Money Matters

I'm always skeptical about those unemployment numbers, every admin tries to look good by finagling those stats. What happens when their unemployment insurance runs out, do they drop off the radar? What about when they haven't gotten a job in 2 yrs and they become classified as 'chronically unemployed' do they still count?
Seems like a college education is becoming less and less attainable by the middle class because of rising educational costs. With the cost of education nowadays one would have to declare bankruptcy after graduation so that the debt is cleared and they can start earning a living & move out of their parents house! lol!

Yes, they are undercounted if they have 'given up'. That's why the stat of 'underemployment' has arisen. It estimates those who have given up, and those who have taken part-time jobs.

The cost of education is sickening and should be investigated. It has risen at two or three times inflation for decades. When I was at Columbia, the president was making over $300K and had many, many perks. That is obscene.

Yeah, they can actually play around with those stat #'s so try not to take much stock in them.
Hubby never went to college and he's super busy at work including me who only took 1 college course, my best friend's hubby went to college and he's out of work for almost a year.

I think it depends heavily on your skills, college education or not.

Well, those stats based on education level were not from the government, so I tend to believe them more! Sure, some trades do better than others and most people have NOT lost their job! We sometimes forget that!

Is there info somewhere that states what field has lost the most jobs?

Probably. I would just google it.

I was the only one in my department of six that got laid off. : (

Bummer. I had a dream the other night that I was the only one at Columbia laid off.

Yeah.

Were you there the shortest amount of time???

Nope. Wasn't last hired, not even close. Wasn't highest paid. Wasn't the slowest. Wasn't the least skilled. Wasn't the most difficult.... It's hard not to take it personal, but I try not to.

What was their excuse?

Wow - that sucks, Harper. Did you ask why?

Ok found one article, said " there is not one region or sector of jobs was spared job loss".

Except government workers - especially Federal.

Yeah, that actually has increased jobs.

Of course I asked why. They blamed it on upper management, who said it was nothing personal, just the economy and when things pick up, I'd be welcomed back with open arms. The HR guy said that they probably won't be hiring again for a few years, though. My only guess is that two of us were working from home. They probably thought it should be one of us since the others are in the office every day. The other one working at home has lots of personal issues that interfere with her work, is slower than me and has no children to support. Oh well. They probably didn't even know that in upper management anyway.

Did you have benefits with them?

Upper management should have gotten all the info from lower management though to make the best decision. Something does not sound right there...you were able to get unemployment, right?

Yes. Everything. Profit sharing, 401-k, medical, dental and vision, (although I opted out of the dental and vision).

Yes. Still on unemployment. Not too many people out there looking for a textile designer.

That sucks.

Thanks Victor. Friends and family have really been wonderful. I could get medical through DH, but it's an extra $200 a month and I hate to part with that. I'm really loving the botanical illustration classes. I think once I get the certificate, my portfolio will look fantastic and I can go for a botanical illustrator job or stay with textiles with a botanical specialty. Who doesn't want fabric with flowers on it? If I can get a part time job to carry me through the classes, I'll be happiest... I hope.

Ever think about interior decorating?

Well I'm certainly sending good karma your way!

As a quiz, when we go to the orchid show you're going to have to quickly sketch an orchid of my choosing!!

Yes, I'm not best at it. My sister's the one I turn to for interior advice. I like fiddling around with my own home. Sometimes I even design floor plans for dream spaces, but the interior design culture is one I would like to stay away from. Working in a high end carpet and fabric company, interior designers would come into the art department all the time and we'd have to work with them. They're cutthroat.

Thanks Victor!! Whatever you say.

Harper - I am so keeping you in my thoughts and hoping the right job comes along. Knowing you, anyone would be so lucky to have your personality and talents as part of the staff. It is often through these trying situations that people think out of the box and stretch, as you are with your botanical drawing class. I think it will lead you somewhere good! Hope so!

Yes, I agree, good luck Harper & best of wishes!!

Thank you so much Louise and WC! I know something good will come of this. : )

Harper, your positive attitude already puts you light years ahead. Best wishes!!!

Here's a link that illustrates what I was talking about with unemployment vs education. This chart shows how each group fared RELATIVE to the overall unemployment rate.

http://seekingalpha.com/article/172215-chart-of-the-week-unemployment-rates-based-on-education-level

I know something will come through for you, Harper...too bad you aren't closer to us where there is that rug design place my DIL's cousin was working for---that's the only one I've ever heard about. We used to have textile designers here in town, but they passed away quite awhile ago.

Awww, thanks Jan. You know, about two months ago, I was as blue as a blueberry. Couldn't get myself out of bed most days. Didn't change out of my pj's all days... I started sewing, drawing, exercizing... generally keeping busy, and now I feel much better.

Thanks Marilyn. Once things pick up, I'm sure I'll get a job. There's plenty of design firms here.

I know that we can't reverse the current economic trends - I only regret that that acquisition of stuff has taken on more importance than taking care of people.

But as long as social status and success are defined by how much stuff you have, this is unlikely to change. The underlying values of a culture are extraordinarily difficult to alter.

True, but that trend goes back to the post-war period. Not really new. There seems to be a movement away from 'conspicuous consumption' during this recession, but I doubt it will last.

I think if people find out through this recession how liberating it is to get away from conspicuous consumption and just forget about the "keeping up with others" pressure, they'll be much better off.

Harper, I'm sorry you went through such a down time. Good for you for picking yourself up and starting just moving. From there, good things do happen. You are such a gem......you'll make it happen!

I agree. It will also be better for the economy.

Wonderful.

http://abcnews.go.com/print?id=9990828

Well, I expect that banks and insurance companies will lobby very stridently to ensure that they face minimum regulation - and I suspect they will be successful. So everyone, be grateful you are gardeners, because we all might be facing soup lines in the future!