The Bitch Slap: Stop Bitching About the Recession Already!

via Creative Commons, phot0geek's photostream

Quit yer bitchin'

You whiny little bastards. Quit it, would ya? All we hear in the media is “recession this, foreclosure crisis that, stock market blank…”

and blah, blah, blah.

Stop. Bitching. About. The. Recession.

I’ll say this here and now: I am against “job stimulus.” I voted for Obama yet believe firmly it’s no business of the federal, state or local government to “create” jobs. Here’s an idea: jobs are created when a business’s model demands the need for the resource, NOT because someone needs a job. What the hell are they teaching in business school these days? Here’s a list of shit I don’t think is on any MBA’s syllabus:

If Bob sucks at his job but has three kids, you should keep him in the position out of pity and continue to overload other workers with tasks required to fix his sub-par efforts.
If the economy is bad, the onus is on the business owner to contribute to the economy by overextending its resources to maintain its current workforce. It should never consider layoffs or downsizing to reduce costs.
If the economy is bad, companies and governments should create more jobs, even though those jobs could be performed with existing resources.

Bullshit.

I don’t believe we are in a recession when I hear on the news that Las Vegas sports book managers estimate that over $90 million will be wagered on this year’s Super Bowl (numbers are estimated at $10 billion worldwide).

I don’t believe we are in a recession when 50% of the places I visit on a daily basis have Help Wanted signs in the window.

I think the media should shut the hell up about all of those people who bought homes they couldn’t afford without the proper cash reserves in the bank. I think they should stop the sensationalized buzz about a shitty day in the stock market. I think WE should start putting on our big people britches and get our asses in gear.

Can’t find a job? MAKE ONE. Reinvent yourself. Now is the time to pursue everything you always wanted to do instead of trolling the classifieds each day for a glimmer of hope. CREATE YOUR OWN GLIMMER.

Update your skill set. No one hires dinosaurs.

Accept responsibility – you don’t deserve a job. You have to market yourself above and beyond other candidates. You don’t deserve clients. They have to be courted. You don’t deserve an income. You have to…earn a living. Shocker, huh?

If you think I’m lack compassion with these unpopular thoughts of mine, here’s a story:

In November of 2008, I moved to Denver and engaged with a kickass startup as their Director of Marketing. I put all my eggs in one basket and accepted them as my primary client. I was 1099, carried my own health insurance, and busted ass 60+ hours a week. Well, in September, funding dried-up in spite of stellar press coverage and huge market traction. I had no other choice but to depart. I had a five-figure retainer client one week and the next I had nothing. What did I do? I sulked for a week and then cowgirled the fuck up and got all my clients back from my freelancers to whom I’d subbed my work out to and hit the streets running. Today? I’m full. I have so much business that it amazes even me and I’m thankful. Thankful for the relationships I’ve nurtured, my clients who trust me, my friends who supported me and colleagues who answered phone calls and emails when I finally had the guts to ask, “Do you know anyone who…”

I don’t rely on anyone to give me a paycheck. I don’t want anything given to me. I love the feeling of The Earn. I’m no better than anyone else and I’ve got a shitload left to learn on this mortal coil, but I’m loving OWNING my journey.

There is no recession in my house or in my life – and it’s not because I’m lucky. I don’t discount occasional streaks of luck, but this path I’m living – it’s filled with blood, sweat and tears. Work is just that – WORK. I adore what I do and why I do it. I do it for ME.

Stop working for someone else and work for yourself.

Stop whining about something you have the power to change.

Stop assuming that what you have today will be here tomorrow.

Stop letting the media tell you where your life is at.

Start living.

Start earning.

Just start.

Dawn Barnhart

Youre absolutely right Erika… I've been earning for myself for 10 years. Its hard work, but very satisfying!
Hope to see you sometime soon!
Dawn (dawndash)
Dawn Barnhart

Youre absolutely right Erika… I've been earning for myself for 10 years. Its hard work, but very satisfying!
Hope to see you sometime soon!
Dawn (dawndash)
http://twitter.com/Megs_thoughts Megan Carpenter

Love this. My boyfriend and I have differing political views, but we both agree that people can't wait around for the government to help them. I'm slowly moving forward with my freelancing dreams, and he's starting to plan for a business of his own. If we've learned anything from the last year it's that we can't rely on other people to keep us happy.
http://twitter.com/Megs_thoughts Megan Carpenter

Love this. My boyfriend and I have differing political views, but we both agree that people can't wait around for the government to help them. I'm slowly moving forward with my freelancing dreams, and he's starting to plan for a business of his own. If we've learned anything from the last year it's that we can't rely on other people to keep us happy.
http://twitter.com/Megs_thoughts Megan Carpenter

Love this. My boyfriend and I have differing political views, but we both agree that people can't wait around for the government to help them. I'm slowly moving forward with my freelancing dreams, and he's starting to plan for a business of his own. If we've learned anything from the last year it's that we can't rely on other people to keep us happy.
http://jimgrey.wordpress.com/ jim

Seems like every time the government creates jobs, most of them are government jobs. I've worked for the government. I don't wish that on anybody (shudder). While I work for The Man and like it fine, and think that working for yourself isn't for everyone, otherwise I say right on to your bitch slap.
http://jimgrey.wordpress.com/ jim

Seems like every time the government creates jobs, most of them are government jobs. I've worked for the government. I don't wish that on anybody (shudder). While I work for The Man and like it fine, and think that working for yourself isn't for everyone, otherwise I say right on to your bitch slap.
http://jimgrey.wordpress.com/ jim

Seems like every time the government creates jobs, most of them are government jobs. I've worked for the government. I don't wish that on anybody (shudder). While I work for The Man and like it fine, and think that working for yourself isn't for everyone, otherwise I say right on to your bitch slap.
neeners

So true!!! But I wonder, if you believe so strongly in values of hard work and responsibility why did you vote for a man that believes in giving free rides to those who don't??
neeners

So true!!! But I wonder, if you believe so strongly in values of hard work and responsibility why did you vote for a man that believes in giving free rides to those who don't??
neeners

So true!!! But I wonder, if you believe so strongly in values of hard work and responsibility why did you vote for a man that believes in giving free rides to those who don't??
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http://www.redheadwriting.com The Redhead

I voted against another Republican administration with a ridiculous VP
candidate. That answer your question?
http://www.redheadwriting.com The Redhead

I voted against another Republican administration with a ridiculous VP
candidate. That answer your question?
http://www.redheadwriting.com The Redhead

I voted against another Republican administration with a ridiculous VP
candidate. That answer your question?
katelyon

LOVE THIS!! In fact, my dear old friend, I sent it to my father, who wants to shake your hand! “Props to her Kate, good stuff” is the direct quote. We can't wait for the government to bail us out – and really, why would you want them to? No one gave me a free ride when I was 28, a widow and didn't have two pennies to put together (because I trusted that someone else, aka, my husband, would have it all taken care of). So, I hit the pavement. Was it hard? Of COURSE! But, I did it, and no one can take that away from me. And don't even get me started on all the people that lived completely beyond their means for the last decade and now want you, me and everyone else to bail them out. Keep doing what you are doing……and keep spreading the word!!
katelyon

LOVE THIS!! In fact, my dear old friend, I sent it to my father, who wants to shake your hand! “Props to her Kate, good stuff” is the direct quote. We can't wait for the government to bail us out – and really, why would you want them to? No one gave me a free ride when I was 28, a widow and didn't have two pennies to put together (because I trusted that someone else, aka, my husband, would have it all taken care of). So, I hit the pavement. Was it hard? Of COURSE! But, I did it, and no one can take that away from me. And don't even get me started on all the people that lived completely beyond their means for the last decade and now want you, me and everyone else to bail them out. Keep doing what you are doing……and keep spreading the word!!
katelyon

LOVE THIS!! In fact, my dear old friend, I sent it to my father, who wants to shake your hand! “Props to her Kate, good stuff” is the direct quote. We can't wait for the government to bail us out – and really, why would you want them to? No one gave me a free ride when I was 28, a widow and didn't have two pennies to put together (because I trusted that someone else, aka, my husband, would have it all taken care of). So, I hit the pavement. Was it hard? Of COURSE! But, I did it, and no one can take that away from me. And don't even get me started on all the people that lived completely beyond their means for the last decade and now want you, me and everyone else to bail them out. Keep doing what you are doing……and keep spreading the word!!
http://www.redheadwriting.com The Redhead

And to the point that not everyone is meant to work for themselves – I simply can't stand those who wait for a job to come to THEM. Go out and EARN one. Show why YOU'RE the one they should hire. If you can do that, you're a million miles ahead of the other candidates. Self-employed is grand – yet we're still heavily penalized by the IRA for stimulating our OWN economy. Total and complete horse shit if you ask me.

Thanks for stopping by, Megan!
http://www.redheadwriting.com The Redhead

And to the point that not everyone is meant to work for themselves – I simply can't stand those who wait for a job to come to THEM. Go out and EARN one. Show why YOU'RE the one they should hire. If you can do that, you're a million miles ahead of the other candidates. Self-employed is grand – yet we're still heavily penalized by the IRA for stimulating our OWN economy. Total and complete horse shit if you ask me.

Thanks for stopping by, Megan!
http://www.redheadwriting.com The Redhead

And to the point that not everyone is meant to work for themselves – I simply can't stand those who wait for a job to come to THEM. Go out and EARN one. Show why YOU'RE the one they should hire. If you can do that, you're a million miles ahead of the other candidates. Self-employed is grand – yet we're still heavily penalized by the IRA for stimulating our OWN economy. Total and complete horse shit if you ask me.

Thanks for stopping by, Megan!
http://www.redheadwriting.com The Redhead

I elaborated on your point in my response to Megan. And really – do we NEED more government jobs? Y'know – the ones that are just going to get cut back next time we need to cut back? *sigh* Thanks for stopping by, Jim!
http://www.redheadwriting.com The Redhead

I elaborated on your point in my response to Megan. And really – do we NEED more government jobs? Y'know – the ones that are just going to get cut back next time we need to cut back? *sigh* Thanks for stopping by, Jim!
http://www.redheadwriting.com The Redhead

I elaborated on your point in my response to Megan. And really – do we NEED more government jobs? Y'know – the ones that are just going to get cut back next time we need to cut back? *sigh* Thanks for stopping by, Jim!
http://www.redheadwriting.com The Redhead

And Kate – you've done a wonderful job. Beautiful, successful, intelligent and self-sufficient. High five, lady! (and slip your dad a high five, too!)
http://www.redheadwriting.com The Redhead

And Kate – you've done a wonderful job. Beautiful, successful, intelligent and self-sufficient. High five, lady! (and slip your dad a high five, too!)
http://www.redheadwriting.com The Redhead

And Kate – you've done a wonderful job. Beautiful, successful, intelligent and self-sufficient. High five, lady! (and slip your dad a high five, too!)
http://twitter.com/caligater Cali Harris

“Reinvent yourself.” and “CREATE YOUR OWN GLIMMER.” are my two snackable take-aways.

You mentioned that you reached out…and friends and clients responded. That particular step [saying "I'm awesomely talented. I can do a kick-ass job for you/your cousin/your company." Or, essentially, saying "I'm for hire." <<heh heh] is currently the toughest step for me. I sometimes feel weird telling new people I meet–AND even people I know–that I'm seeking work. I think part of that “weird” feeling is that when I conscientiously quit my job three months ago–a job that was draining me, a job that I just couldn't see as a part of my future–there were a few haters. Those haters fell into two camps:

- “At least you had a job–you were so lucky! How could you?!” –> makes me seem ungrateful
- “You're stupid for quitting a good job during a recession.” –> makes me seem flippant

Of course, I'm neither ungrateful nor flippant. But. Sometimes I still feel “weird.”

I'm learning to be more assertive about my career goals, to be more comfortable in my own skin. And what this Bitch Slap has reminded me is that I just need to go for it. Thank you.
http://twitter.com/caligater Cali Harris

“Reinvent yourself.” and “CREATE YOUR OWN GLIMMER.” are my two snackable take-aways.

You mentioned that you reached out…and friends and clients responded. That particular step [saying "I'm awesomely talented. I can do a kick-ass job for you/your cousin/your company." Or, essentially, saying "I'm for hire." <<heh heh] is currently the toughest step for me. I sometimes feel weird telling new people I meet–AND even people I know–that I'm seeking work. I think part of that “weird” feeling is that when I conscientiously quit my job three months ago–a job that was draining me, a job that I just couldn't see as a part of my future–there were a few haters. Those haters fell into two camps:

- “At least you had a job–you were so lucky! How could you?!” –> makes me seem ungrateful
- “You're stupid for quitting a good job during a recession.” –> makes me seem flippant

Of course, I'm neither ungrateful nor flippant. But. Sometimes I still feel “weird.”

I'm learning to be more assertive about my career goals, to be more comfortable in my own skin. And what this Bitch Slap has reminded me is that I just need to go for it. Thank you.
http://caligater.com/ Cali Harris

“Reinvent yourself.” and “CREATE YOUR OWN GLIMMER.” are my two snackable take-aways.

You mentioned that you reached out…and friends and clients responded. That particular step [saying "I'm awesomely talented. I can do a kick-ass job for you/your cousin/your company." Or, essentially, saying "I'm for hire." <<heh heh] is currently the toughest step for me. I sometimes feel weird telling new people I meet–AND even people I know–that I'm seeking work. I think part of that “weird” feeling is that when I conscientiously quit my job three months ago–a job that was draining me, a job that I just couldn't see as a part of my future–there were a few haters. Those haters fell into two camps:

- “At least you had a job–you were so lucky! How could you?!” –> makes me seem ungrateful
- “You're stupid for quitting a good job during a recession.” –> makes me seem flippant

Of course, I'm neither ungrateful nor flippant. But. Sometimes I still feel “weird.”

I'm learning to be more assertive about my career goals, to be more comfortable in my own skin. And what this Bitch Slap has reminded me is that I just need to go for it. Thank you.
http://twitter.com/AndreaVahl AndreaVahl

I was so over the recession before it even officially became a recession. The media is out of control with the hype and the doomsday approach to sell it's dying papers. Take control and responsibility or your life! and @Cali – good for you for ignoring the haters. Their just jealous because they don't have the balls.
http://twitter.com/AndreaVahl AndreaVahl

I was so over the recession before it even officially became a recession. The media is out of control with the hype and the doomsday approach to sell it's dying papers. Take control and responsibility or your life! and @Cali – good for you for ignoring the haters. Their just jealous because they don't have the balls.
http://twitter.com/AndreaVahl AndreaVahl

I was so over the recession before it even officially became a recession. The media is out of control with the hype and the doomsday approach to sell it's dying papers. Take control and responsibility or your life! and @Cali – good for you for ignoring the haters. Their just jealous because they don't have the balls.
http://www.redheadwriting.com The Redhead

You're welcome, Cali. And those who use the “recession” as an excuse to stay in a job they hate…well, that's fear talking. I'd rather die knowing I failed trying…not that I failed at trying You go, girl…
http://www.redheadwriting.com The Redhead

You're welcome, Cali. And those who use the “recession” as an excuse to stay in a job they hate…well, that's fear talking. I'd rather die knowing I failed trying…not that I failed at trying You go, girl…
http://www.redheadwriting.com The Redhead

You're welcome, Cali. And those who use the “recession” as an excuse to stay in a job they hate…well, that's fear talking. I'd rather die knowing I failed trying…not that I failed at trying You go, girl…
http://www.redheadwriting.com The Redhead

Good on ya! Sadly, people still want the doomsday story. While I doubt that will change, we don't have to subscribe, do we?
http://www.redheadwriting.com The Redhead

Good on ya! Sadly, people still want the doomsday story. While I doubt that will change, we don't have to subscribe, do we?
http://www.redheadwriting.com The Redhead

Good on ya! Sadly, people still want the doomsday story. While I doubt that will change, we don't have to subscribe, do we?
Amy McClintock

RIGHT. ON. SISTA!!! All those unemployed slackers who are getting. . . UNEMPLOYMENT. . . and don't want to apply for those “Help Wanted” jobs because they'd have to freakin work. I know some personally who've had the chutzpah to say so. To them I say, “Get off your ass and WORK and quit suckin up my tax dollars! “
Amy McClintock

RIGHT. ON. SISTA!!! All those unemployed slackers who are getting. . . UNEMPLOYMENT. . . and don't want to apply for those “Help Wanted” jobs because they'd have to freakin work. I know some personally who've had the chutzpah to say so. To them I say, “Get off your ass and WORK and quit suckin up my tax dollars! “
ShellyKramer

Amen, sistah. Roll up your sleeves and get to work. It's old fashioned, but hell, it's worked for me. Nobody ever gave me a dime – I had to fight for it and earn it. And lord, but it feels good at the end of the day, doesn't it?

Not everyone is cut out to be self-employed – I totally get that, but like you say, the only thing you've got to sell is, well dammit, yourself. So if doing your own thing isn't your gig, you've gotta convince someone else that you are the person they can't live without. And that's not really so hard. Confidence is attractive, people should remember that.

Thanks for the slap – I did so enjoy it.

Shelly
Stalk me on Twitter @shellykramer
Stalk my blog http://v3im.com/blog
Stalk me IRL, oh wait, not a good idea (unless you bring beer)
ShellyKramer

Amen, sistah. Roll up your sleeves and get to work. It's old fashioned, but hell, it's worked for me. Nobody ever gave me a dime – I had to fight for it and earn it. And lord, but it feels good at the end of the day, doesn't it?

Not everyone is cut out to be self-employed – I totally get that, but like you say, the only thing you've got to sell is, well dammit, yourself. So if doing your own thing isn't your gig, you've gotta convince someone else that you are the person they can't live without. And that's not really so hard. Confidence is attractive, people should remember that.

Thanks for the slap – I did so enjoy it.

Shelly
Stalk me on Twitter @shellykramer
Stalk my blog http://v3im.com/blog
Stalk me IRL, oh wait, not a good idea (unless you bring beer)
skyddsdrake

I'll admit… I'm one of those people not going out there and making their dreams happen right now. That's not really because of the recession, though. That's just because I haven't figured out what my dream job is. =P At any rate, I'm at least working. I took a job because my husband and I needed for me to work in order to keep our heads above water. I think, in some cases, that people are avoiding taking jobs because their pride is getting in the way. And, while I'm working this job I don't particularly like, I'm looking for other opportunities. *Shrugs* Overall, I agree with the sentiment of your article.

I think the one thing I don't agree with is getting down on people who fell for the mortgage companies' “we want to help you get into the home of your dreams” bullshit. The fact of the matter is, not everyone is an expert when it comes to mortgages and whatnot. We could certainly research it, but the fact of the matter is, when you don't understand something you go to an expert to help you out. My family had experts tell them that the mortgage they picked up was a good thing for their family. They had lots of convincing language and the like, and they made it all sound a-okay. In a lot of folks' experience, their only fault was to trust someone that should have had their ethics straight and didn't. I mean, honestly, how many people can afford to pay cash out of pocket for a house? No one I know personally.
skyddsdrake

I'll admit… I'm one of those people not going out there and making their dreams happen right now. That's not really because of the recession, though. That's just because I haven't figured out what my dream job is. =P At any rate, I'm at least working. I took a job because my husband and I needed for me to work in order to keep our heads above water. I think, in some cases, that people are avoiding taking jobs because their pride is getting in the way. And, while I'm working this job I don't particularly like, I'm looking for other opportunities. *Shrugs* Overall, I agree with the sentiment of your article.

I think the one thing I don't agree with is getting down on people who fell for the mortgage companies' “we want to help you get into the home of your dreams” bullshit. The fact of the matter is, not everyone is an expert when it comes to mortgages and whatnot. We could certainly research it, but the fact of the matter is, when you don't understand something you go to an expert to help you out. My family had experts tell them that the mortgage they picked up was a good thing for their family. They had lots of convincing language and the like, and they made it all sound a-okay. In a lot of folks' experience, their only fault was to trust someone that should have had their ethics straight and didn't. I mean, honestly, how many people can afford to pay cash out of pocket for a house? No one I know personally.
skyddsdrake

I'll admit… I'm one of those people not going out there and making their dreams happen right now. That's not really because of the recession, though. That's just because I haven't figured out what my dream job is. =P At any rate, I'm at least working. I took a job because my husband and I needed for me to work in order to keep our heads above water. I think, in some cases, that people are avoiding taking jobs because their pride is getting in the way. And, while I'm working this job I don't particularly like, I'm looking for other opportunities. *Shrugs* Overall, I agree with the sentiment of your article.

I think the one thing I don't agree with is getting down on people who fell for the mortgage companies' “we want to help you get into the home of your dreams” bullshit. The fact of the matter is, not everyone is an expert when it comes to mortgages and whatnot. We could certainly research it, but the fact of the matter is, when you don't understand something you go to an expert to help you out. My family had experts tell them that the mortgage they picked up was a good thing for their family. They had lots of convincing language and the like, and they made it all sound a-okay. In a lot of folks' experience, their only fault was to trust someone that should have had their ethics straight and didn't. I mean, honestly, how many people can afford to pay cash out of pocket for a house? No one I know personally.
http://www.twitter.com/adriennesaia AdrienneSaia

I fully agree with the notion of being a self-starter and that bitching gets one nowhere. However, there is a very real recession with very real consequences in America. I would LOVE to make a living freelancing, but I do not qualify for private health insurance; thus, I need a “corporate” job – whether it be at Starbucks or a Fortune 500 company – to be able to manage my medical expenses (26yo former college athlete non-smoker with shit luck when it comes to “preexisting conditions”). And despite a history of academic and professional accolades, I ended up a retail manager. I hated it, but it paid the bills (and I had access to a PPO = heaven!). I left for graduate school, hoping to increase my job possibilities. So far, so good.

Not everyone is as lucky. Half of my family in a steel town back east lost their jobs when the company moved its workforce overseas. They found themselves with (barely) high school educations and few prospects (this is late 80s, early 90s). Job security used to be a foregone conclusion, especially in manufacturing and fossil fuel industries. As times and sensibilities changed, so did job opportunities. Should my father not have a job because he didn't go to college? No – we need all types of people to perform all types of jobs. And he does have one now. But damn, when the whole economy of a region implodes, it's devastating and remains so for a period of time UNTIL jobs can be stimulated in other industries (if that's even a possibility).

My point is that while I'm not a bleeding-heart liberal and I do not believe in handouts, there are very real social problems contributing to unemployment and the unstable economy in this country. I'm putting myself into a hellish amount of debt to get my master's degree and better my job opportunities. I think that Obama has the right idea by using clean energy to create jobs and by offering tax credits/relief for those seeking an education to better themselves.

I do think that the message this blog espouses needs to be heard. America needs a kick in the ass, for sure. However, we cannot ignore the real lack of opportunity for people surviving (not living) at the minimum wage (when AIG's top execs not only got bailed out, but are still receiving bonuses). We need RedHead's prescription for philosophical change in *addition* to structural changes to America's economic systems.

((Damn, I hope this made sense. It would probably be much more clear in person over coffee . Just my opinions, put into comment form. Happy weekend, everyone))
http://www.twitter.com/adriennesaia AdrienneSaia

I fully agree with the notion of being a self-starter and that bitching gets one nowhere. However, there is a very real recession with very real consequences in America. I would LOVE to make a living freelancing, but I do not qualify for private health insurance; thus, I need a “corporate” job – whether it be at Starbucks or a Fortune 500 company – to be able to manage my medical expenses (26yo former college athlete non-smoker with shit luck when it comes to “preexisting conditions”). And despite a history of academic and professional accolades, I ended up a retail manager. I hated it, but it paid the bills (and I had access to a PPO = heaven!). I left for graduate school, hoping to increase my job possibilities. So far, so good.

Not everyone is as lucky. Half of my family in a steel town back east lost their jobs when the company moved its workforce overseas. They found themselves with (barely) high school educations and few prospects (this is late 80s, early 90s). Job security used to be a foregone conclusion, especially in manufacturing and fossil fuel industries. As times and sensibilities changed, so did job opportunities. Should my father not have a job because he didn't go to college? No – we need all types of people to perform all types of jobs. And he does have one now. But damn, when the whole economy of a region implodes, it's devastating and remains so for a period of time UNTIL jobs can be stimulated in other industries (if that's even a possibility).

My point is that while I'm not a bleeding-heart liberal and I do not believe in handouts, there are very real social problems contributing to unemployment and the unstable economy in this country. I'm putting myself into a hellish amount of debt to get my master's degree and better my job opportunities. I think that Obama has the right idea by using clean energy to create jobs and by offering tax credits/relief for those seeking an education to better themselves.

I do think that the message this blog espouses needs to be heard. America needs a kick in the ass, for sure. However, we cannot ignore the real lack of opportunity for people surviving (not living) at the minimum wage (when AIG's top execs not only got bailed out, but are still receiving bonuses). We need RedHead's prescription for philosophical change in *addition* to structural changes to America's economic systems.

((Damn, I hope this made sense. It would probably be much more clear in person over coffee . Just my opinions, put into comment form. Happy weekend, everyone))
http://www.twitter.com/adriennesaia AdrienneSaia

I fully agree with the notion of being a self-starter and that bitching gets one nowhere. However, there is a very real recession with very real consequences in America. I would LOVE to make a living freelancing, but I do not qualify for private health insurance; thus, I need a “corporate” job – whether it be at Starbucks or a Fortune 500 company – to be able to manage my medical expenses (26yo former college athlete non-smoker with shit luck when it comes to “preexisting conditions”). And despite a history of academic and professional accolades, I ended up a retail manager. I hated it, but it paid the bills (and I had access to a PPO = heaven!). I left for graduate school, hoping to increase my job possibilities. So far, so good.

Not everyone is as lucky. Half of my family in a steel town back east lost their jobs when the company moved its workforce overseas. They found themselves with (barely) high school educations and few prospects (this is late 80s, early 90s). Job security used to be a foregone conclusion, especially in manufacturing and fossil fuel industries. As times and sensibilities changed, so did job opportunities. Should my father not have a job because he didn't go to college? No – we need all types of people to perform all types of jobs. And he does have one now. But damn, when the whole economy of a region implodes, it's devastating and remains so for a period of time UNTIL jobs can be stimulated in other industries (if that's even a possibility).

My point is that while I'm not a bleeding-heart liberal and I do not believe in handouts, there are very real social problems contributing to unemployment and the unstable economy in this country. I'm putting myself into a hellish amount of debt to get my master's degree and better my job opportunities. I think that Obama has the right idea by using clean energy to create jobs and by offering tax credits/relief for those seeking an education to better themselves.

I do think that the message this blog espouses needs to be heard. America needs a kick in the ass, for sure. However, we cannot ignore the real lack of opportunity for people surviving (not living) at the minimum wage (when AIG's top execs not only got bailed out, but are still receiving bonuses). We need RedHead's prescription for philosophical change in *addition* to structural changes to America's economic systems.

((Damn, I hope this made sense. It would probably be much more clear in person over coffee . Just my opinions, put into comment form. Happy weekend, everyone))
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The Bitch Slap: Stop Bitching About the Recession Already!

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