and smaller ones to take care of.
[Housing in the Bay Area] is really expensive. All my sisters are here already, so I decided to join them here where my family is. But sometimes, if you move to another state its different! The rent is cheaper it's hard to find work! It's different.
Q: Do you ever talk to your coworkers about housing?
We are talking, my coworkers, we're talking about it but sometimes... We're thinking about it. we want to get approved or we want to finance a house. But we are looking at it, but I don't think we can because there are certain things like the mortgage... like that, like if you're 60% you pay right away (down payment), but for me I cannot afford it. "
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