As wages fall, workers slip from middle class
by Tim JonesChicago Tribune, July 25, 2007
Link to article
“Amid the demise of manufacturing jobs, the birthright of a nice home, college for the kids is under siege.
DAYTON, Ohio - No job lasts forever, especially a $30-an-hour assembly line job. Cheryl Seaton recognized that a long time ago, which is why she went back to college to pick up a degree that would insulate her from the economic wreckage she sensed was coming.
It didn’t help. When the end neared for her auto parts assembly plant last year, Seaton, 52, walked off the loading dock, armed with a bachelor’s degree. In January she began work as a mental health caseworker for a third less money.
Seaton is paid $9.45 an hour, less than what her 21-year-old daughter earns as a truck dispatcher. …”
Click on link to read entire article
July 25th, 2007 at 5:02 pm
This is happening everywhere. I went from $40,000 to less than $30,000 in two years. Thought about going back to school, but couldn’t afford that PLUS a mortgage. I’m once again working, but I’ve found out that my co-workers with more educcation make similar pay to mine.
July 27th, 2007 at 8:41 am
I’m in the same boat and getting quite desperate. I have spent the last 14 years in the Army, earning awards galore, got my B.S. degree, opened a business while I was a reservist, sold it upon activation to active duty, got injured in the line of duty and now I’m unemployed. We have to move to another location due to the high cost of living here in Texarkana, TX and the lack of “real” jobs. What is going on? I thought I did everything by the book, even served my country.
July 31st, 2007 at 5:56 pm
Christine,
That’s another thing that galls me. The military personnel that can’t find decent jobs. (I know a few people like you.)
I thank you for your service.
Maybe all of us should be more proactive about changing our government. That, or move to another country?
August 8th, 2007 at 12:51 pm
We do need to be more proactive about changing our government. I agree. But, that means organizing and taking action. I’m in Manhattan, if anyone is interested.
For the past twenty years, I worked various jobs in the music industry — that is, until November, 2006. Quite frankly, the music business hasn’t been healthy for quite a few years. Between Clinton’s deregulation of radio, corporate mergers, technological changes and very little money going into the arts, I’m afraid that there is not much hope. To keep current, about five months ago, I launched an internet radio show, MY CASTLE’S ROCKIN’, named for an Alberta Hunter composition. At least I have a focus, but in order to stay on the air, I have to pay. When I was a broadcaster on Community Radio, I had more freedom, and more contact with my audience. In addiition, I didn’t have to pay to be on the air. I have to say that on the internet, I feel as if I am lost in a big black hole. Still, it’s better than not having a voice. If you are interested in “Celebrating a Century of Women in Music,” you can tune in at:
http://www.live365.com/stations/andallthatjazz
Christine, I can relate to your feelings of desperation. I have been seeking work for nine months without success. I need a job. I, too, thank you for your service to our country. I have heard so many stories about soldiers, etc., who can’t find work. I am so sorry!
I’m open to ideas!
August 8th, 2007 at 6:15 pm
I vote every election, and it doesn’t seem to matter. Maybe when those last surviving middle managers or CEO’s are forced to work at Home Depot for a while, things will change?
My friends and I joke about going to Mexico, becoming a citizen, and then sneaking over the border to get a job. It will probably pay what I’m making now, but we’ll be sure to get our health needs covered.
September 12th, 2007 at 9:03 pm
Marie:
Just voting in itself will do nothing. By the time election day comes you have a choice of two candidates who will do the same thing.
You have to get involved in the nomination process. That means work to get a candidate on the ballot, or run yourself. It means work to build parties which are alternatives to the Republicrats.
Here in Massachusetts each office requires that the candidate get so many signatures to get on the ballot. I go t most of the necessary signatures myself.
You may want to look at
http://www.pvla.net
But if you wait for someone else to put a candidate who will represent you on the ballot you will wait a very long time.