I Worked at a Big-Box Store. Here’s a Way to Improve the Lives of Low-Wage Workers.

One of the lesser-known problems facing many low-wage workers in America is unpredictable and scarce work hours — something the writer Adelle Waldman knows firsthand. She worked at a big-box store for six months to research her latest novel, about a group of employees plotting to overthrow their bad boss. In this audio essay, Waldman explains how her experience exposed her to the way inflexible hours can wreak havoc in people’s lives, from lack of health insurance to the inability to pick up a second job.

(A full transcript of this audio essay will be available within 24 hours of publication in the audio player above.)

This episode of “The Opinions” was produced by Vishakha Darbha. It was edited by Kaari Pitkin and Alison Bruzek. Mixing by Sonia Herrero with engineering by Isaac Jones. Original music by Carole Sabouraud and Pat McCusker. Fact-checking by Mary Marge Locker. Audience strategy by Kristina Samulewski.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips. And here’s our email: [email protected].

Follow the New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, X (@NYTOpinion) and Instagram.