EAGLE RIVER - Most people have noticed that prices just about everything keep going up, but their salaries are the same.

Yesterday, I told you how local businesses are surviving the high cost of food and gas, and today how one woman in the Northwoods is making it through these rough economic times.

Mary Grady might look like a pro at checking people out at Pamida in Eagle River, but she just started as a customer sales associate in May.



She works here 30 hours a week, and puts in another 30 hours a week waitressing at an Eagle River restaurant.

Mary Grady says "It's very difficult because I have an 8 year old son, too. So I'm a single mom and it's very hard to juggle 2 jobs and be a single mom."

Being a single parent is a full-time job in itself, so why does she work 60 hours a week at 2 different places?

Mary Grady says "It's a lot for one person, but with the price of gas and food I can't afford not to work 2 jobs."

Mary's not the only one feeling the pinch.

Denise Wilder, the Assistant Team Leader at Pamida, says "We get retirees looking for a job because they can't fully retire and we get people looking for a second job."

Mary Grady says "Just about everyone I know has 2 jobs. So everyone's going through the same thing I am."

Between 2 jobs and an 8-year old Mary doesn't have much time to relax, but her manager here at Pamida says you can hardly tell.

Denise Wilder says "She hides it pretty well, but it shows every once in a while."

Mary's obviously good at working with a smile despite her long days, but she's hoping her work days will get shorter soon.

Mary Grady says "I'm hoping to go back to one job. I'm hoping prices drop."

When or if that will happen remains to be seen, but for now, Mary and others who have families to feed will keep doing what they have to to survive these tough times.

Mary Grady says business at the restaurant where she waitresses has been slow, making it even harder to make ends meet.

But it's not just restaurants that are slowing down, the assistant store team leader at Pamida says their sales are also down this year.