SusanofO
Posts: 5672
Joined: 12/19/2005 Status: offline
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I understand what people are saying here about keeping one's skills updated, etc., if one needs to find work after having been out of the job market for years. But - I think consideration of the situation depends on whether we are referring to just a job (almost any job, maybe), or a profession. I'm going to be the "Devil's Advocate" for a moment, and say...If I had to do it, I know I could go get a job right now, (today!) at a place like McDonald's. And if I had to, I could get another part-time job on top of that, to supplement my income from the McDonald's job, if that wasn't enough to pay the bills. I wouldn't love doing it, but it would pay the bills. Of course, I'd rather not have to be in that position, but it wouldn't be the end of my world, either, if it kept me from starving. There are scads of these jobs in my hometown paper. And also low-level clerical jobs (and, in combination, they actually do pay enough for someone to live on in my hometown, and possibly in other medium-sized towns across the nation as well). And also some slightly higher-salary-level jobs I know are out there are relatively easy to get (just take a little longer to land, maybe). I know "costs of living" vary - but, there is such a thing as getting a room-mate, clipping coupons, etc. I've done it. Didn't love it, but considered it temporary and eventually found a much better job. I've also been homeless (over twenty-five years ago, for a few weeks, I lived at a shelter). At the homeless shelter, you had exactly three weeks (they enforced this deadline, too) to "get your act together", find a job, an apartment, etc. - if you were "able-bodied". So I did. My room-mates were other gals from the shelter (we all managed to find work at the same restaurant, too, and the apartment complex manager worked with us, as far as the security deposit. So did the utility company). Is this an "attractive option"? No. But - I do have to wonder just how "out on the street" some would actually be if faced w/this situation. If I had to, I am certain I could get a job tomorrow (just not the job I'd prefer, probably). I do understand not wanting to be in that situation, though, and see that keeping one's skills updated is a smart thing to consider doing. The idea of having money put aside for "if things don't work out" (from either the Dom, or just doing it yourself, if you've got the funds) strikes me as very sensible also. Heck, becoming financially savvy sounds like a good idea (having a savings account with a hefty nest egg, some investments, etc). Good topic. - Susan
< Message edited by SusanofO -- 12/10/2006 5:32:23 AM >
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"Hope is the thing with feathers, That perches in the soul, And sings the tune without the words, And never stops at all". - Emily Dickinson
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