That's just the way it is....

" xyzzy said... Love that conservative concept of just yelling "get a job" at a time of extremely high unemployment. Guess if you're one of the unfortunate jobless you can just crawl off and die.
January 12, 2010 11:13 PM" A little Bruces Hornsby music please....

The above quote was taken from a comment on "How can they do it?" on ThurstonBlog.

As some of you know, but some don't, I separated from Big Brothers Big Sisters on October 9, 2009, as part of an attempt to save a Foster Care mentoring program and two caseworker jobs, thus I've been experiencing unemployment. My salary saved two 3/4 time caseworkers and left the board of directors with the resposibility of fundraising.

I'm one of the lucky ones. I have lots of skills learned over the years, thus a real strong resume. At times, I've been the target on The Olympian threads, because I relate my experience of a previous job. People have commented "Is there anything he hasn't done" or "can't hold down a job". The typical catcalling that we have learned to expect from those hosers. I'm glad for my experience. It's what makes the difference at a financial time like this.

Yesterday, I met with the owners of a linen/industrial laundry - one of my former competitors. We agreed in principle to me starting work with them on March 1st, subject to a mutual agreement on the compensation package. As usual, in my work, it will be performance based, thus I get paid for what I produce. Add an average earning year and the benefit package together, and the compensation, at first glance is about $70 a year. If I'm more successful in my endeavors....who knows? When I left that industry, I was rated #4 in the nation with ALSCO, but ran up against a brick wall in terms of the corporation's willingness to make the next growth step, thus freezing my earning capacity.

Now, why the history lesson of Larry's career? A little reality check for those "NeoCons".

First of all...they'd like to tell you how much they give. How many of them would volunteer to be the "sacrificial lamb" to save a program for 60 kids and retain two co-workers jobs?

Second....just because you have that toe hold on that government job, doesn't mean it will last forever. My wife is interviewing right now, with 8 years of seniority, because of a layoff with the State. Two things here.....management screwed her on her seniority with a bogus "reasonable accomodation" issue......and.....anyone is dispensible, as long as you are a worker bee.

Again...the Mrs and I are doing well. We live pretty frugal for the money we have earned and had some options to exercise. Not everyone does.

Which brings me back to "unemployment" and the NeoCons. It's a buzz word to them. Watching Palin's minute in glory ( I couldn't stomach any more) she threw out the phrase "10% unemployment" out several times.....but what is SHE doing about it?????? She walked from the leadership job where she could have made a difference to take the talking heads job. Another career of bathing suit and talent competitions. This is what the neocons embrace.

Trust me when I tell you, the neocons are NOT the people that assist others in need. They are too busy telling them what they've done wrong.

man in the silk suit hurries by and catches the poor old lady's eye, just for fun he says "get a job"

OK...so where does this all go for Larry? It looks like Mrs will end up back with the State, after two interviews this week and Larry has a deal in the works....but....there is this Development Director's job, with this local 501c3 non-profit that needs someone to help them raise money. It's probably $20K less a year.....but........

We'll see.

That's just the way it is....somethings will never change....