How to call someone a working stiff?

Question

How would you say this?- "He was a working stiff, making just enough money to get by"

Answer 1

I arrived somewhat late to this discussion but I disagree with the interpretation of "working stiff". In my experience it refers to those who do (whatever they do) for the salary that they receive (which is to say, they derive little/no enjoyment) from their jobs. For obvious reasons, lower paying jobs, are often less interesting/satisfying but but the question is not one of remuneration but of job "satisfaction". The cobbler can derive immense satisfaction from the practice of his skill (although he is likely to be ill-paid) and the stock-broker can (while receiving a handsome salary) be bored with his work.

The repetitive nature of many low-paying jobs may be a problem but it is the nature of the work (rather than the salary) that makes them "working stiffs".