People hate to hear that but it is the truth. If you are a bank teller making $12 an hour and you are still one 5 years from now, you will still be making around $12 an hour (in today's dollars). Maybe even a little less if inflation outpaces your paltry raises.
So as a bank teller, you need to set your sights on being a teller supervisor, then a head teller and eventually to branch manager of the bank or maybe even a regional position.
Yes, it's easier than you think.
“The key to getting around this is to not do the same job year after year. Improve your skill set, get promoted or find another higher-paying job.”
I agree, but in dying states that is easier said than done. NJ has a lot of talented people that have been laid off, and they are all competing for the same small pool of jobs. The number of worthwhile jobs available has diminshed considerably.
Naturally, moving to greener pastures is the answer (provided you can sell your home).