Joe has a job, and he still couldn't eat for two days.

[kpete]

Confessions of a Retail Worker: My friend went two days without food.
byLightbulbFollow

..................



Exchanging notes during our break, a couple of us realized that "Joe", an old friend of ours who works at a neighboring facility, has been real quiet lately. A delegate was chosen to casually check on Joe and find out what was going on. We're a tight knit group.

Turns out Joe had no food and was too proud to tell us. He was even out of Ramen.

Joe lives far out, and has to bike to work. But apparently he blew a tire and needed to replace it. I don't know much about biking, but replacing it also blew out his food budget for the week. So he just stopped eating when he ran out. The important thing to understand here is that:

Joe has a job, and he still couldn't eat for two days.

MORE: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/11/22/1039227/-Confessions-of-a-Retail-Worker:-My-friend-went-two-days-without-food?via=siderec

[Capitalocracy]

1. I've run out of ramen. Not a good situation. nt

[dixiegrrrrl]

2. We had a Joe situation here yesterday, with someone we hired.

Monday I hired a couple of local guys to clear out an acre of overgrown jungle and push the enroaching wild stuff away from the house. Big job, hard work.
Lot of it is on a slope, badly needed to clear out small weed trees, use a weed-eater on the overgrown grass.
One of the guys is recently out of the Army, had been in Iraq for 2 tours, has health problems.

They worked hard, did a great job Monday and again today,got about 1/3 of the job done,
then the head guy approached me hesitantly,was very obviously prepared to hear NO
when he asked if I could pay the crew some of the agreed upon price now, instead of end of job later this week,

"so they could get some food for their families for Thanksgiving coming up"

Of course he got the money he needed, but would not take as much as I wanted to give him.

I asked him.." how bad IS finding work around here now" ( in our small rural area).
He gave me a look that spoke volumes.

I feed them sandwiches and stuff for lunch, but made a huge batch of cookies this evening for tomorrow for them also.

[Scuba]

4. Good on you grrrrl!

[closeupready]

8. Cookies! How thoughtful of you.

:hi: :)

[dkf]

9. Is this a legit business or under the table?

My thing is that it should be okay for people without long term jobs to hire themselves out like this without the difficulties of adhering to every itty bitty regulation about payroll and taxes etc.

That is an area where adhering to all laws seems pretty difficult for a populace that can't do their own taxes.

[dixiegrrrrl]

20. "for a populace that can't do their own taxes. "

I am not sure exactly what that means.
At first glance, it sounded like "people down here are not smart enough to figure out how to do taxes,"
but I know you cannot be intending to paint a broadbrush attack against a whole group of people,
since that is against DU rules.
So I am probably mis-reading it.
Would you mind clarifying that for me?

[tblue37]

37. MOST Americans cannot do their own taxes because the tax code has been made so

byzantine that even with expensive expert help it is still all too easy to make a mistake.

I believe the poster was saying (sympathetically) that when the government makes regulations (including tax regulations) so ridiculously complex, it makes it almost impossible for people to achieve compliance.

And he seems to be saying that because of that ugly reality, he hopes people are letting others find work in a way that does not require them to fret over such petty but multitudinous regulations.

[dkf]

60. Personally I don't know all the business tax laws much less all the licensing

And payroll tax arrangements. I read the occupy tumblr and I wondered how they got into that mess so I figure I am one up on some. Yet the thought of going out on my own and setting up all this seems pretty daunting from a zero knowledge perspective. Yes I remember bits and pieces from courses I took, but I am sure I am missing a whole lot of information and don't doubt I could easily screw some filing or requirement up.

[Tsiyu]

22. You're thinking of Wall Street

"That is an area where adhering to all laws seems pretty difficult for a populace that can't do their own taxes."


In rural areas, you learn to be an "independent contractor." The boss makes out a fee slip for you, reports the income to the IRS, and you are earning so little, a job here, a job there, your tax burden is negligible.

In many rural areas, the regulations only impact businesses with many employees. Rural does not = dumb - nor does it mean "people who have no math skills or ethics."

If you're concerned about areas where adherence to regulation is difficult to trace or enforce, may I direct your attention to Manhattan, the Gulf of Mexico, or Iraq.

[freedom fighter jh]

50. I am self-employed and my tax burden is far from negligible . . .

. . . even when I don't make a lot of money.

Not sure of the details (because I leave all the brainwork to my accountant), but I think it's somewhere upwards of 13% self-employment tax, in addition to whatever federal and state income tax there is. It's really quite a lot.

[Tsiyu]

59. Hired hands who only work a few days a month

probably don't have that problem.

Do you do yard work a few times a month? Occasionally babysit or clean houses? These are the situations about which the poster was asking.

And as others have stated, less than $600 does not require reporting. If you fit these categories, I apologize for minimizing the reality of your tax burden.

[dkf]

61. If you are unemployed and need these types of on the side jobs to survive

Keeping your earnings under $600 to escape having to figure out all this is exactly the type of regulation that is counterproductive. We are talking about people who need to eat for goodness sakes.

Then if they figure it's too difficult so screw it we've turned them into tax evaders.

[Tsiyu]

68. Okay

Where did anyone say that people purposefully keep their earning under $600 to avoid paying taxes?

It's always so interesting to see how some people twist a discussion to fit their narrative.

I can't even begin to explain to you where you're wrong, so that's all I will say.

[Tatiana]

28. These people clearly hire themselves out as independent contractors.

They are self-employed and probably receive 1099 forms to do their taxes with.

What would be difficult about doing their taxes?

[noiretextatique]

35. yes, it is legit for jobs under $600.00 you don't have to file a 1099

and as others have mentioned, even if the job is over $600.00 and you do file a 1099, the person still may not have to pay any taxes.

[yardwork]

36. What in the world are you talking about. Why would you assume that its not a legit business?

[DocMac]

39. I'm pretty sure you can earn

$600/yr.doing handyman work without filing. It might be for people who pay family members to do chores, I can't remember.

[Vanje]

47. You!

Again!

[RetroLounge]

53. Always with the concern, this one

and the rude questions.

:puke:

RL

[999998th word]

58. ^ What s/he said.

[dkf]

63. I worry about people.

I want those with initiative to be able to hire themselves out and not have to read the tax code to do it properly.

I want a government that does what it needs to do but with easily understandable and accessible procedures.

[awoke_in_2003]

55. "Is this a legit business or under the table?"...

who cares? In an economy where "legit" jobs are hard to get, you sometimes have to work "under the table". Fuck the IRS, let them get their money from those who can afford to pay.

[dkf]

62. It should be easier to comply with the law. That is all I am saying.

[awoke_in_2003]

66. Yeah, I hear what you are saying...

it is hard, though, when the game is rigged against you. Hope you had a good turkey day :hi:

[madrchsod]

12. you will be known for your good deeds....

sounds like the 1930`s all over again.

[dixiegrrrrl]

23. We are getting more people coming to the door asking for work, actually.

We even got a couple of guys who stopped by wanting to buy Mr. Dixie's 1992 Explorer,
they explained one of them needed a car for work and could not afford to buy a newer one.
Unfortunately, we drive real old cars cause We can't afford to buy newer ones!

[trof]

15. And I would expect no less from you.

You is good people, and that's a fact!
(As you can see, I got over my snit. Thanks for the PM.)
:hi:

[sam11111]

18. cookies...bad teeth...many poor have bad teeth so pls delete sugar fm the recipe

And from meal ingredients too. All fruit have sugar.

But good on you for the free food! You set a fine example. Be blessed.

[dixiegrrrrl]

29. I baked a huge batch of Mr. Dixie's favorite oatmeal raisin cookies.

Most Southerners (at least the ones I know) are raised to be polite and would not dream of dictating to other people
about life choices, thus of course it would be wrong for me to tell these hardworking guys what foods they should eat, or what foods they should buy with the money they needed for their Thanksgiving dinner.
I made the decision to feed them a lunch after realizing the first day they were not breaking for lunch because they could not afford to buy any.

[roguevalley]

41. isn't it odd that a tale about good people being screwed over

and another person coming to their aid devolves into taxes and food choices. Empathy. I embrace it.

[Occupy_2012]

49. The point about bad teeth is a good one.

Many poor people have terrible teeth. When I was really broke, my teeth were so bad I couldn't eat hard foods easily, and anything with nuts or anything hard ended up being really painful, not to mention I had unfilled cavities and eating something hot, cold or extra sweet would go straight to my tooth nerves and cause horrible toothache. Sometimes a tooth that was already cracked or chipped would crack or chip further. It got to the point where I was afraid to eat some very hard or sweet foods, it just wasn't worth it.

I'm just putting it out there for those who are kind enough to make or buy food for the poor this holiday season. Something like pumpkin pie might be easier to eat than fruitcake, for example.

[DiverDave]

65. Man after my own heart

I absolutely love oatmeal raisin cookies.

Nothing like a warm handful with a cold glass of milk...YUM!

[eilen]

43. No need for her to be their mommy. sheesh. nt

[bengalherder]

56. Poor people aren't simple children.

They'll decide for themselves whether to eat cookies.


I've been poor most of my adult life and that kind of patronization is offensive.

[Divernan]

19. I always pay solo contractors 1/3 on scheduling work; 1/3 when they start; 1/3 on completion.

Really, in these times, everyone should do this. Often people who come to work on your home/yard have to pay for equipment, supplies & at the very least, gas.

I pay them in cash, or if they finish during normal banking hours, with a personal check they can cash immediately at my bank two blocks away.

I hired the guy who cleans out my gutters twice a year to power wash my outdoor terrace and fence. We hadn't agreed on a price beforehand. When he finished, I asked him how much, and he looked at me with some fear and tentatively said "$75?" I frowned and he immediately said, "Well, $50?" I said absolutely not! I wouldn't consider paying you less than $100 for your hard work." You never saw such a big smile in your life!

[dixiegrrrrl]

34. I hear that.

I always tip a bit more over the price if I think the price is too low.

If we HAVE to hire someone whose price ends up too high, they often drop it 10% or so when I ask, with emphasis,
"and what is your CASH price" at payment time.
Lots of work is done around here on a cash basis.

Electricians, plumbers, and roofers have to be licensed/bonded before I hire them.
Fortunately, our roofer also sells organic beef, we buy once a year from him.
( having a good relationship with a roofer is vital down here in hurricane country)

[lumberjack_jeff]

31. Kudos.

:thumbsup:

[LWolf]

32. I wish I could do the same.

I've got 6 acres of rocks, weeds, broken fence, and other issues. If I could pay them, I could employ a crew for at least a month.

Unfortunately, I'm barely scraping by myself.

[CoffeeCat]

38. You're too sweet Dixiegrrrrl...

I know you did these things out of the kindness of your heart and I
hope that good things come back to you!

:)

[HillWilliam]

57. Love you, dixiegrrrrl

Southern graces are still alive.

[mmonk]

64. Excellent.

[nadine_mn]

67. Sometimes the gift of a meal and cookies does more to heal the heart

than if you just handed over cash. I know cash is always appreciated, but there is something so basic about breaking bread with someone that makes everyone equals.

Homemade tasty meals that stick to your ribs - that is what compassion is all about. Thank you!

[RainDog]

3. k&r n/t

[snappyturtle]

5. I wonder how many Joes there are? Makes me crazy to even think about that. nt

[sam11111]

16. 12 million in hunger. 37 million on the edge of it (USDA)

1.7 mill homeless

50 mill in poverty

[snappyturtle]

33. Thanks for reminding me...I think. It's almost too much to wrap my mind around. nt

[Fokker Trip]

48. Christ. The fear and anxiety of all those folks. Makes me feel sick.

The numbers are so large and getting larger. I sometimes wonder if the 1% aren't becoming a new strain of human, Homo-Sociopathicus. I do believe that the capitalist/corporate structure selects for sociopaths ass they are the most successful at the cold-hearted business of screwing everyone else to keep themselves in the money.

[BlueJazz]

6. I don't know you, Dixiegirl....but would be proud to do so.

:) :)

[monmouth]

11. Ditto that for me too. Made my morning..n/t

[dixiegrrrrl]

30. I have to admit, I had tears in my eyes when I told Mr. Dixie about it.

Had to wait to let my feelings out, did not want to shame the nice young man to his face, but ..gosh...we have "official" 24% unemployment here...you KNOW the real rate is much much higher.

[closeupready]

7. One thing to find out during these lean times: is there a soup kitchen nearby? Because

I checked in my area, and I found one that serves anyone, no questions asked, and will even give grocery bags of food. People like Joe who are struggling should try to have a back-up plan. Not a criticism at all - just a practical idea from someone who has certainly been there.

[ladyVet]

10. It's good to know there are places to get help.

It's just that some are too proud, or too ashamed, to ask for help. This country makes you feel like crap if you aren't able to do for yourself. Those old bootstraps, you know.

dixiegrrl (apologies if I left out anything), you are great to do this for the people working for you. Every little bit helps.

[catrose]

42. I was thinking the same thing

Food banks, Second Harvest, churches...lots of places give food. In Austin TX, call 311 to find out what programs you qualify for.

[rucognizant]

46. We have ......

The Table of Plenty, free Sunday dinner every week. The Maibne Seacoast Mission, has a building, erected with the gift of a man who was involved with them. The large rec room basketball court becomes a restaurant every Sun. afternoon. 5 groups ; 3 churches, & 2 community orgs. prepare serve and cleanup afterward. Local muscians play.... transportation for the elders is provided...........People who can afford it come for the sense of community, & drop money into the box provided.( old ypoung & in between, rich poor ) It is part of the food pantry, so there are usually fresh greens set out for the taking, and left overs if there are any.
I am going to their T day dinner tomrrow.
Those of us on Widow's pension, who need the food, have voluntered to work on the dinners.............
Y It works really well!

[Ilsa]

13. A friend's grown daughter is always running out of money.

She has nothing for auto repairs or emergencies. All her money goes to essentials. She is considering leaving Austin to lower her cost of living.

[sam11111]

14. $295 000 000 000 000 is wealth of USA (trillions with a T)

fm Discvry Ch "what's America worth?" Nov 13 '11 Sunday

Hunger here is outrageous

[SammyWinstonJack]

17. "Sigh....I think there are a lot of Joes out there" But GAWD forbid that the

greedy filthy rich are made to pay just a little more or the job outsourcing corporations are made to even pay at all, while getting tax dollars back! :argh:



USA! USA! USA! :puke:

Well the government and all the greedheads that make up this country, that is.

Just what the hell are they proud of?

[treestar]

21. What about food stamps?

Is one ineligible just for having a job?

[Tsiyu]

24. No, there are income limits

and they may qualify, but many rural men won't sign up.

And if they have families, food stamps only stretch so far. A turkey and all the trimmings may not be feasible on a food stamp budget.

[treestar]

25. OK, thanks.

I was wondering if old fashioned pride was going on here, as in "I won't take government charity."

[Tsiyu]

27. Most fathers and mothers will feed their children

old fashioned pride is normally trumped by hunger.

There is still a bit of it around. But also remember that if any of these people is guilty of a drug felony (no other felonies as I know of, only a drug-related felony) they are completely ineligible for any public assistance.

And a drug felony conviction might be for something as minor as having a sack of mushrooms or a few pills for which you have no prescription.

The War on Drugs is thorough.

[wickerwoman]

54. I think it takes a couple weeks before they kick in too.

I qualified at one point and thought about signing up but by the time I would have gotten them, I wouldn't have needed them any more.

If Joe considered it only a temporary (couple days to a week) set-back then it probably wouldn't have been worth it to spend half a day schlepping to an office (possibly having to miss more work) and filling out a bunch of paperwork for food stamps that won't kick in in time to help him.

[TBF]

26. This has been an issue for a long time - some of us found out as college students

and in our entry level jobs just how difficult it can be to buy food. We shared apartments, ate bagels and Ramen, and lucky for me the first job was a law firm where they kept soup and drinks on hand in the kitchens for anyone working late. When I started in 1990 in Washington, jobs on the hill were paying about $14,500 while law firms paid entry paralegals $15,500. Typically these jobs when to kids who had trust funds and well-off parents who would subsidize them while working entry level and applying to grad/law schools. Some of us came from less well-off backgrounds however, and had no idea about things like applying for food stamps. In my case I got a second job on the weekend and worked at both until my salary went up a bit.

It's been hard for many people in this country for a long time, and now the so-called middle class is finding out just how difficult it can be.

[freshwest]

40. K & R

[lonestarnot]

44. Somebody better inviting that man to eat! Or I'm sending Skittles PDQ!

[krispos42]

45. I've heard that American dumpsters are cornucopias of opportunity

I believe Rush Limbaugh said that.





:sarcasm:

[Fokker Trip]

52. Dumpster diving.

From what I've read recently about dumpster diving its becoming a pretty mainstream activity. Line-ups and all. I have dumpster dove(?) dived(?) for furniture, stereo gear etc. Some are gold mines of good stuff. That said nobody should ever HAVE to dumpster dive.

[Hayabusa]

51. My grandmother was a "Joe" once.

Just starting a job when she was very young and dealing with their pay cycle. When she ran out of food and most of her money, she nearly fainted on the job due to her hunger. The wife of her boss took her out to lunch and even made her a small lunch at times until she was able to get paid. She's lucky that she had someone out there looking out for her.