I Don’t Feel Safe
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By R.Gordon
Once upon a time, I saw the world through an optimistic lens. I felt safe. I believed in the truth of determination. I was stubborn in my acquisition of skills. I believed in my own essential goodness and the goodness of others.
I am an attorney. I chose this profession instead of that of a chef. Throughout my senior year in college, I pondered the question: Law school or culinary school? From the age of 16 through college, I worked in restaurants and with caterers. If there is such a thing as getting a “rush” from a job, it came from creating and working a party that all would remember. It was, however, too self-indulgent a choice, aimed at providing wealthy people with a damn good time. I had to become part of the solution, not part of the problem.
I don’t want to portray myself as a self-righteous do-gooder. I have a healthy and balanced appreciation for material comfort. I want to receive, in exchange for my services, compensation that is fair and related to my skills, experience, and the time commitment required of an employer. My bottom line is to live a basic middle-class lifestyle.
My career path, in short: many years as a legal assistance staff attorney, representing abused & neglected children, victims of consumer fraud, and persons seeking income support from state and federal government programs; a one year judicial clerkship with a federal district court judge; employment as a school law/labor law attorney, first in the private sector and then, at last, for a large nameless urban public school system in a city famous for political scandals in which clout is a prerequisite to employment opportunities.
The school district’s leadership toppled for internal political reasons. I recall being warned that my new boss was ruthless. My resignation was one the new boss sought to achieve, with methods some would describe as . . . I will let those reading this piece use their critical thinking ability to make the required inference.
I remained unemployed for over a year. During this period my search for employment was relentless and exhausting. At some point, I simply gave up looking. My “network” failed to be useful to me. Bessie Smith’s song Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out captures the sentiment. I decided to evolve from an unemployed labor attorney to a self-employed labor arbitrator. My arbitrator friends told me it could take five years to make a livable income. I’d have to find a day gig to support the arbitration practice until it took off.
Out of the blue, some months after becoming a labor arbitrator, I received a call from a state agency wondering if I was “available and interested” in a position as an administrative law judge (ALJ). Needless to say, I jumped at it. The salary, however, is very, very, low. There would be no upward adjustment for prior experience. But I needed the money and still need the money. It’s not a part-time job. There are times when I work a 10 to 12 hour day.
The impact of this situation on my well-being is basically like all other people who face an uncertain future due to employment woes. My heart goes out to all of us — whatever the occupation — white collar, pink collar, blue collar, no collar. The front page of the December 10, 2006, Sunday Chicago Tribune features a story that is a must read: (Bone-Weary Haulers Raise Stakes on Road by Stephen & Darnell Little, www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-061210truckers-story,1,2535447.story?coll=chi-news-hed ).
I believe our society is in deep trouble. I do not feel safe. Hard work, determination and endless education are not enough. Why? The global economy; the demise of labor unions; office politics; workplace bullying; ruthless and incompetent leadership in the private and public sector; the unwarranted arrogance, lack of empathy and foresight of economic policymakers and our elected officials; unthinking consumer behavior; and society’s tolerance of unacceptable employment practices and even slavery (see the NPR story on the plight of “guest workers” in Jordan’s clothing industry at www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5510902 ).
I can only hope for an awakening of empathy. There but for the grace of God or random luck, whatever the case may be, all of us go.
For more from this author, see www.myspace.com/disposed_american and www.myspace.com/uninsured_american.
December 12th, 2006 at 8:55 pm
There is no substitute for the truth. Although there are many who chose not to listen, or run from it. I have never felt so insecure in my entire life–even when I was backpacking my way as a young girl through Europe. At this time in my professional life, I am filled with self-doubt. I dedicated my professional and accademic life to helping others–the others that no one wants to help. With a Ph.D. in Education, Masters in School Psychology,18 years in workforce development programs, I am being grilled for speaking the truth. So yes, my friend, I understand why you feel unsafe–it is a shame that the mediocrity of this world manage to rule.
December 13th, 2006 at 9:53 am
The bigwigs of corporations/business ensure the patina of social consciousness (e.g., promoting “common courtesy” training sessions, rules and regulation regarding behavior – for their employees)- unfortunately, they don’t often follow the rules they enforce.
This has got to stop. Or there will definitely be a revolution by employees of all collars (white, blue, pink).
December 13th, 2006 at 8:40 pm
BA Physics/Spanish, BSEE, MSEE, 10 years experience, and somehow I am not employable. I am one of many in the gap between “too expensive” (not a new-hire) and “not experienced enough.”
Of course, the US doesn’t really innovate anymore. Anyone who thinks going into science or engineering in the US will amke the world a better place had better have the catch to own his/her own corporation!
December 14th, 2006 at 10:09 pm
How many people will read this little blog is unclear. That being said, it is hoped that the “collars” will unite – United Collars! Collars of all colors and economic class – thats right – I hope the “upper middle” class understands that they are in fact part of the middle, not the upper upper, and thus not immune from the kick into the gutter – no more East Bank Club ( the health club of the almost incredibly rich in the Chicago area) for you when its your turn.
Opps, the above is more like a rant then a thoughtful comment/reply. Emotions will not get us where we want to be. Concerted, organized and dare I say “strategic” organizing and action is required to reverse the tsunami of outsourcing and other corporate/governmental behavior that threatens each one of “us” – as in “we the people” of the United States. Without us, there is no democracy, and this government “of the people and for the people” will exist as but a hollow thing, like a Hollywood prop of a castle – all form, no substance, souless and gutless.
December 16th, 2006 at 9:45 pm
High levels of employment with low levels of inflation were thought to be impossible until the 90’s. What accounted for the small increases in wages and inflation during that decade? Alan Greenspan attributed this unthinkable combination to worker insecurity.
A co-worker asked me why, if the stock price was so high and the company was doing so well, were there wage freezes. I told him the company was doing so well as a consequence of wage freezes.
A light went on in his head.
It is appropriate that you feel insecure. You are becoming aware of your environement.
December 20th, 2006 at 6:33 pm
I certainly empathize with you. I was laid off from a full time non-profit job in late May (due to the CEO’s fiscal mismanagement) and have had 19 interviews for senior communications jobs since then. Only five of those organizations bothered to let me know that I was not their choice for the job and why.
I have since found part-time work through a friend that barely covers my living expenses and does not allow me to put anything away for savings.
I am convinced that the best way to find satisfying professional jobs that pay a livable salary is through friends (invite a group over to your home for wine & cheese and job leads) and through specialized recruiters. I have had the best luck working those two angles to find suitable openings. And remember, sometimes it’s just timing and salary requirements that clinch the deal.
I urge you to carve out time from the administrative law job you have to have lunch and actively network with your friends and former acquaintances! People do want to help out if they are asked. The same is true for being asked to be a reference.
Keep your chin up and you will succeed!
December 21st, 2006 at 7:44 pm
NO LEG LEFT TO STAND ON
In the 1960’s, The Corporation told us to get college degrees. So we did. Then, in the 1970’s, when credentials inflated and the job market crumbled, The Corporation told us to get graduate degrees. So we did. Then, in the 1980’s, as it prepared to decimate post-war bureaucracies by replacing legions of middle managers with systems, The Corporation told us to learn technology. So we did. Now, with Information Technology (IT) outsourcing having ramped up, the remaining leg of our young people trying to launch their careers has been lost.
The long-term damage that outsourcing does in shredding our socioeconomic fabric, for the sake of short-term profit, is incalculable and surreal. The poem below tells the story of a reality I recently lived, perhaps more succinctly than text would.
CASEY ON THE MAT
(with apologies to Ernest Lawrence Thayer’s “Casey at the Bat”)
The hunky wasn’t dory for America’s IT that day;
The “cost bloat” had to go, and there was no time left to play.
So when slashing trash removal, travel and training proved too lame,
A cold sneer carved the faces of the bosses of the game.
Many staff had already gone one way or another. The rest
Prayed for the day when with leadership their IT workplace would be blessed.
They hankered for a honcho who would prove a savvy cat,
So their muscle would be utilized while cutting only fat.
But politics being what they were, it was the Chairman’s call.
And when Casey took the IT helm, the earth shook not at all.
Upon our collective IT face a sullen grimace sat,
For new vision would hardly now advance upon the bat.
Outsourcing ramped up overnight, at a pace that cowed us all;
A deeply piercing stillness took possession of our halls.
And when the dust had settled, and we all saw what went down,
One tenth of our extended family we would never again see ‘round.
Then from countless anxious throats there came a distressed yell;
“I can’t get my reports.” “Our system has gone to hell.”
The tear in our social fabric had so grieviously advanced,
That lifelong friends and comrades found their whole world had collapsed.
Low tone and easy manner, showed Casey as he took his place,
“The few went to save the many”, he explained with smiling face.
And when responding to the doubts, he ordered, “Fire two!”,
We all saw our own brutal future coming into view.
Wall Street’s ears were on him as he crowed about the deed,
Their tongues applauded, as instant cost cuts made a pleasing read.
Then while IT’s shock and awe caused a prolonged productivity dip,
“We must be cost-effective” was heard coming from Casey’s lips.
Reports of related developments, now streamed in the door;
Innovation, trust, morale, lay bleeding on the floor.
And when a few courageous souls proposed a gentler way,
“My way or the highway” was all that Casey had to say.
From the top ranks, who mostly held the shares, strong sentiment did swell,
And of the Company’s future, their message did foretell.
“Kill it! Kill the cost bloat!” they insisted one and all;
And in this fateful mandate shone the writing on the wall.
Above the din our Casey, fired three, then four, then five,
Despite the rising tumult, which he merely dismissed as jive.
When signals started coming in of damages being accrued,
Casey just ignored them, in his feat of derring-do.
“God!” cried the dwindling workforce, as they endured life on the run;
Order became chaos, no work was getting done.
Stress, fear and mistrust had all but shut down the whole place,
While all the honchos fought a daily battle to save face.
Word got out, as it always will, that signs of life had gone;
Customers and the better talent opted to move on.
Wall Street’s earlier accolade eroded in dismay,
As vultures’ rotten stench became the order of the day.
Oh, somewhere in the working world, young talent’s star shines bright;
Somewhere people matter, and everyone has rights.
And somewhere the best among us, enjoy an upward route;
But that’s not the story here, folks – front man Casey was sourced out.
December 22nd, 2006 at 8:20 am
Thanks for your thought Dina. Are you familar with the song by Phil Ochs titled “Small Circle of Friends”? That is what I have now. They keep their eyes open for me and I for them. Non of us really are in the position to be a truly useful “network” in the traditional sense. My former “acquantances stopped returning my telephone calls a long time ago.
I hope you find a full-time position that will utilize your talents and offer you fair compensation. May 2007 bring oyu joy.
December 23rd, 2006 at 2:52 pm
I feel the same way. But don’t think all your education and experiences are a waste. Like you, I’ve been to countless interviews and being told the same things: too experienced, not enough experience, wrong education, not enough product knowledge. I know what I am worth and what I’m capable of. So, I’ve decided to create my own opportunities. Remember, crisis and opportunity in Chinese language mean the same. This country has emerged from many crises before because the American nation is innovative and resourceful. We have the power to change what we believe is wrong. Think positive! Create your own opportunities. We’re among the lucky ones, because only 1% of the world’s population is college educated. One day I asked myself, what do I know that other people in the world want to know, and how can I provide my services to those markets? Remember, Innovation starts with yourself.
January 1st, 2007 at 11:42 pm
In the spirit of hope, I would like to recommend a wonderful collection of essays under the title The Impossible Will Take a Little While: A Citizen’s Guide to Hope In a Time of Fear, edited by Paul Loeb.
To all, happy New Year!
January 4th, 2007 at 12:12 am
If you watch Lou Dobbs Tonight and believe his ideas about the War on the Middle Class, hoping for the best while planning for the worst is a good strategy. There definitely are predators out there that will sell you cliches about Persistence or Time Management or Belief in a Higher Buddha as the golden road to reemployment in the JOB OF YOUR DREAMS. Real life is not like that, reality has obstacles that require work to overcome.
How about taking a realistic and cautious approach? We may be seeing the next Great Depression of jobs in some respects. The term anxiously employed sums this up nicely. So what if you have a 60K job? I lost mine and had a corporate manager laugh in my face while showing me the door.
Here’s a decent place to start. Go to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Find out what the annual number of job openings are projected for the year you are seeking employment. Weigh your odds. If your risk of unemployment is high in your field, maybe you might change fields. Lower your expectations. Be ready to Re-educate or work in a field you don’t love, that isn’t particularly satisfying but pays the bills. You’ll be lucky if you get that with any kind of stability.
Remember this: Educated workers are an abundant supply and the demand is relatively low. That means taking a job A)no one else can do B)no one else wants to do. It isn’t sexy but that may be what’s available.
Reasons they might not want to do them: too much effort/too little challenge, physically and mentally. Bad Wages, Environment or Safety standards. Unethical work. Antisocial coworkers/bosses. ETc. etc. Most jobs have some of these elements.
Making the best of a tough situation is hard. Denial of the problem is worse.