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I'm having trouble adapting to this new world we live in.
By that I mean that there are plenty of jobs out there, but where are the jobs that pay a livable wage?
I had a pretty good job and due to varying factors, including a change in management and desire to crush the Union, I was let go. I have many years of experience doing a lot of things, including some Community College training so it wasn't real hard for me to find another job. But there are very few jobs out there that pay a livable wage, especially to a middle aged man who is re-entering the work force.
I can accept the fact that I have to start at the bottom, but in most cases, even after a person reaches the top of the pay scale, it simply is just scraping by.
I have managed to make some decent investments over the years so I will not starve or live on the streets, but it has to be real hard on a younger person who is just starting out. So no, I do not like this new world we live in. We need to re-energize the Organized Labor movement and bring back GOOD paying manufacturing jobs so that people can have houses, cars, food, and so on. And I will support any candidate who can deliver on these things. Since there has never been a repuke who has stated any real desire to help those of us who are struggling, it's amf to them.
John Edwards, while a bad human being, still had the right message; there are two Americas, and it ain't fair to have to work like a dog just to see it net next to nothing. Especially when a person has verifiable talents and an ability to do the job.
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yeoman6987
(14,449 posts)They are at a small level, but the amount of Baby Boomers that are retiring or going to retire is at a pretty high percentage right now. I retired from the Navy and went into the civil service. The pay is ok.....some say you can do better on the outside, but it is worth a look. I have been in the civil service for 2 years now and enjoy it.
Mnemosyne
(21,363 posts)
freshwest
(53,661 posts)cali
(114,904 posts)awoke_in_2003
(34,582 posts)that was his problem 
Doctor_J
(36,392 posts)The big shots keep raising prices, lowering wages, cutting benefits, and consolidating. The government keeps cutting "entitlements", cutting taxes on the rich, making us pay racketeers for things that should be free (healthcare, education), and busting unions.
Like you I have saved enough over the years to avoid poverty, but the young people are in deep shit.
geretogo
(1,281 posts)taking us . I don't see much hope of turning it around .
cantbeserious
(13,039 posts)Armstead
(47,803 posts)cantbeserious
(13,039 posts)
hfojvt
(37,573 posts)I see bad jobs out there and I see good jobs out there. The good jobs are harder to get - just like they have always been.
Armstead
(47,803 posts)Pick any occupation, and what were once middle class jobs have been devalued or eliminated in the US.
We have totally given up on the idea that the economy is supposed to work for PEOPLE, and not just the faceless Gods of Ruthless Efficiency.
Sure there are still good jobs around, but their proportion compare to the number of shitty low-wage no-benefit McJobs is much smaller these days.
Spitfire of ATJ
(32,723 posts)It listed things by degree and at the top were loss of a job, ending a relationship and loss of your home. I had just gone through every one of them. They claim it takes at least a year to recover mentally from any ONE of those.
The Republicans say, "Let's have a whole country of people going through that, make sure they're armed to the teeth and then blame the Democrats and Liberals for their problems."
The Traveler
(5,632 posts)I don't think it is accidental, either.
Trav
Spitfire of ATJ
(32,723 posts)The Traveler
(5,632 posts)Well, probably not mint julips ... tho they can be damn refreshing on a scalding hot day.
Trav
Spitfire of ATJ
(32,723 posts)
Whiskey.
dixiegrrrrl
(60,010 posts)It is not accidental, AND "they" know the consequences when people have had enough, and they are preparing for it.
The militarization of the police, the "let's set an example" of police over reacting to even jaywalkers, etc. is for a reason.
cantbeserious
(13,039 posts)eom
WinkyDink
(51,311 posts)Enthusiast
(50,983 posts)Sounds like one hell of a Republican plan. A strategy or catalyst to initiate a New World Order®.
Skittles
(153,150 posts)Spitfire of ATJ
(32,723 posts)lunatica
(53,410 posts)and we can have perpetual war to make them perpetually richer.
Spitfire of ATJ
(32,723 posts)
msongs
(67,395 posts)
DrewFlorida
(1,096 posts)elevates people out of poverty. Corporations have fraudulently increased their profits by squeezing their employees wages down to unacceptable levels, people who work full-time jobs should be paid a wage which allows them to live with dignity, corporations should not be allowed to cut employee hours in order to avoid giving benefits. Corporate officers should not be allowed to cheat the system by taking huge salaries and bonuses, at multiples of hundreds times more than wage earners. If a capitalist economic system is what guarantees the motivation to work hard, then wage earners should be given the same incentives as everyone else. Unfortunately the only incentives given to wage earners are the threat of losing their meager hourly wage, not the promise of increased wages.
Capitalism only works when the playing field is kept fair by government regulation, because greedy capitalist corporations will do anything for money, they cheat, they steal, they lie, they buy politicians and the laws made by them.
Enthusiast
(50,983 posts) 
woo me with science
(32,139 posts)They will lower wages for over 90 percent of Americans and destroy jobs.
Even more importantly ,they will allow corporations to overrule the protections that we *do* have in place for workers, which are already severely damaged.
We must become the 99 percent and rally around those who will honestly fight on behalf of the people rather than corporations, because the One Percent live in both parties now.
cantbeserious
(13,039 posts)woo me with science
(32,139 posts)We had better learn to fight these assaults, and fast.
cantbeserious
(13,039 posts)eom
WCLinolVir
(951 posts)And for people who are uncertain as to how that is going to play out, especially in third world countries, I remind you of gross environmental disasters. Like BP.
N_E_1 for Tennis
(9,715 posts)^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
What you said!
blkmusclmachine
(16,149 posts)awoke_in_2003
(34,582 posts)that Wall Street is at record highs. A lot of good that does for the majority of us.
MissDeeds
(7,499 posts)I hate what this new world order has done to us. Honestly, I don't see it changing. Until the 99% get mad as hell and stand up to the power brokers, it will continue. I agree, John Edwards was a terribly flawed individual, but the message of two Americas was spot on. My hope is now in Bernie Sanders. He and Elizabeth Warren seem to be the only ones willing to stand up for the majority.
K&R
MannyGoldstein
(34,589 posts)It will will "boost our economies, lowering barriers to trade and investment, increasing exports and creating more jobs for our people, which is my No. 1 priority." says our President.
1StrongBlackMan
(31,849 posts)to mention the U.S.'s insistence on worker (workplace safety and wage) protections that you forget to mention in your every TPP post ... until it came out that the US compromised (a compromise that really wasn't a compromise; but rather, reflects what happens in the real world)?
MannyGoldstein
(34,589 posts)The primary function of these "free" trade agreements is to screw with laws in developed countries to the detriment of their 99%.
"We insist that you developing countries have better laws for your 99%, like ours."
"No."
"OK then, we tried, but you're much tougher negotiators than we are. Oh, and since this agreement is all about leveling the playing field, we'll need to *^%# with our own laws to achieve parity."
But you knew that.*
*this phrase seems to be a friendly term tacked onto each assertion by Certain DUers with whom I don't always agree. I figure I might as well return the gesture.
1StrongBlackMan
(31,849 posts)The "developed countries" (including the U.S.) were the countries insisting on worker protections. Further, this trade agreement will do nothing to affect the laws in "developed countries"; but rather, establishes a floor for the "developing" countries.
But you knew (and are choosing to ignore) that, right?
aikoaiko
(34,169 posts)Same as it ever was. Sometimes a little less so, but sometimes more so, like these days.
Good luck and be well.
liberalmuse
(18,672 posts)The sad thing is, we're handing our hard fought, hard won legacy to the idle rich instead of our children, and it seems that not enough people at this point see how wrong this is, or if they do, they feel helpless to change it. Humans really are the most programmable species on the planet. The wealthy and powerful pretty much have access to radio, tv, movies and everything currently available to help the cull the herd, so to speak. Things have to get pretty bad for people to wake up, take to the streets and take back what they've worked for. I'm still waiting. Many of us have taken to the streets again and again, but if most people are apathetic or unaware, sadly, it doesn't do much good.
woo me with science
(32,139 posts)on the younger generation's never having known what it means to live in a world where you can expect one income to support a family and fund college and allow for a decent lifestyle with leisure time and vacations.
Lifetimes are so short, and expectations so quickly modified from generation to generation.
I think it's LWolf and/or Tierra y Libertad who has posted repeatedly on this board a marvelous quote from Steinbeck, "Young wolves, show us your teeth." We depend on the younger ones to energize the charge now against these injustices, but more and more of them have no personal experience or awareness of what they have a right to expect, and be fighting for.
1StrongBlackMan
(31,849 posts)are quite clearly saying that their priorities are not your priorities.
It happens every generation.
bravenak
(34,648 posts)Looking out instead of back. We lack the nostalgia, have access to so much information and see our place in the world differently. We grew up under the conservative revolution. We did not like it. Our rise is the death of conservatism. They know it.
1StrongBlackMan
(31,849 posts)a lot of things; most notably, the "control" that us "old-heads" think we have. I think this ... the assertion of, and the unwillingness to accept ... is what is causing much of the friction, here on DU and in the larger society.
Armstead
(47,803 posts)Social norms and values were much more ethical and moral "when I was young" until the late 1970's early 1980's.
I'm NOT saying it was a utopia by any means. There were a lot of problems and injustices back then -- civil rights had a long way to go, poverty was a big problem, etc. I was among those who got pissed of early at injustices.
BUT there were much higher basic standards and values in place as a background of what is possible compared to today.
Most people believed in the concept of a "fair days pay for a fair days work," and would be absolutely appalled at the exploitative workplace today. There was Rich and Poor, but a lot larger Middle -- and people like CEOs knew they could not get away with the obscene gaps between their pay and those of their workers we see today.
1StrongBlackMan
(31,849 posts)I don't see any real ethical and moral decline ... If anything, I'd say the turmoil we are experiencing is because the youngins are more ethical and moral than preceding generations.
It is our "ethical and moral" with our "higher basic standards and values in place" that created the exploitative workplace(s) of today ... It is the youngins, who are challenging the social and economic status quo(s).
Armstead
(47,803 posts)tip in the wrong direction.
The blame for perpetuating that can be equally shared among everyone of all ages and brackets, then and now. We allowed ourselves to be fooled, and we continue to do so.
I remember when the balance started to tip towards the "dark side of the force" around 1980 -- as big corporations and immoral politicians took advantage of recessionary fears and started spreading the propaganda through their media mouthpieces. The message pounded into people's heads was that the majority of the population has to suffer to enable the Wealthy and Powerful to control our lives.
"We have to eliminate jobs to protect jobs." "We have to reduce wages to maintain the standrd of living." "We have to create monopolies to protct competition." etc.
Too many people bought into that, instead of pushing for real reform and actual social and economic progress.
WCLinolVir
(951 posts)1StrongBlackMan
(31,849 posts)I have know idea what the "young wolves'" priorities are, as a class; other than their pushing back/challenging the current social and economic status quo, or not.
ReRe
(10,597 posts)... When I was kid, I had the pleasure of only one of my four grandparents. My maternal Grandmother. And I was very close to her. She worried about the changes all around her, modernity (she was born in 1880.)
Now that I am older, I am the same way. I worry about the changes that have occurred in my lifetime.
It's a natural part of life to feel this way, though a little depressing. If you find yourself dwelling on it too much, get some help. And I don't mean get a pill to treat it. I mean ask your Doctor for a referral to a good psychologist. They are invaluable in helping you think things through to a better place in your mind.
DeSwiss
(27,137 posts)Well, it's allowed but not to be expected to elicit anything more than other whingers.
It's. The. ''New.'' Way. Things. Are.
- Or, you can tell this old system to kiss your ass and start anew. You'll get a New. World. and you may not like it too well either -- but at least it'll be one of your own making.
I'm like George, I'm enjoying the show. Most days......
PowerToThePeople
(9,610 posts)
whereisjustice
(2,941 posts)in other words, we haven't learned to work for $2 a day in an Asian style sweatshop.
Having said that, the rich do seem to marvel at how creative poor people can be with cardboard and shipping pallets.
So there's that.
Skittles
(153,150 posts)Last edited Sun Jul 13, 2014, 05:45 AM - Edit history (1)
I never thought I'd see the say when I'd say I am glad I am older but I cannot imagine facing decades of this kind of working environment
woo me with science
(32,139 posts)I can't remember when it was, exactly, but what I do remember is that it was on one of the Sunday shows, and the guest who used it was immediately mocked by the others as pessimistic and naysaying. I remember getting a sick feeling in my stomach and thinking, "Yes, this is where they are going to take us."
Then we heard it more and more...and now most people don't think twice about assuming, as you do in your post above, that we will be facing decades of it.
Skittles
(153,150 posts)because we have an entire party that prides itself on being anti-worker, and the so-called "opposition" all to often seems to be collaborating right along with them
Skidmore
(37,364 posts)meanness and cruelness that has become acceptable and sought after in the popular culture. The nastiness and unwillingness to work with one another and to find a common good I find to be more disconcerting than money and things. The preoccupation of having at all costs nonessential items and leaving the intangibles that would benefit society most by the wayside. It is time to put the Kardashian culture behind.
Skittles
(153,150 posts)treating people like crap became not just normal, but entertainment
Flatulo
(5,005 posts)My son has his Masters degree in paralegal studies, 3.4 GPA, and has been on over 50 job interviews in the past year. But because he has no legal experience, no one at any law firm will hire him.
So he turned to state and municipal job postings. He gets interviews all the time, but they never respond. Later, we find out that the job went to the child or niece/nephew of some existing public employee, often one with no formal education whatsoever. Public jobs in Massachusetts are a stinking cesspool of nepotism, and unless you're politically connected, you will never be considered other than to fill a quota of interviews required by law.
In my little town, half the folks in town hall are related in one way or another. The town engineer has his entire family employed.
At the law firm my wife has worked at for 38 years, all the attorneys have their kids working there, even though in some cases they're borderline idiots.
The few jobs that are available, those with a decent wage and benefits, are reserved for the connected class.
He's even flown down to D.C. to interview - same story. Plenty of interviews, no callbacks. He's been to a professional job counseler, at my expense, and she tells him he's doing everything right. He's clean, articulate, perfect teeth, short haircut and conservative suit with no tats or piercings. He's bright and an brilliant speaker. It doesn't matter.
So he toils away at Boston Market, washing dishes and carving chickens, and he's never missed a day of work in a year and has been an exemplary worker, but hasn't seen a penny increase or any workweeks over 30 hours. The kid is smart and diligent, and he'd love to get out on his own, but at the current rate of jobs growth, he'll be living here with me for the rest of his life.
These job reports are sheer bullshit, kabuki theatre. There is simply no decent work. Unless you're connected.
randome
(34,845 posts)For better or worse, that's how it is today.
[hr][font color="blue"][center]Precision and concision. That's the game.[/center][/font][hr]
DAMANgoldberg
(1,278 posts)If you are older, like me, who doesn't have the $$ or time to chase "What's hot" at any given point in time, you are SoOL. I know a few 30 yr IT guys who couldn't get an audience with what few Tech companies locally, but they have forgotten more about who systems work than I will ever know. Let's be real, as Flatulo put it, you are unemployable past a certain age, his range was <25, >50. I am 49 and have been there for at least 5 years now, having done enough schooling to get student loan debt that will never be paid off, and it doesn't do me any good. It's unfortunate.
randome
(34,845 posts)It's doable. Not always easy, I know. And I'm speaking only from my personal experience, which is not applicable to everyone. I'm not trying to 'brag' or tell anyone I have the answers. I don't. But I'm nearing 56 and I still don't have a problem finding jobs. Of course it helps that I look much younger.
There are downsides. I'm a consultant and have virtually nothing for retirement but I've done the right thing for my daughters, which is to position them for college. I'll figure out the rest later.
[hr][font color="blue"][center]All things in moderation, including moderation.[/center][/font][hr]
TheKentuckian
(25,023 posts)ahead of the wave and still can't also manage for retirement, probably enjoying no higher quality of life than a far less skilled, specifically talented, and less educated factory worker from a generation ago with far less secure a future.
The level and quality of opportunity diminishes overall, even near the top of wage earners.
Armstead
(47,803 posts)I remember the bullshit the Third Way DLC New Democrats pushed back in the 90's.
"There are new service positions opening up. We're gaining a lot of jobs in call centers. It's the New Economy, and those are what will provide good jobs in the future."
Fast forward -- Ever called a company's customer service dept. or help desk recently? Chances are you wont be speaking to an American in the United States.
Then they raise the bar -- If you want to learn computer coding you'll be fine.
No now those are moving offshore.
What's next? "If you're willing to get a degree in advanced theoretical physics you won't have any problems finding job."
randome
(34,845 posts)But I do fine. And companies that offshore too much often regret it and pull back in the opposite direction. Granted, that doesn't happen as often as it should. There are still far too many companies looking for 'quick fix' solutions instead of paying attention to the larger picture.
CEOs often don't give a shit since, if everything goes south, they'll take their bonus and go elsewhere.
[hr][font color="blue"][center]"If you're bored then you're boring." -Harvey Danger[/center][/font][hr]
Armstead
(47,803 posts)We've been buying into the line of "free trade" and deregulation for far too long, and allowing the upper-upper class to dictate what we expect in term of behavior n "give backs" to society.
I realize there is no magic-bullet to fix that, but we damn well better start changing our personal, social and political values and ethics and, yes, ideology before the whole damn country is one big Detroit.
PasadenaTrudy
(3,998 posts)Always in need!
randome
(34,845 posts)[hr][font color="blue"][center]You have to play the game to find out why you're playing the game. -Existenz[/center][/font][hr]
Armstead
(47,803 posts)TheKentuckian
(25,023 posts)but eventually jobs like electrician, plumber, and HVAC tech will be flooded out with "certified" workers in these areas then the Mc and Wal Shop's will undercut and drive the others out.
RKP5637
(67,104 posts)are fakes. They say what is needed to get the vote, and then support the 1%.
TBF
(32,047 posts)remember the air traffic controllers? He (or his handlers) knew exactly what they were doing.
Once the unions are gone there is no collective bargaining & each employee in on his/her own against the owners (and/or corporate boards). And then good luck.
That's about where we are.
It sucks.
WinkyDink
(51,311 posts)
MrMickeysMom
(20,453 posts)… you know, that piece of shit they insert in the Sunday paper?….
Jobs related to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), you're a cinch to earn a median wage of 65k.
I'd like to see the "T" part weighed against the "SEM".
I figure engineers are likely to be at the top. If you enter academia, not so much. This is especially true with today's lack of ever earning tenure in a university or higher education setting.
Just what do we value here?
WCLinolVir
(951 posts)I am glad you have resources.
Octafish
(55,745 posts)He is a flawed human being, like me and most everyone else I know.
Regarding everything else: It is why I vote Democratic. It also is why I am sorely disappointed, election after election.
These are the wealthiest times in human history. Instead of using the nation's wealth and abundance to create a better life and society, the money goes for wars without end and welfare for the wealthy.
It isn't an accident.
woo me with science
(32,139 posts)We are being looted by thieves.
maced666
(771 posts)Other than the stock news (which does not...excite ME) things are drastically better than 5 years ago.
Initech
(100,063 posts)
MineralMan
(146,286 posts)You tell me.