A lot of people have been writing about the subject of values and morals lately, so I understand it is an over done topic. However, after my last two weeks, a discussion with my father, and a lot of self-reflection, I was able to come to my own conclusion, though as of today, it is of little solace. Right now the only job I can get is substitute teaching. If I was not married to the best husband in the world, I would not even come close to being able to support myself. There is nothing I want more than a "real" job, a career, where I can feel like I have a purpose, and contribute to my families finances in a meaningful way. That would be ideal, but right now I feel like I am being responsible by taking whatever work I can get. For many it still is not good enough, regularly pointed out by statements from public figures, and just people in general on places like Facebook or the editorials.
On days that I get to work, I wake up and drive to the school. When the bell rings, the torture begins. "Quiet down, sit in your assigned seats so I can take attendance." After that there is usually a tense moment, like two dogs meeting for the first time and they are measuring each others weaknesses. I do not flinch, I am a little tougher than most, which comes from my years as an athlete, taking regular abuse from coaches. Inevitably they get restless, and this is where the problem lies. If they ask me to go to the bathroom or get a drink, 9 times out of 10 I will say yes. If they ask if they can sit wherever they want, I bargain with them. "If you guys work quietly, then for the last half you can sit where ever you want." More often than not, recently, I have been getting push back from the students, simply for asking them to act like, well decent students. If I received $5 for every time I was called a "bitch" by one of my students for not letting them do whatever they want when they want to do it, I would be able to retire early, without ever even having a real career. I get that no one respects substitute teachers, especially when so many do not even respect regular teachers. Now I realize it is not even just respecting teachers, it also respecting doctors, lawyers, police officers, or the waitress at your neighborhood restaurant. We do not respect each other period. We all know better than everyone else, and guess what? That attitude is rubbing off on our children. Why would they respect anyone, when their parents do not respect anyone?
The idea that we are constantly trying to screw or dig on one other is over-rampant. "The teacher is just picking on my kid, know one knows my kid better than I do!" To these parents I would love to ask, do you know how your kid acts with 30 other kids, is that a dynamic you are familiar with, then do you know your child's group of friends better than anyone else? "What does that doctor know, they are just in it for the money, same with the lawyer." Are you going to diagnose yourself and represent yourself in court, since you know more than them? My favorite though has always been the waitress thing. Being an over-educated waitress myself, it is not hard to understand why we need to have a drink after our shift ends. The scenario goes something like this: I walk up to a table of 4, who sat at a table for 6, at the old martini lounge I used to work at. I take their drink orders, come back with them, take their food orders. Writing nothing down, I nod at the last order. Out of one of the ladies mouth, "Um...don't you have to write this down or something? We don't really have time for you to mess up our order." After checking the urge to slap her across the face, I calmly respond, that, being a history and art history majors, I am pretty much expected to remember the history of whole world. I then explain that because of this, I probably have the ability to remember their 4 orders for the 1 minute it takes me to walk to the computer and enter their requests. Needless to say, her husband tipped me very graciously that night. However, I cannot help but wonder, if it is one of her kids that calls me a "bitch" on a regular basis.
Face it we are nasty to one another. We are so judgmental, ready to pounce on someone with an "I told you so." We love to point out others alleged mistakes, even if said actor does not even think they have made a mistake. What is completely ironic and ridiculous is that we understand our culture to be a completely individualistic society. It is something America has prided itself on, just watch an old western or read an American classic book. For taking pride in our individualism, we sure are quick to stick our noses where they do not belong. We seem to relish in causing pain for others, pointing out others faults, "AHA!" and take a sick pride in all these "Got ya!" moments. Whatever we can do to prove that we are better than others are eagerly sought after. We are being swallowed by our greedy ambition to always seek and prove our worth above all others. Sadly it is being reflected in our youth. As much as I love catching up with old friends on Facebook, I equally hate it for letting others put me down for my decisions or life in general. I hate than nobody stands up to this behavior, except maybe Paul Krugman in his article today. Honestly, ask yourself, what have you done today to make someone feel good or bad. Are you addicted to pointing out other people flaws, regardless of the fact that you might not know what life has thrown at different people. Can you see beyond your own nose, or are you so high on yourself that this post is making your blood boil? Christians often say that only Jesus was perfect. I tend to believe them when they say this, and I wonder, if Americans have forgotten this.
Me
Friday, October 28, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Ambition
Ambition is defined as, an earnest desire for some type of achievement or distinction, as power, honor, fame, or wealth, and the willingness to strive for its attainment. As I revel in the self-pity only those unemployed or underemployed understand, it is only natural that I question every decision I have made in the past three years. It is the curse only those with too much time must bear. It is greatly exacerbated by every employment rejection received, especially those with the too inexperienced, too under-qualified, or the too over-qualified, etc..If I would have stayed in my old job, where would I be? Then I begin to lament my lack of ambition. However, all of the reason why I have done what I have done, come flooding back to me. Waking up with anxiety every day, grinding my teeth when I slept, the little sleep I did get. I worked for a madman and that is the greatest curse of all (especially because I cannot put him as a reference since he ran his business into the ground.) So it is not lack of ambition, it was my desire to truly enjoy what I do, and not gain 25 lbs due to the stress of a career, commute, and boss who was an utter nightmare. Regardless of what "the college senior who is perfect" or Herman Cain say, I do not lack ambition. My motives are sincerely different than most others.
I, unlike many, am asking for something different. It in no ways means I am lazy or unmotivated, I have just assessed my ambition differently. My ultimate goal is to not be wealthy or powerful, I simply want to be happy and make a difference in what I do, and I want to be able to get by while doing it. I am trying to avoid the endless ambition of those who are never happy in their job, home, relationships, and life in general because they always want more. The idea that there is something greater, materialistic wise, out there can only mean that you will never be happy, because when is enough, enough. When I sink in despair, whether it is because I am debating what I can or cannot afford or get another job rejection, I simply have to remember my motivation.
Monday was a rough day, that stupid letter written by the alleged college senior, telling everyone how great he/she is and how you have to be a complete idiot to end up not like that person was making the rounds on Facebook again. Here I am on the train, sick with snot literally pouring from my nose and delayed of course and without Kleenex(and I had finished the book I brought with), and there it was staring at me, the 29 year old, with student loan debt, no great job prospects, and a 1996 Volvo that recently has been having trouble just even getting me to Waukegan. It was enough to put anyone into a funk in circumstances even remotely similar to mine. Tuesday as I cleaned my house again, for about the hundredth time in the last month, I wallowed deeper and deeper in to the abyss of self-doubt. By Tuesday night, I was on the verge of drinking a whole bottle of wine, when I saw a new Frontline was on PBS. Watching that episode was enough to remind me of my mission. Like I said, it is not to be wealthy, or powerful, it is simply to make a difference and be happy. While I might be struggling right now, at least I am being true to myself.
You see, that Frontline episode highlighted our immigration problems in the United States. It displayed the agony being inflicted on families, good families, with good kids and good hearts, all because our Federal Government is completely inept. It is inept for one reason and one reason only, ambition. The old fashioned ambition that caused the perpetual wars throughout the world, pre-enlightenment period. The Hundred Years War, the War of Roses, etc...all of those glorious battles between knights and kings with the express purpose of changing the existing world order because of greed and unchecked ambition. I almost gagged as I watched President Obama's Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, Cecilia Muñoz sell-out her beloved cause for the enjoyment of the position she holds now. All of the hard work for La Raza, down the drain, her voice filled with spite as she declares the President is only doing what he is doing because of congress. Like he cannot stand up for his cause, like she cannot stand up for her cause. I often feel the same about President Obama. I sometimes chide myself for thinking he sold himself out these last years, and for what? To remain in office for another four years. I might be in rough spot right now, but at least I will not sell out my beliefs and principles for the sort of ambition that propels me to the understanding that regardless of everything I am doing now, there is something better out there. I will not sell my principles for money or power, or to join the robotic corporate machinery. It is not just Democrats who do this, look at Republicans, especially those of the establishment who find themselves fighting amongst those who claim to be in their own party, to hold on or move higher in their position.
So while I might have student loans (Holy crap that must be treasonous now days...I should probably hang for it) and a 1996 Volvo, at least I have an amazing husband, dog, and house that I would never trade for all the money in the world. It is not the money anyone should be seeking. Money is good admittedly, and we need it, but we also need to live with dignity, principle, and compassion for others. So I for one am going to hold out. Continue to be true to myself, even if it means going to job interviews in clothes that are totally appropriate (GOD FORBID I DO NOT WEAR AN UGLY WOMEN'S BUSINESS SUIT) but show that I have a personality, because I am sure there is a company out there that will recognize I do have a lot skills, (even though I was completely moronic enough to take out a student loan...man I should probably be deported for that) a great work ethic, and ambition. I am worth something, a lot of people out there are worth something, regardless of if they are having trouble finding employment, or took out a student loan. It truly makes me sad that I even have to write that, because we are all Americans, and neighbors and a community. Wanting the best for everyone is not a crime and it is NOT Socialism or Communism, it just means you have enough AMBITION to care about others and believe in the greater world around you.
I, unlike many, am asking for something different. It in no ways means I am lazy or unmotivated, I have just assessed my ambition differently. My ultimate goal is to not be wealthy or powerful, I simply want to be happy and make a difference in what I do, and I want to be able to get by while doing it. I am trying to avoid the endless ambition of those who are never happy in their job, home, relationships, and life in general because they always want more. The idea that there is something greater, materialistic wise, out there can only mean that you will never be happy, because when is enough, enough. When I sink in despair, whether it is because I am debating what I can or cannot afford or get another job rejection, I simply have to remember my motivation.
Monday was a rough day, that stupid letter written by the alleged college senior, telling everyone how great he/she is and how you have to be a complete idiot to end up not like that person was making the rounds on Facebook again. Here I am on the train, sick with snot literally pouring from my nose and delayed of course and without Kleenex(and I had finished the book I brought with), and there it was staring at me, the 29 year old, with student loan debt, no great job prospects, and a 1996 Volvo that recently has been having trouble just even getting me to Waukegan. It was enough to put anyone into a funk in circumstances even remotely similar to mine. Tuesday as I cleaned my house again, for about the hundredth time in the last month, I wallowed deeper and deeper in to the abyss of self-doubt. By Tuesday night, I was on the verge of drinking a whole bottle of wine, when I saw a new Frontline was on PBS. Watching that episode was enough to remind me of my mission. Like I said, it is not to be wealthy, or powerful, it is simply to make a difference and be happy. While I might be struggling right now, at least I am being true to myself.
You see, that Frontline episode highlighted our immigration problems in the United States. It displayed the agony being inflicted on families, good families, with good kids and good hearts, all because our Federal Government is completely inept. It is inept for one reason and one reason only, ambition. The old fashioned ambition that caused the perpetual wars throughout the world, pre-enlightenment period. The Hundred Years War, the War of Roses, etc...all of those glorious battles between knights and kings with the express purpose of changing the existing world order because of greed and unchecked ambition. I almost gagged as I watched President Obama's Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, Cecilia Muñoz sell-out her beloved cause for the enjoyment of the position she holds now. All of the hard work for La Raza, down the drain, her voice filled with spite as she declares the President is only doing what he is doing because of congress. Like he cannot stand up for his cause, like she cannot stand up for her cause. I often feel the same about President Obama. I sometimes chide myself for thinking he sold himself out these last years, and for what? To remain in office for another four years. I might be in rough spot right now, but at least I will not sell out my beliefs and principles for the sort of ambition that propels me to the understanding that regardless of everything I am doing now, there is something better out there. I will not sell my principles for money or power, or to join the robotic corporate machinery. It is not just Democrats who do this, look at Republicans, especially those of the establishment who find themselves fighting amongst those who claim to be in their own party, to hold on or move higher in their position.
So while I might have student loans (Holy crap that must be treasonous now days...I should probably hang for it) and a 1996 Volvo, at least I have an amazing husband, dog, and house that I would never trade for all the money in the world. It is not the money anyone should be seeking. Money is good admittedly, and we need it, but we also need to live with dignity, principle, and compassion for others. So I for one am going to hold out. Continue to be true to myself, even if it means going to job interviews in clothes that are totally appropriate (GOD FORBID I DO NOT WEAR AN UGLY WOMEN'S BUSINESS SUIT) but show that I have a personality, because I am sure there is a company out there that will recognize I do have a lot skills, (even though I was completely moronic enough to take out a student loan...man I should probably be deported for that) a great work ethic, and ambition. I am worth something, a lot of people out there are worth something, regardless of if they are having trouble finding employment, or took out a student loan. It truly makes me sad that I even have to write that, because we are all Americans, and neighbors and a community. Wanting the best for everyone is not a crime and it is NOT Socialism or Communism, it just means you have enough AMBITION to care about others and believe in the greater world around you.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
I Need Some Soul
Lately I have been listening to a lot of artists like Sam Cooke, James Brown, and Otis Redding. I think it is because they are giving me something I am craving and missing. Their music, Sam Cooke especially, exudes raw emotion and the lyrics just take my breath away. "If you ever change your about leavin', leavin' me behind." Completely different than, lets say, Katy Perry. There is nothing wrong with that. I love me some Katy on a Friday night, when I act like I am still young enough to go out into the wee hours in the morning, when in reality I end up in bed at 12am. It is great party music. What Sam Cooke offers me on the other hand is plain naked honesty and passion. "I will always be your slave, until I'm buried, buried in my grave."
Aside from the sappy love part, the passion these Soul or R&B singers embody is enviable. A love of music, making music, singing, and performing. In short, loving what they do. There is nothing more satisfying than making something beautiful, whether it is a map, a cake, a photo, or just being successful. I miss that feeling. The feeling of purpose that is missing when you just do not have a job, or you have a job, like me substituting mean teenagers. For some people, the idea that finding work is hard is completely incomprehensible, like Herman Cain. Well I am sorry Mr. Cain. It is not that I am not trying, submitting resumes almost everyday. This is not by choice and I bet, I just bet, that if you look at the activity of the rest of those who are unemployed, it is probably the same. So there is nothing that I think is more discouraging, more heartless, more disgusting, and more pitiful than someone standing there, telling the world through CNN or Fox News, that those of us who are not working are not trying. That we are lazy and like to be unemployed. It is not productive and it is scary that those types of words come from people in respected positions. All I want is a career at this point, it does not have to be my passion, just enough to make my student loan payments, and maybe get new brakes in my 1996(that is not a typo) Volvo. I can keep fulfilling my needs to create something beautiful or to have passion through listening to Sam Cooke. All I need from people like Herman Cain is to have a heart and soul and be less like Gargamel, scolding and chiding those he feels are lesser.
Aside from the sappy love part, the passion these Soul or R&B singers embody is enviable. A love of music, making music, singing, and performing. In short, loving what they do. There is nothing more satisfying than making something beautiful, whether it is a map, a cake, a photo, or just being successful. I miss that feeling. The feeling of purpose that is missing when you just do not have a job, or you have a job, like me substituting mean teenagers. For some people, the idea that finding work is hard is completely incomprehensible, like Herman Cain. Well I am sorry Mr. Cain. It is not that I am not trying, submitting resumes almost everyday. This is not by choice and I bet, I just bet, that if you look at the activity of the rest of those who are unemployed, it is probably the same. So there is nothing that I think is more discouraging, more heartless, more disgusting, and more pitiful than someone standing there, telling the world through CNN or Fox News, that those of us who are not working are not trying. That we are lazy and like to be unemployed. It is not productive and it is scary that those types of words come from people in respected positions. All I want is a career at this point, it does not have to be my passion, just enough to make my student loan payments, and maybe get new brakes in my 1996(that is not a typo) Volvo. I can keep fulfilling my needs to create something beautiful or to have passion through listening to Sam Cooke. All I need from people like Herman Cain is to have a heart and soul and be less like Gargamel, scolding and chiding those he feels are lesser.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
A Wasted Opportunity
When the Wall St. protests stared, it was kind of exciting. When I heard it would spread, I was equally excited. I supported them and I still do, but nothing will come from their efforts because their message, or slogan or whatever, is absolutely ridiculous. 99% versus 1%....really you think that is the problem? Unfortunately it is not the reason why we are in this mess and it is not the reason we can not get out of this mess. The issues facing our nation are bigger than that. I am 100% annoyed that not many people can see the big picture, or put forth a realistic agenda.
I realize my mistake. Honestly, I am continually frustrated because there are no politicians who voice my concerns, except for maybe Jon Huntsman and Hillary Clinton. Democrats and Moderates are not really in the news, they are on public broadcasting, but they are preaching to the choir there. I really thought the message that would come out of the Wall St. protests would speak for me and sadly they just are missing an amazing opportunity. I keep hoping that someone will move me, someone will say something or truly make a difference that affects the whole country in a good way. I am waiting for someone to stand up and say:
Listen our situation sucks right now. We are facing one of the hardest times this nation has seen and for many generations it is the worst that they have seen. However, we can not let hard times dictate how we move forward to the future. It might seem hopeless for many of the unemployed, the underemployed, and those that wake up everyday to march forward in their struggle to survive. It is the time to focus on the big picture that effects everyone and not become distracted by issues that are of little consequence. There is no class warfare, it is not 99% versus 1%, but it is about being a decent human being and living up to your civic responsibilities. If corporations what to be considered the same as people, dictated by the Supreme Court, then they have every civic responsibility that regular American's have. How can we all make our communities and our country as a whole better? Is it not about setting record profits for your investors. It is about treating your employees like human beings and providing them a living wage. If your answer to "How can we make things better?" includes making more money and that is it, then you are missing the big picture. If you respond like the CEO of Bank of America that "We have a right to make a profit." Then we are not going to get out of this mess. To work hard and make money is part of the American dream and if you become a millionaire all the more power to you. But if you make your millions dishonestly and off the backs of those who trust you with their hard earned money, then you do NOT deserve to continue on the way you have always done business. That is what the Wall St. protests should focus on. Why, banks and investors, are you to big to fail, but your neighbor is not important enough to have their house saved? Why has nothing changed with the way YOU do business, but my friend who owns a small business can not get a loan, from...well...you? Tangible reforms are needed and they are needed badly, and that is what we need to demand and what we need to focus on. If Jeffery Immelt wants the Tax Holiday for offshore accounts to come back to America, fine. Lets do it at 10%, but if you still can not create jobs, invest in research and development, or in short invest it into the future of America, then you know what, we will take that extra 25% out. I am tired of empty promises by those who are in charge and I am tired of the ineptitude of Washington D.C. I am tired of extremist setting the agenda. If you refuse to compromise, you are not living on principle, you do not belong in the government of our great republic and if you champion this behavior, you certainly are not a patriot. The simple truism, that if you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem, is ever present. It is not making the our current issues better, it is making them worse.
These are the types of messages I sincerely wish those who are given a voice should focus on. I know it is wishful thinking and I know my best course of action is just to open another bottle of wine and forget it, because I fear we have all lost our minds to either end of the spectrum...I guess if you read this and are angry, republican or democrat, then maybe I am hitting the nail on the head...or you just are engulfed in the bitterness of the situation that you are stuck thinking unfortunately that it is the 99% versus the 1% or that those Wall St. protestors are nothing but a bunch of hippie anarchists. I am going to continue to hope that a leader emerges among the movement that has a real vision and can make a change. Then again, if nothing happens in a few weeks, I will just give up, but it does not mean I will not stop looking. Like David "Blow Your Mind" Brooks said today, "Don’t be fooled by the clichés of protest movements past. The most radical people today are the ones that look the most boring." Maybe Huntsman will pull something off, or Obama will come to his senses.
I realize my mistake. Honestly, I am continually frustrated because there are no politicians who voice my concerns, except for maybe Jon Huntsman and Hillary Clinton. Democrats and Moderates are not really in the news, they are on public broadcasting, but they are preaching to the choir there. I really thought the message that would come out of the Wall St. protests would speak for me and sadly they just are missing an amazing opportunity. I keep hoping that someone will move me, someone will say something or truly make a difference that affects the whole country in a good way. I am waiting for someone to stand up and say:
Listen our situation sucks right now. We are facing one of the hardest times this nation has seen and for many generations it is the worst that they have seen. However, we can not let hard times dictate how we move forward to the future. It might seem hopeless for many of the unemployed, the underemployed, and those that wake up everyday to march forward in their struggle to survive. It is the time to focus on the big picture that effects everyone and not become distracted by issues that are of little consequence. There is no class warfare, it is not 99% versus 1%, but it is about being a decent human being and living up to your civic responsibilities. If corporations what to be considered the same as people, dictated by the Supreme Court, then they have every civic responsibility that regular American's have. How can we all make our communities and our country as a whole better? Is it not about setting record profits for your investors. It is about treating your employees like human beings and providing them a living wage. If your answer to "How can we make things better?" includes making more money and that is it, then you are missing the big picture. If you respond like the CEO of Bank of America that "We have a right to make a profit." Then we are not going to get out of this mess. To work hard and make money is part of the American dream and if you become a millionaire all the more power to you. But if you make your millions dishonestly and off the backs of those who trust you with their hard earned money, then you do NOT deserve to continue on the way you have always done business. That is what the Wall St. protests should focus on. Why, banks and investors, are you to big to fail, but your neighbor is not important enough to have their house saved? Why has nothing changed with the way YOU do business, but my friend who owns a small business can not get a loan, from...well...you? Tangible reforms are needed and they are needed badly, and that is what we need to demand and what we need to focus on. If Jeffery Immelt wants the Tax Holiday for offshore accounts to come back to America, fine. Lets do it at 10%, but if you still can not create jobs, invest in research and development, or in short invest it into the future of America, then you know what, we will take that extra 25% out. I am tired of empty promises by those who are in charge and I am tired of the ineptitude of Washington D.C. I am tired of extremist setting the agenda. If you refuse to compromise, you are not living on principle, you do not belong in the government of our great republic and if you champion this behavior, you certainly are not a patriot. The simple truism, that if you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem, is ever present. It is not making the our current issues better, it is making them worse.
These are the types of messages I sincerely wish those who are given a voice should focus on. I know it is wishful thinking and I know my best course of action is just to open another bottle of wine and forget it, because I fear we have all lost our minds to either end of the spectrum...I guess if you read this and are angry, republican or democrat, then maybe I am hitting the nail on the head...or you just are engulfed in the bitterness of the situation that you are stuck thinking unfortunately that it is the 99% versus the 1% or that those Wall St. protestors are nothing but a bunch of hippie anarchists. I am going to continue to hope that a leader emerges among the movement that has a real vision and can make a change. Then again, if nothing happens in a few weeks, I will just give up, but it does not mean I will not stop looking. Like David "Blow Your Mind" Brooks said today, "Don’t be fooled by the clichés of protest movements past. The most radical people today are the ones that look the most boring." Maybe Huntsman will pull something off, or Obama will come to his senses.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
My Take
Everybody has an opinion on what the protesters are doing on Wall Street, of course they are all different. "Why are they there?" "What do they want?" "When is going to end?" "What does it mean?" If you are having trouble grasping the whole concept of it all, it is simply because you just do not get it. It is not a "you just do not get it man" way where it is generation versus generation. It is probably because you just do not need to get it. You have a comfortable job, you are not buried under a mountain of student loan debt, you can get married because you simply can afford to, and you can buy or already own a house. If you do not get it, it is probably because you actually feel like you have a voice. Your politicians listen to you, do what you want. Most likely, you just do not get it because you have hope that you can lead your life the way you want, so you put your head down and go about your business.
In his 2001 book, The Conscience of a Liberal: Reclaiming the Compassionate Agenda, Senator Paul Wellstone (r.i.p) wrote about this passivity as such, "You do not want to lose your job. You have to put bread on the table and prioritize for your family. That is why most people, as someone once said, are more concerned with making a living that with making history." Those thoughts are almost twenty years old and I would not be so annoyed if I thought that was the case today. I think we are so disconnected with our families, our friends, our neighbors, and our communities that we no longer can relate with each other. Which spills into our politics, making our system inefficient, where it only works for some and ignores others.
So let me try and break it down to an understandable level, not just some incoherent rambling questions from news personalities, and just to mention, I was deeply disheartened on NPR's coverage of the protest as well. To move just slightly further back in history, those who graduated before May 2009 are most likely getting screwed by their exorbitant student loans. For someone in my age range, 25-34, our unemployment rate is 9.5%, with an average $704.00 per week, which adds up to $36,400.00 a year for those with jobs. The median home price in 2010, was $221,800, with an average of $272,900. The average amount of students loans is upwards of $20,000.00. Lets say we find our soul mate, our true love, the one and only...we will combine. Oh, wait, the average cost of a wedding is another $20,000.00. So to sum it up quickly, we are screwed and that is why people are protesting on Wall Street, plain and simple. I did not even get into those of us with advanced degrees and zero job prospects. My generation has no chance, we can not be complacent. We can not sit back in our comfortable houses, because most of us do not have one. (Sorry I do) We literally can not afford to lead the life we want to live and there seems little hope that it will ever be possible.
Since we are so inconsequential to the United States as a whole, let them do it. No body, I repeat NO ONE is legislating for us. Obviously we can not afford to have commercials and fund campaigns the way corporations and unions can, much less PAC's. Most of these corporations will not even hire us, and when they do it is not at a livable wage and it is not a reliable job. Being concerned with making a living does not apply to us, because it is not available to us. The only thing that is available is making history. I say march on my fellow discontented friends. I see my face, my sisters' faces, my sister-in-law's and friends' faces in all of your efforts and I for one appreciate all of your hard work. If I could afford a plane ticket to New York, I would be there in a heartbeat.
In his 2001 book, The Conscience of a Liberal: Reclaiming the Compassionate Agenda, Senator Paul Wellstone (r.i.p) wrote about this passivity as such, "You do not want to lose your job. You have to put bread on the table and prioritize for your family. That is why most people, as someone once said, are more concerned with making a living that with making history." Those thoughts are almost twenty years old and I would not be so annoyed if I thought that was the case today. I think we are so disconnected with our families, our friends, our neighbors, and our communities that we no longer can relate with each other. Which spills into our politics, making our system inefficient, where it only works for some and ignores others.
So let me try and break it down to an understandable level, not just some incoherent rambling questions from news personalities, and just to mention, I was deeply disheartened on NPR's coverage of the protest as well. To move just slightly further back in history, those who graduated before May 2009 are most likely getting screwed by their exorbitant student loans. For someone in my age range, 25-34, our unemployment rate is 9.5%, with an average $704.00 per week, which adds up to $36,400.00 a year for those with jobs. The median home price in 2010, was $221,800, with an average of $272,900. The average amount of students loans is upwards of $20,000.00. Lets say we find our soul mate, our true love, the one and only...we will combine. Oh, wait, the average cost of a wedding is another $20,000.00. So to sum it up quickly, we are screwed and that is why people are protesting on Wall Street, plain and simple. I did not even get into those of us with advanced degrees and zero job prospects. My generation has no chance, we can not be complacent. We can not sit back in our comfortable houses, because most of us do not have one. (Sorry I do) We literally can not afford to lead the life we want to live and there seems little hope that it will ever be possible.
Since we are so inconsequential to the United States as a whole, let them do it. No body, I repeat NO ONE is legislating for us. Obviously we can not afford to have commercials and fund campaigns the way corporations and unions can, much less PAC's. Most of these corporations will not even hire us, and when they do it is not at a livable wage and it is not a reliable job. Being concerned with making a living does not apply to us, because it is not available to us. The only thing that is available is making history. I say march on my fellow discontented friends. I see my face, my sisters' faces, my sister-in-law's and friends' faces in all of your efforts and I for one appreciate all of your hard work. If I could afford a plane ticket to New York, I would be there in a heartbeat.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Again...I feel like poo-
There is one feeling that I absolutely detest, and that is being made to feel like you are "just a number" and like a cow being led to slaughter with the rest of the herd. That who you are and what you think is not important. I went on my first interview in 5 years today, and I left feeling exactly that way. What I do not understand, is that the job I applied for is a job for an extrovert, someone who feels comfortable talking in groups, being the center of attention, and anyone who knows me, would know that is exactly who I am. So I was actually excited for that interview, I was convinced I would nail it! I have grown so much over the years and honestly for the first time I really am starting to feel comfortable being who I am. I was excited to exude that sentiment, to show what I could do, and that is connect with people.
If those are some of the most important qualifications for the future job, one would think the interview might center around that, well at least I did. So, imagine my surprise when after 6 tests and a quick ten minute interview, I was being told that I should hear from the company in 5-10 business days, that my information would be passed on, and a "thank you" for coming. From my point of view, I took 6 tests, 5 of which had nothing to do with the position I applied for, interviewed with someone who filled out a form, did not laugh at my jokes, sat in a waiting room doing nothing for 40 min, saw some of my competition ( a 23 year old pimply guy in a generic suit, with a generic folder, a woman in her forties in a generic suit, with generic black folder, an old woman who sadly was similar to me, trying to show personality, and an older man who was just as generic as the 40 year old woman and 23 year old kid.) and just in general, I left feeling despair. How are they going to get to know me in that sad little 10 minutes? How I am supposed to convey I am more than qualified for this job, when I spend more time taking tests about numbers and business ethics, than I do discussing the job with someone, or at least making the case that I can do that job, and I can do it well.
For those of you who study numbers, you win. Fine, whatever, good for you. I still stand by the idea that you can not know or understand someone unless you talk to them in person. Ask questions, get a rapport, figure out what they are about. The idea that we can judge people using numbers, tests with questions that should not be turned in to "yes or no" answers is only further proof that there are too many incompetent people in important positions in this country. It is hard to be easily impressed by people when you know most of them are just full of it. I am disappointed that this was the process. I do not understand why we accept this as the process and I am sure it contributes to feelings of inadequacy many people in the unemployment line feel. The feelings of inadequacy are undeserved and as human beings, we should never be made to feel like an animal or an inconsequential number.
If those are some of the most important qualifications for the future job, one would think the interview might center around that, well at least I did. So, imagine my surprise when after 6 tests and a quick ten minute interview, I was being told that I should hear from the company in 5-10 business days, that my information would be passed on, and a "thank you" for coming. From my point of view, I took 6 tests, 5 of which had nothing to do with the position I applied for, interviewed with someone who filled out a form, did not laugh at my jokes, sat in a waiting room doing nothing for 40 min, saw some of my competition ( a 23 year old pimply guy in a generic suit, with a generic folder, a woman in her forties in a generic suit, with generic black folder, an old woman who sadly was similar to me, trying to show personality, and an older man who was just as generic as the 40 year old woman and 23 year old kid.) and just in general, I left feeling despair. How are they going to get to know me in that sad little 10 minutes? How I am supposed to convey I am more than qualified for this job, when I spend more time taking tests about numbers and business ethics, than I do discussing the job with someone, or at least making the case that I can do that job, and I can do it well.
For those of you who study numbers, you win. Fine, whatever, good for you. I still stand by the idea that you can not know or understand someone unless you talk to them in person. Ask questions, get a rapport, figure out what they are about. The idea that we can judge people using numbers, tests with questions that should not be turned in to "yes or no" answers is only further proof that there are too many incompetent people in important positions in this country. It is hard to be easily impressed by people when you know most of them are just full of it. I am disappointed that this was the process. I do not understand why we accept this as the process and I am sure it contributes to feelings of inadequacy many people in the unemployment line feel. The feelings of inadequacy are undeserved and as human beings, we should never be made to feel like an animal or an inconsequential number.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)