Underwater, but for the wrong reasons.
By ParaTed2k
@ParaTed2k (22940)
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
February 10, 2011 3:19pm CST
I hear people whining and complaining about being "underemployed". They act like they are somehow "entitled" to a certain standard of living and employment, and if they aren't granted that, then they are being short changed.
Most of us do make goals and do what we can to achieve them. Goals are not guarantees. So you have a college degree, but can't find work in your field. That is part of the reality of our degree heavy society. Did you think getting a degree meant you were owed a career in that field?
If you lost a great job, but now find yourself working part time, guess what.. you're still working. Your income may be smaller than you want, but well.. it's income.
So you have to work 2 or 3 jobs now, well, if you can land that many jobs, GOOD FOR YOU! I'm not going to feel bad that you are lucky enough to have 3 more jobs than someone who has none.
If you are working more than one job for less than your career used to pay, I commend you! I honor and respect you! I don't pity you at all. You are among the few willing to work rather than sit on your butt demanding welfare from the government.
We all suffer set backs at times, especially during economic recessions. That is to be expected, not pitied. We are supposed to do all we can for ourselves and families before we turn to government or charities.
The problem is, so many people expect to maintain their lifestyle regardless of the situation. The stupid political catchphrase "Are you better off than you were 4 years ago" implies that not only are you owed a better life than you had, but it's the president's fault if you aren't.
B!S!
It's called "appreciating what we have". We don't seem to appreciate anything unless we can brag about it. Well, if you are working several jobs, brag about it, don't hang your head in shame. If you are helping to support your extended family because they've fallen on hard times, where on earth is the shame in that? That isnt' to be lamented, that is to be respected.
So you had to sell your house and move into something more affordable. Awesome! You had a house to sell, and you now have a place to live! Again, where is the shame?
We are only "underwater" in that we find shame where we should be proud!
2 people like this
5 responses
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
10 Feb 11
It's in a bank in the middle of Beverly Hills, in someone else's den. :~D
1 person likes this
@dawnald (85137)
• Shingle Springs, California
10 Feb 11
but but but I'm entitled to it (throws self down on floor)...
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
10 Feb 11
With those acting skills, maybe YOU should be in Beverly Hills ;~D
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31633)
• United States
10 Feb 11
I started a discussion a couple of months ago about taking charity from the government--I maintained that people should do everything they can to avoid it, selling everything they can before they accept it. A lot of people thought I was wrong, that people should not have to give up their televisions (a necessity now, it seems) or other luxuries before they accept charity.
It's going to get worse before it gets better. Maybe we'll learn some of the hard lessons it will teach us about independence and the folly of relying on others. I hope so, at least something good would come out of this.
1 person likes this
@sid556 (30953)
• United States
11 Feb 11
When you are really down and out, you learn really really quick that Tvs and steros and computers are so not a necessity! You learn that paper towel, toilet paper and napkins...all serve the same purpose. You learn how to stretch the laundry soap and dish soap. You learn how to cook real well on a grill, heat water for a bath...on a grill in the rain...etc etc etc. You learn to be grateful for those who help but you don't..can't depend on anyone and you shouldn't. I get low-income housing and I pay a pretty high rent and I can't even assume that is going to be there for me tomorrow. Everytime fuel costs go up...so does my rent which is fine but the people on welfare...their rent does not get touched and I see way too many of them opening their windows in the middle of winter because they have cranked their heat and I keep mine at 69. This all just is too irritating.
1 person likes this
@sid556 (30953)
• United States
11 Feb 11
Thats so true. I got a taste of it living in the tent. I got humbled down real quick...no tv, air conditioning and the dam tent leaked to boot. I did it for 3 months and I'll tell you what....when I finally got a place, I didn't notice the worn floors or anything. I noticed the refrigerator, running water etc. Even though I juggle to get by, I get by and I do appreciate what I do have. 
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31633)
• United States
11 Feb 11
sid, I'd love to have my heat at 69°!! I keep it at 66° to save money. I can afford my bills (for the first time in my life!) but I save all I can in case something bad happens, and it usually does.
We have all become so spoiled--the average "poor" person in America lives better than 80% of the people in this world! Did you know the average poor person has a TV, air conditioning and a car?! And we cry and moan about poverty...most of America has no idea what true poverty is.
@Hatley (163772)
• Garden Grove, California
11 Feb 11
hi parated yes if a m an has even a parttime job now, hurrah he is at least wo rking and try ing, I feel for my son as he was working part time for four days then was cut down to two days a week but I think he is sticking with it as p;erhaps someone in the company he is computer trouble shooting for may quit or return and as they seem to like his work he will be in line for full time employment then , meantime as he said a job is a job now. He has not held out for computer programing although that is where his experience lies. One week several weeks ago he did two part time jobs that actually netted him 100 dollars a day for five days so who knows.I am 85 now and retired but I worked up til I was nearly 80 and was laid off for age then asked to comeback as the woman who fired me was in the wrong as you do not fire someone simply because of age if they are still doing a good job for you. even as she fired me she said you are one of my best workers so hate having to let you go. she admitted she had let me go because the new assistant threatened to quit if Emily did not let me go. seems the assistant did not like elderly people. lol she was also fired for the same reason. I HOWEVER could not return as I was in the hospital with a broken shoulder as the result of a bad fall.
1 person likes this
@gloryacam (5540)
• Philippines
11 Feb 11
This is something that people from not-so-well-off-countries live with everyday, and therefore, when things like these happen, we shrug it off and say 'sh*t happens'.
@RebeccaScarlett (2532)
• Canada
12 Feb 11
I can't speak for the American education system, but in Canada, YES, everyone expects that they are owed a job in their field just because they have a degree in it, and why?
Because they have been told that by teachers and other adults all their lives!
"You HAVE to get into university and get a degree because once you do it's so EASY to get a career and be set for life..." Um...NOPE. We need to stop telling children that.
And I am proud that I'm frugal enough to live on a small amount of money. You know what my recent unfortunate situation has taught me? That I can be HAPPY with less, because I get to spend more time with my family. I used to be a workaholic, but now I will CHOOSE to work fewer hours, because I personally am happy with less money and more time with my husband and baby. I'm greatful that we had this tough time where my husband lost his job, because we learned all the things we could do without and still be happy.
I agree that the poorest people in North America have no idea what true poverty is. People who have the governement pay for their housing...but they wear $70 jeans and have their nails done at a salon every week...it just makes me sick.
