That's the reality for many state employees in Cuba.
A state salary is nowhere near enough to cover even the most basic necessities. Food, medicine, hygiene products, transportation, and clothing consume far more than an average monthly paycheck. Living on a state salary alone is simply impossible.
As a result, millions depend on the help from relatives abroad, side hustles, or the informal economy just to survive. A full-time job never guarantees a decent standard of living nor that you'll make it through the month.
That's why every single Cuban "steals" from the government as much as they can: they "steal" food, medicine and different products to then resell them in the black market.
This is one of the clearest examples of the economic failure of Cuba's centrally planned system: after decades of promises of equality and prosperity, even steady employment is no longer enough to provide a dignified life.
Could you survive on $12-15 a month? (Of course not, but just for introspection)