ARCHETYPE 1
Nokuthula, the stretched cleaner
Profile
Age: 34
Gender: Female
Industry: Cleaning (one of the most financially stressed sectors)
Tenure: 1 year, monthly pay, long commute
Work
Nokuthula enjoys her job and values her colleagues – most cleaners do (97% report enjoyment) – but she sees little chance of advancement. Only 35% in her sector believe promotion is ‘very possible,’ leaving her career confidence fragile.
Financial Situation
No emergency savings (61% of cleaners report the same)
Experiences financial stress almost every pay cycle
Relies on Jem’s Earned Wage Access when available; otherwise borrows informally at high cost
Transport and food take priority, with little left over
Resilience
Low. She is one missed taxi, one sick child, or one late payslip away from crisis. Despite this, she takes pride in knowing her work makes a difference and wants to provide for her family.
ARCHETYPE 2
Thabo, the stable security officer
Profile
Age: 42
Gender: Male
Industry: Security (higher clarity on promotion pathways)
Tenure: 5 years, monthly pay, lives close to work
Work
Thabo enjoys his job (97% of security workers report enjoyment) and feels strongly connected to his team. Nearly half in his sector see promotion as ‘very possible,’ and recognition scores are above average. He views his role as a stepping stone to supervisory positions.
Financial Situation
Has some emergency savings (security workers less likely to report zero savings than other sectors)
Lower than average financial stress (62% vs 72% overall)
Uses EWA strategically for transport or family needs, but avoids loan sharks and payday lenders
Resilience
High. Predictable income, savings, and a clear career path give him confidence and keep him engaged. He shows what stability looks like when workers have buffers, recognition, and visible growth pathways.
Why this matters
These are two ends of the same spectrum. Vulnerable workers like Nokuthula risk disengagement when stress spikes. Stable workers like Thabo show how savings, recognition, and clear growth opportunities anchor resilience. For employers, closing the gap isn’t just support – it’s strategy.
