Some of us literally cannot afford to get out. Check-to-check. I’ve been trying to get out of the Chicagoland area for probably a decade, and I can’t put away enough money. The dollar value keeps shrinking and I can’t accumulate enough money quickly enough, not to mention that any money I do save is wiped out by new tires or a mechanical problem with my truck, however rare they are.
Gas prices? Not as bad as CA, but still stupid.
Where there’s a will there’s a way. If you were this guy, attacked by a Lunatic Leftist with a hatchet, would you still stay? Or, would you get the hell out?
If you have some skills and are employable in Illinois you are employable in other states. Florida, Texas, etc...
If you’re living paycheck to paycheck in Illinois you can get by paycheck to paycheck in Texas and Florida. Both states have lower costs of living and NO Payroll taxes so, you will have more cash in your pocket every payday.
You simply have to make the decision to Get the Hell Out. And do it. A great many people make this decision every day. Yes, it has some unknowns and some temporary risk. But, no risk, no reward.