Nickel and Dimed centers on the working environment of the lower class, focusing on minimum-wage positions that frequently involve serving others. Every other theme in the book arises from employment-related issues, such as work conditions, management approaches of those overseeing low-wage employees, and the challenges of surviving on minimum-wage earnings in contemporary America. The book delves into the human aspect of economics, posing the question: How can someone live on a minimum-wage salary in the United States? The title itself implies that even slight financial fluctuations can significantly impact the lower class, whether concerning wages or everyday living costs. This is often demonstrated through Ehrenreich's detailed accounts of her earnings and expenditures on essentials like rent and groceries, as well as unavoidable small costs like medication and pain relief for work-related injuries.

Ehrenreich argues that fundamental human needs remain unmet for low-income workers, even those with full-time employment. The income they receive doesn't align with their actual living costs, especially in terms of housing. Minimum-wage jobs make it tough to save enough for an apartment lease, leading to various compromises. Throughout Nickel and Dimed, Ehrenreich struggles to find suitable housing that is affordable, conveniently located near work, and safe. Often, she must sacrifice at least one of these factors, relying on trailer parks and residential hotels for reasonably priced accommodation. Additionally, the rigorous screening and monitoring many workers face make job retention stressful, fostering a more submissive workforce. As a result, workers are uncertain not only about whether their jobs can sustain them but also about their job security.

Ehrenreich observes significant cultural differences between social classes, making her experiences in lower-class environments feel like an entirely different world. In navigating the challenges of lower-class life, she is particularly focused on integrating into each workplace she joins. Each job represents a unique microcosm, requiring her to adapt accordingly. Ironically, her background as a middle-class writer makes these minimum-wage jobs feel even more foreign, bringing to light a separate set of behaviors and assumptions that she discusses throughout the book. She recognizes that gaining acceptance from her colleagues is crucial for survival, understanding that having a support network at work is one of the key factors that can make minimum-wage positions bearable, if not appealing.

Ehrenreich highlights the physical challenges associated with the type of work she undertakes for these experiments. Her health is frequently at risk, yet she is unable to do everything necessary to recover and regain her well-being. Her options are restricted by what she can afford and what is available outside her working hours. She frequently notes how a minor injury, which could be easily managed in her middle-class lifestyle, can escalate into a major issue for those in the lower class. They have fewer healthcare options and depend more on hourly wages, which can be lost if they take time off to heal. This issue is exemplified by Holly from The Maids, whose illness and injuries require more care than she permits herself. This is partly because she cannot afford adequate healthcare and partly due to her dedication to her job, which, although perhaps misplaced, prevents her from taking time off.

Ehrenreich argues that solving the challenges faced by the working poor and lower-class individuals requires focusing on the people themselves, rather than just examining demographics and statistics. Many low-wage jobs are in the service sector, leading Ehrenreich to suggest that lower-class individuals have become an unofficial servant class in a country that professes equal treatment for all its citizens. The aim of Nickel and Dimed is to vividly portray the struggles and hardships faced by...