30 Sep 08
1 edit
Originally posted by jlillyI'm "fortunate" that I put myself through school? No. I believe in the system, I have honor and a work ethic, and I busted my butt for a long time. It's not "fortune".
Alright, Chemical BIO major, your education may suit you.
Plenty of other Americans are not so fortunate, are they?
More than a few college educated folks such as yourself, making $50k+ a year, are now in the food stamp line.
It is happening left and right.
Don't feel too cozy just yet, the machine is still hungry.
I doubt anyone making $50k is in the food stamp line. Or did you mean the people who used to make $50k but their business went bust because they made stupid loans and never got their money back?
I've been poor my whole life. I can handle it. It won't be easy, but I can handle it.
30 Sep 08
2 edits
Originally posted by jlillyLike...say...California?
Many Americans are not in your position.
Also, your education (depending on what it is) may not be so helpful eventually.
The market is flooded with people just like you already. Lowering those wages.
So you make, what, roughly $19/hour? In some states you couldn't afford the FMR let alone the other costs associated with living.
As a result, homeownership is out of reach for most people holding the following jobs (with typical incomes in parenthesis): High school teachers ($60,537/year)
I don't make 60k. I make 40k. I can afford a house I think.
In Los Angeles County, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,269
I pay less than half that for my rent.
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-op-dustup9apr09,0,6276621.story?page=2&coll=la-opinion-center
I am amazed that I'm still alive despite my inability to afford the basic costs of living.
30 Sep 08
I'm "fortunate" that I put myself through school? No. I believe in the system, I have honor and a work ethic, and I busted my butt for a long time. It's not "fortune".
What about the thousands of people who did the same thing as you but got shafted?
I doubt anyone making $50k is in the food stamp line. Or did you mean the people who used to make $50k but their business went bust because they made stupid loans and never got their money back?
Is it really just that simple for you? There are college educated, everyday workers for some company that have become screwed. And ended up in the unemployment and food stamp line.
30 Sep 08
5 edits
Originally posted by jlillyWhat about the thousands of people who did the same thing as you but got shafted?I'm "fortunate" that I put myself through school? No. I believe in the system, I have honor and a work ethic, and I busted my butt for a long time. It's not "fortune".
What about the thousands of people who did the same thing as you but got shafted?
[quote]
I doubt anyone making $50k is in the food stamp line. Or did you mean the people ...[text shortened]... me company that have become screwed. And ended up in the unemployment and food stamp line.
Who?
There are college educated, everyday workers who are lazy and have an entitlement complex. What do you mean "screwed"?
My elderly mother just lost her job as a special education teacher. She got another one. Now she's a substitute. She's not in the food stamp lines. Neither is my Dad, with his noticeable lack of college education. In fact last summer I survived quite comfortably taking care of his contractor's business as he spent a month in Europe with my Mom and sister. Of course what's quite comfortable to me is not even the basic necessity for life to you.
The second anyone begins to talk about how they were "screwed" instead of describing what actually occurred, I know I'm listening to someone I wouldn't want to work for me. That's a person who's handed their power away...they have what is known as an external locus of control, which leads to failure and frustration in life.
I think our basic disagreement is that you believe people deserve a fat paycheck and spacious living quarters. I think people should earn these things, not that they deserve them.
Anyone who is willing to get a science degree and work in the ghetto can get a good job. But many folks think they're too good for the ghetto and that they should "pursue their dreams" and study Philosophy and stuff like that.
01 Oct 08
OMG Jlilly---stop yelling "the sky is falling"
You seem in a bad way, and it is skewing your vision. Come on, tell us, whats your story. Why are you in such a funk.
Thousand is correct in his analysis of college grads. I have seen many with that history or art degree, "becacuse its what they love" only to be stunned that there is no (or very little) market for that skill set. A BA is not the golden key to success.
Smell that? Its a hot cup of reality. You usually get one after high school or collage, when you look back to see how well you have prepared for the real world.
Too often the youth of the country are coddled for way too long. By parents, by schools, etc... Well, that goes away during the first real job interview you go to. Sure the piercings, tattoos, and studs in your lip are cool when you stocking shelves in a 7-11, but most companies are interested if you will help or hinder their efforts by hiring you.
Come on Jlilly, what is the cause of all your blues.