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We are the median: 'It's working out'

For Jordan Kohler, 29, living on an income that is slightly lower than the nation’s household median of $50,000 is fine so far.“I’ve just been doing it for a couple of months, and it’s working out,” he said.The experience is new because Kohler recently split up from his wife, and they are now in the process of divorcing, he said. That will leave him supporting himself on just one incom
Jordan Kohler of Cameron Park, Calif., says he's doing \"just fine,\" living on an income level just below the national houseold median of $50,000 a year.
Jordan Kohler of Cameron Park, Calif., says he's doing \"just fine,\" living on an income level just below the national houseold median of $50,000 a year.Jim Seida / msnbc.com / Today

For Jordan Kohler, 29, living on an income that is slightly lower than the nation’s household median of $50,000 is fine so far.

“I’ve just been doing it for a couple of months, and it’s working out,” he said.

The experience is new because Kohler recently split up from his wife, and they are now in the process of divorcing, he said. That will leave him supporting himself on just one income.

On Tuesday, Kohler was at a legal aid clinic in Placerville, Calif., trying to figure out how to complete the divorce amicably without running up a high legal tab, he said.

We met Kohler while traveling through California for our series of stories on what it’s like to live on the nation’s household median income of about $50,000 a year.

Kohler said he likes his job as a technical consultant with a major electronics retailer, especially since it offers great health benefits for himself and his kids, who are 7 and 2. 

He recently moved into a two-bedroom apartment in Cameron Park, near Placerville. Although the divorce has been difficult, he said he’s grateful to have a steady income that is enough to live on.

“That helps out a lot,” he said.

More on this series:

Click here to see previous stories in our "We are the median" series. We’re also sharing our thoughts — and yours — on Twitter (hashtag #median), Facebook and Google Plus. We invite you to comment on our posts — but keep it civil and on topic, please!

Finally, please share your story of what it’s like to be living on about $50,000 a year by clicking here to send me e-mail. We’ll feature some of your stories in future Life Inc. posts.