As of late, I have become a believer of the notion that too much time can be the perfect opportunity for a catastrophe. All too often we hear those we know complain of not having enough time. I can't deny that I have not been a frequent complainer of my limited "free time." But, my new lifestyle as a young and independent working professional has led to quite an alteration to my previous perception.
When before I could not find enough time for myself, I now do all I can to avoid the impending hours of solitude. I have always been a person that is very much dependent upon my personal relationships, be they with family, friends or a "significant other." not only do they provide the moral support and a friendly ear (as I seem to frequently need), sometimes just having a familiar warm body in the seat next to you in the car or the couch while watching TV, can lift my mood exponentially.
As much as I believe I prefer company to solitude simply because I easily find myself feeling lonely; I now realize that limiting my "alone time" has proved beneficial for what may be a much more important reason.
Every minute that a person sits idly and without company is yet another opportunity for them to readdress and reassess the events of the past. As a highly critical and analytical over-thinker, more time for reverie is the absolute last thing I need more of. (Yes I finished a sentence in a preposition, so shot me MLA diehards)
Each moment that provides me the chance to re-think someone's speech, recent text message, or body language is another chance for me to second-guess my initial (and historically speaking, more valid) evaluation of the incident. With enough time on their hands, just about anyone is liable to drive themselves mad.
Statistics show that just like the Irish, people of high intelligence are more probable to succumb to drug and alcohol abuse.
Now, to softly toot my own horn, I'm in the sharper group of the tools in the proverbial shed. So, to alot myself further time to over-analyze every syllable my friend said three hours ago, is sure to drive me crazy, and most likely to a fond taste for beer and whisky, as a means to shut my brain off. (Wait, hmm...that's already sort of happening)
My general point is that though time can be a terrible thing to waste, many times putting it to use can prove to be more detrimental in the general scheme of things. It perhaps might be better to use excess time for the purposes of perfecting thumb-twiddling techniques or honing advanced teeth-picking strategies instead.
Perhaps I'm saying that I'd rather spend a couple of hours glued to the boob-tube than in deep concentration. I'd rather fry some brain cells than let them push me to the edge of utter confusion.
HAPPY THINKING EVERYONE.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
the week of shortcomings
This was definitely not an uneventful week. With the passing of multiple celebrities and what proves to be a groundbreaking bipartisan effort for the state government, there was a lot to sit by and observe. However, it seems to continue to be a week of shortcomings.
I can not say that I was any less shocked and saddened by the passing of the beloved Michael Jackson. Bigger than a man, he was in fact an entity. Men are remembered for singular efforts or achievements. Legends and "Kings," are remembered because they accomplished something far greater then most can fathom. Michael Jackson was a humanitarian, a ground-breaker, and innovator and above all an entertainer. He made a living bringing pleasure into the home and through the stereos of millions of human beings. Though the closing years of his life were riddled with rumors and legal matters and extensive gossip, we must hope that the memory of the greater man is preserved and resonates above the less glorifying portions of his life.
Just as the San Francisco Giants were leading the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday evening, and with the aide of Brian Wilson were able to do nothing short of blow the game, Team USA blew a two nil lead over Brasil in the Confederations Cup. It seems like it was a week of perceived triumphs that fell short.
And just like Team USA fell short of a victory that was never anticipated to have a chance, the state legislature demonstrated a fascinating bipartisan effort in the passage of the democratic budget balance package. The representatives of both the republican and democratic farms gathered on Thursday and were apparently able to settle their differences and rescue the state and their constituents. How noble for politicians to work towards a solution for the people. This almost bears the resemblance of a functioning political system.
But of course, as I noted it to be a week of shortcomings, the apparently fiscal and political achievement followed sort. The proposed package was actually not a complete solution, as it fell just short of the more than $50 million in cutbacks that are necessary to get the state out of the red. Unfortunately, for our Governator, just short is not good enough. Upon the announcement of the package's congressional approval, Schwarzeneggar made his own announcement that he would be vetoing the package once it reached his desk. He said that he did not want a "piece-meal solution" to the state's budget crisis.
Frankly this reeks of sour grapes for his own Republican camp being unable to propose a solution that gained bipartisan support. Where the guv's months of effort and salary threats failed to motivate or result in solution, a Democratic document proved to succeed. Granted as the July 28th deadline for when the state will "run out of money" has gotten closer, the pressure has probably set in at the capital for the need to forge a solution. Aside from what the causal mechanism may actually be, just when we thought we had an approved temporary solution to the budget crisis, we had the rug swept out from under us, due to the principals of our Governator. Putting the squeeze on our representatives is not going to result in a better solution. A step in the right direction is usually adequate for most people. Apparently the Governator must destroy all budget problems with a solitary crushing blow, so the problems won't say "I'll be back!"
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
I'm Back.
Wow, it has been over 2 months since we last spoke. Please keep that extended period of silence in mind when I excessively ramble throughout the length of this entry.
What have these months brought. Some pleasant, and not so pleasant times. I have spent many hours with friends lately. Be it mostly drinking in the bars, I still consider time spent with friends, regardless of the venue, and usually regardless of the circumstances, to be time well spent, and time when the best of memories are made.
So back to that drinking thing. My view, I am 22 years old. I have a very good job for my age (especially for this economy), I am in great health (aside from those occasional cigarettes and the mild alcohol induced liver damage), and I have no real priorities outside of work to keep me tied down. I choose to drink, predominantly because it is the primary social activity of my age bracket. Most people my age have no dire responsibilities aside from our jobs. We enjoy having fun. And going to a bar, kicking back a few (and it seems to often for some people, too many), and laughing and hugging it up with my closest friends and acquaintances, gives me almost the same amount of joy as a good shag.
Yes I said shag, as the more commonly used terms would just ruin the light-hearted nature of this entry.
All of that being said. I have probably never been happier. As I have spent most of my life single, being single at the moment has left me only slightly more bummed, if any, than I have ever been. I am so busy with cars, friends, the gym and work. That I have far less thinking and pondering time than I did in college. I have always tried very hard to keep myself occupied. Maybe my ADHD have been my saving grace for being "emo" about being without a GF.
Yes, I want a GF. No, I'm not going to join E-Harmony. Yes, I am taking the, "it will happen when it will happen approach." No further questions.
So, being nearly my actual bed time, and believing that this briefly composed entry seems rather complete and well-rounded, I am going to close with a short conclusion.
This will probably end up being the best year of my life so far. It seems to only be improving. Yeah, work can be stressful, and I hope that the California Air Resources Board is dismantled and SMOG will cease to exist, but beyond that, I have no grounds for any complaint. Except for maybe to have all human beings who drive on my commute to magically learn to "merge" overnight.
Good night folks.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
feeling stuck
It happens far too often to far too many of us aspiring adults. In a world where change is so prevalent and constant you'd expect us to be more capable and willing to adjust to change, or to seek it out. Well, unfortunately not.
We seem to love voluntary new stuff, rather than the changes and alterations that were not borne by our own free will. In the same token, so many things that we wish could be changed never will. And many other things we try to alter to our own avail continually fall short of our expectations. But it is just these challenges that make us stronger, wiser and far better off. POENA PAR SAPIENTIA. It is a Latin phrase that means "pain/punishment for knowledge." It is this notion that helps me to deal with the constant frustration I experience when things do not turn out as intended, or things come at me without my expectation and are unwanted. The best thing we can all do is benefit from the unfortunate. Silver linings are not always obvious, and seldom outweigh the damage of the greater cloud, but we all need something to look forward to.
We seem to love voluntary new stuff, rather than the changes and alterations that were not borne by our own free will. In the same token, so many things that we wish could be changed never will. And many other things we try to alter to our own avail continually fall short of our expectations. But it is just these challenges that make us stronger, wiser and far better off. POENA PAR SAPIENTIA. It is a Latin phrase that means "pain/punishment for knowledge." It is this notion that helps me to deal with the constant frustration I experience when things do not turn out as intended, or things come at me without my expectation and are unwanted. The best thing we can all do is benefit from the unfortunate. Silver linings are not always obvious, and seldom outweigh the damage of the greater cloud, but we all need something to look forward to.
oh to be..
Oh to be one of the beautiful people. It must be a tremendously fine existence to regularly feel holier than thou. but, I 'm glad it is not my existence.
The locale that I visited this passed weekend seemed to be filled with people trying too hard. I don't imagine that the majority of them are too conceited or rude, however, I get the inkling that they are all putting on a facade so that their confidants and acquaintances believe they are in fact the hip and trendy. I don't blame them for trying; however, I hope to never find myself in the same position, at least to so obvious an extent.
The locale that I visited this passed weekend seemed to be filled with people trying too hard. I don't imagine that the majority of them are too conceited or rude, however, I get the inkling that they are all putting on a facade so that their confidants and acquaintances believe they are in fact the hip and trendy. I don't blame them for trying; however, I hope to never find myself in the same position, at least to so obvious an extent.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
East and West
The cultures of the world constantly clash, they constantly intermingle, and they constantly find a way to sustain their existence in spite of each other.
When it comes tot he Far East and typical western culture, there are many cultural aspects that one could indicate are similar, if not identical.
The western values of greed and the bible's "Golden Rule," have both found their ways to the ends of the earth, with a few exceptions.
Of the social mores that have not been identically transferred to the Far East is business practices. This statement is not intended to offend the Far East, or indict the West, it is nothing more or less than an observation.
Business in the Far East is conducted on an "as-needed" basis. They work later and longer hours. their day begins later than in western culture, and ends when work is concluded, not when the clock strikes 5, or 6 etc.
From my personal exp it seems as if personal space, and personal time are of no consequence when it comes to the sake of business (for the Far East). Bottom dollar or top dollar is the goal, and shall be the aspect at the determines when business is considered concluded. If a greater profit margin can be attained through late hour negotiations, why should their be any objections?
The problems that can arise from such a perspective to business is that it clashes with western business practices. In the West your rise with the sun, bust your ass through the day, and the result at sundown is what will have to remain until the light shines again in the morning. It kind of follows the perspective that the business day is just that, the day. With the arrival of the evening, comes the necessary departure from the office, and the mental departure from the work that transpires within it.
Of course critical situations necessitate extensive measures. However, what exactly defines critical? The East seems to be much more willing to go the extra mile in any given situation. Perhaps Americans just do not work hard enough. Perhaps the Far East just works too hard.
When it comes tot he Far East and typical western culture, there are many cultural aspects that one could indicate are similar, if not identical.
The western values of greed and the bible's "Golden Rule," have both found their ways to the ends of the earth, with a few exceptions.
Of the social mores that have not been identically transferred to the Far East is business practices. This statement is not intended to offend the Far East, or indict the West, it is nothing more or less than an observation.
Business in the Far East is conducted on an "as-needed" basis. They work later and longer hours. their day begins later than in western culture, and ends when work is concluded, not when the clock strikes 5, or 6 etc.
From my personal exp it seems as if personal space, and personal time are of no consequence when it comes to the sake of business (for the Far East). Bottom dollar or top dollar is the goal, and shall be the aspect at the determines when business is considered concluded. If a greater profit margin can be attained through late hour negotiations, why should their be any objections?
The problems that can arise from such a perspective to business is that it clashes with western business practices. In the West your rise with the sun, bust your ass through the day, and the result at sundown is what will have to remain until the light shines again in the morning. It kind of follows the perspective that the business day is just that, the day. With the arrival of the evening, comes the necessary departure from the office, and the mental departure from the work that transpires within it.
Of course critical situations necessitate extensive measures. However, what exactly defines critical? The East seems to be much more willing to go the extra mile in any given situation. Perhaps Americans just do not work hard enough. Perhaps the Far East just works too hard.
Monday, March 23, 2009
We have all at one time or another probably heard, or had the phrase "a case of the Mondays" explained to us. The phrase has become synonymous with the now cult classic film "Office Space."
In my line of work, I frequently have phone conversations with the people. Instead of getting right down to business immediately after each has confirmed the other's identity, we creat small talk. Now, the small talk is very relevant and important to the relationships I must maintain with these people. the main context of each talk may not leave the fate of our business relationship in the balance, but nonetheless, it remains necessary.
the common opening line used at the beginning of the week is similar, if not precisely, "so how's it going?" I find myself almost always saying, "well...it's Monday." The intended message of course is that: it is Monday, Mondays can only be so good, and my day is just...blah.
However, in all truth, I seldom have had any event occur, to the point which would make my day any better or worse than any other day of the week. It is as if I feel compelled to say my day is not going well. Granged Monday, as a day of the week, always leaves you aware that it is the first day of the work week, with four more to follow before the weekend.
Where does this compuslion for sour grapes come from. It feels as thoug hI do not want to appear too content, or even happy to be alive, working and healthy. On the other days of the week I frequently respond to inquiries of being with "Can't complain so far." Yet, even that goruping of words is still a glass half-empty evaluation. Why do we seem to be more inclined to cite the negative , or not acknowldege the potentially positive day we are in the midst of? It is as though we don't want to be happy.
Perhaps it is because the worse we convince ourselfvesd the working week is ultimately the better we will perceive the weekend to be. And for the those of us who live for the weekend (which is the overwhelming majority), by diluding ourselves to the greatness that is and can be Monday through Friday, we are able to sruvive the week and embrace the weekend.
In my line of work, I frequently have phone conversations with the people. Instead of getting right down to business immediately after each has confirmed the other's identity, we creat small talk. Now, the small talk is very relevant and important to the relationships I must maintain with these people. the main context of each talk may not leave the fate of our business relationship in the balance, but nonetheless, it remains necessary.
the common opening line used at the beginning of the week is similar, if not precisely, "so how's it going?" I find myself almost always saying, "well...it's Monday." The intended message of course is that: it is Monday, Mondays can only be so good, and my day is just...blah.
However, in all truth, I seldom have had any event occur, to the point which would make my day any better or worse than any other day of the week. It is as if I feel compelled to say my day is not going well. Granged Monday, as a day of the week, always leaves you aware that it is the first day of the work week, with four more to follow before the weekend.
Where does this compuslion for sour grapes come from. It feels as thoug hI do not want to appear too content, or even happy to be alive, working and healthy. On the other days of the week I frequently respond to inquiries of being with "Can't complain so far." Yet, even that goruping of words is still a glass half-empty evaluation. Why do we seem to be more inclined to cite the negative , or not acknowldege the potentially positive day we are in the midst of? It is as though we don't want to be happy.
Perhaps it is because the worse we convince ourselfvesd the working week is ultimately the better we will perceive the weekend to be. And for the those of us who live for the weekend (which is the overwhelming majority), by diluding ourselves to the greatness that is and can be Monday through Friday, we are able to sruvive the week and embrace the weekend.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Coffee Shop Warriors
Coffee shop work seems like it might be for the attention (I write this while sitting amidst those whom I'm indicting).
People come to a coffee shop with lots of windows and therefore lots of watchers. But, there are two types of attention they may be craving: The looks of others, and/or the distraction of others.
They may be looking for a place to be passively social. They can be adeep in thought, or work, and honestly fixated with their tasks. But, there remains a glimmer of hope, that people will give them attention, if only for ever-so-brief a moment.
On the contrary, perhaps these same "coffee shop warriors" may prefer the venue for working because of the freedom and distraction that proceeds outside of the gigantic windows that surround them.
The world outside of their corner java shop is the perfect subtle distraction. It allows them spurts of entertainment when a sporadic break silently abruptly announces itself to their brain. They can look up, and out, and find an object that allows them to temporarily wipe the slate clean, and be amused, entertained, bewildered or merely intrigued by some sort of occurrence that is transpiring beyond the glass.
For whatever the reason, these people still better get the work they brought with them completed as intended, or else it is all a huge moot point.
People come to a coffee shop with lots of windows and therefore lots of watchers. But, there are two types of attention they may be craving: The looks of others, and/or the distraction of others.
They may be looking for a place to be passively social. They can be adeep in thought, or work, and honestly fixated with their tasks. But, there remains a glimmer of hope, that people will give them attention, if only for ever-so-brief a moment.
On the contrary, perhaps these same "coffee shop warriors" may prefer the venue for working because of the freedom and distraction that proceeds outside of the gigantic windows that surround them.
The world outside of their corner java shop is the perfect subtle distraction. It allows them spurts of entertainment when a sporadic break silently abruptly announces itself to their brain. They can look up, and out, and find an object that allows them to temporarily wipe the slate clean, and be amused, entertained, bewildered or merely intrigued by some sort of occurrence that is transpiring beyond the glass.
For whatever the reason, these people still better get the work they brought with them completed as intended, or else it is all a huge moot point.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Keep your lemons fresh.
Well...it has been exactly one month "since we last spoke" (thank you RJD2 for that line). What a month it has been. Growth, learning, happiness and definitely fear. In the past month I have begun to settle into my new job, I have had a parent in the hospital for a potentially serious condition, I have moved into a new place, and have seen the country's population scramble as citizens attempt to secure their employment. That is a mouthful at least (that's what she said).
The job is going well. I would be withholding the truth if I neglected to state that the position has not left me stressed and much more drawn to drink when I get home. It has given me the motivation to burn off stress and tension in the gym, so I am very proud of the way I'm looking. However, I am tired all the time, so I have an appreciation for weekends like that which I have never known. Even working 40 hour weeks at an oil plant driving a forklift and doing repeated heavy lifting was not as exhausting. Mental exhaustion exceeds any physical exhaustion (you are more than welcome to pick a bone with me regarding this).
So, the parent thing. Yes, I had a bit of a scare with my mother. She was in the hospital for a few days. Apparently she may have had a string of mini-strokes. They gave her some numbness. Fortunately a few days later they let her return home and all was well.
The unfortunate aspect of this event was the fact that I was actually out of state at the time I received the news of her hospitalization. A brief call from my brother saying "dad called, mom is numb on her side, they are going in the hospital."
How is one supposed to process such a bit of news. Truthfully, I regularly think to myself how I would react or cope with the loss of a close family member. The thought of losing either one of my parents leaves me emotionally troubled. I can not imagine myself without the support system that is my parents. They are the reference books to my life. I try to take what life gives me in stride. However, I turn to my father and mother for suggestion as to how I should fight back when rolling with the punches that are part of being.
Some may say when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Some now are saying "paint that shit gold," after a now semi-popular hip-hop album. My take, when life gives you lemons, hoard them. Study them. Find out what they've been through so your life doesn't become lemonade. Find a way to keep your lemons fresh.
The job is going well. I would be withholding the truth if I neglected to state that the position has not left me stressed and much more drawn to drink when I get home. It has given me the motivation to burn off stress and tension in the gym, so I am very proud of the way I'm looking. However, I am tired all the time, so I have an appreciation for weekends like that which I have never known. Even working 40 hour weeks at an oil plant driving a forklift and doing repeated heavy lifting was not as exhausting. Mental exhaustion exceeds any physical exhaustion (you are more than welcome to pick a bone with me regarding this).
So, the parent thing. Yes, I had a bit of a scare with my mother. She was in the hospital for a few days. Apparently she may have had a string of mini-strokes. They gave her some numbness. Fortunately a few days later they let her return home and all was well.
The unfortunate aspect of this event was the fact that I was actually out of state at the time I received the news of her hospitalization. A brief call from my brother saying "dad called, mom is numb on her side, they are going in the hospital."
How is one supposed to process such a bit of news. Truthfully, I regularly think to myself how I would react or cope with the loss of a close family member. The thought of losing either one of my parents leaves me emotionally troubled. I can not imagine myself without the support system that is my parents. They are the reference books to my life. I try to take what life gives me in stride. However, I turn to my father and mother for suggestion as to how I should fight back when rolling with the punches that are part of being.
Some may say when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Some now are saying "paint that shit gold," after a now semi-popular hip-hop album. My take, when life gives you lemons, hoard them. Study them. Find out what they've been through so your life doesn't become lemonade. Find a way to keep your lemons fresh.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
always different yet always the same
well it has been some time since my last organized rambling. i must regard that this entry is going to be filled with more happiness and less cynicism than normal. i got the job. yes that job that was really my only prospect. the job that i was able to find in the sludge of an economy. that job that will pay me well enough to have more money than i need, and enough to keep me comfortable, happy and feeling mature. the job that isn't just a job...but a career. this "job" is hopefully my opening into a profession that i may continue to engage in for decades to come. i can not say whether or not this particular job with this particular company will continue forever, but i hope that it is the skills i retrieve from working in this position, with this company, with these people, that will be the lifeblood for the rest of my working years. i think i'm going to love this job, and this is after only one week. nothing stays the same. it is always different, yet somewhat the same because i interact with the same 30 or 40 people regularly, but the content is always different, yet always the same.
the context of the job is not important, the field of industry is irrelevant. all that i find pertinent to divulge to my so numerous readers is that i am pleased and proud of myself. i earned this job. it is partially to thank due to my years of hard work in school, i must not disregard that. however, i believe it is the talking and critical thinking that i had to turn to during my 4 interviews for the position that proved myself worthy and capable.
so...i bid you good morrow as i pat myself on the back.
the context of the job is not important, the field of industry is irrelevant. all that i find pertinent to divulge to my so numerous readers is that i am pleased and proud of myself. i earned this job. it is partially to thank due to my years of hard work in school, i must not disregard that. however, i believe it is the talking and critical thinking that i had to turn to during my 4 interviews for the position that proved myself worthy and capable.
so...i bid you good morrow as i pat myself on the back.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
which mantra are we to follow
As I listened to the Billy Joel song "Vienna" the first few times it sparked a reverie within me. Are we to head the advice of the Piano Man, and others who similarly believe that you should not try to grow up too young, or the less enticing instructions from our elders demanding early maturity.
It is becoming more and more common for youths of my age and disposition to live at home longer, to not necessarily go to college, and to not necessarily find a career immediately after they have finished their education (whether by choice or not). This trend of post-high schoolers and collegers returning to the once empty nest, or never leaving, seems to be continually frowned upon by the parents of these blood-suckers.
I can not deny, as many believe, that laziness and limited desire for independence is to blame. However, I think that much of the causality can be aimed towards the big bad world that teens and twentysomethings with limited facial hair have to face. The blue collar world of the fifties, sixties and seventies, is no more. Outsourcing and insourcing and supply-chaining has drastically reduced the number of domestic workers needed to keep multi-national or multi-province companies operating smoothly.
The cost of living, especially in California, in conjunction with taxes and the appallingly low minimum wage make the early independence of our parents a dream of the past. Moving out and buying a home before you are the age of 25 with out a spouse is nearly a fantasy. Even though the present housing market is a buyers dream, the poor lending practices of the national banking system have prevented it from being a "first-time" buyer's dream.
Careers just are not as available as they once were. The amount of money to be made while starting at the bottom rung is almost not worth it without the years of experience to promote your initial salary.
It makes sense why many of my generation want to stay close to home. The laziness is permissible to my kind, because of the safety net that accompanies. I do not know how many of fellow high school graduates spent hours and hours at restaurants and Starbucks counters. Even if some of these examples are the ones that have moved out with a boyfriend, or good friend, they can barely stay afloat working full-time jobs of this calibur. When are they supposed to get the education required for position that were once being thrown at high school graduates?? Why do people all of a sudden need a bachelor's degree to manage a restaurant or small office?? The abundance of college graduates does not magically make these positions harder to hold and carry out the duties of. The standards and obstacles for jobs that have been around for decades have floated just as fast as the inflation rate, and left those with limited income, or natural born intelligence without the slightest possibility to compete.
This is leading me to believe my generation, will become the generation of lifelong renters, the generation of life long double-jobbers, the generation of dreams and hopes that were put on permanent hold and stand-by. WE CAN'T GET THE JOB WITHOUT THE EXPERIENCE, AND WE CAN'T GET THE EXPERIENCE WITHOUT THE JOB.
So I ask, are we supposed to grow up fast and thrust ourselves into the big bad world as soon as we can, or are we to take our time and figure it out and find a path that is bearable and profitable?? What do you want me to do Moms and Dads??
It is becoming more and more common for youths of my age and disposition to live at home longer, to not necessarily go to college, and to not necessarily find a career immediately after they have finished their education (whether by choice or not). This trend of post-high schoolers and collegers returning to the once empty nest, or never leaving, seems to be continually frowned upon by the parents of these blood-suckers.
I can not deny, as many believe, that laziness and limited desire for independence is to blame. However, I think that much of the causality can be aimed towards the big bad world that teens and twentysomethings with limited facial hair have to face. The blue collar world of the fifties, sixties and seventies, is no more. Outsourcing and insourcing and supply-chaining has drastically reduced the number of domestic workers needed to keep multi-national or multi-province companies operating smoothly.
The cost of living, especially in California, in conjunction with taxes and the appallingly low minimum wage make the early independence of our parents a dream of the past. Moving out and buying a home before you are the age of 25 with out a spouse is nearly a fantasy. Even though the present housing market is a buyers dream, the poor lending practices of the national banking system have prevented it from being a "first-time" buyer's dream.
Careers just are not as available as they once were. The amount of money to be made while starting at the bottom rung is almost not worth it without the years of experience to promote your initial salary.
It makes sense why many of my generation want to stay close to home. The laziness is permissible to my kind, because of the safety net that accompanies. I do not know how many of fellow high school graduates spent hours and hours at restaurants and Starbucks counters. Even if some of these examples are the ones that have moved out with a boyfriend, or good friend, they can barely stay afloat working full-time jobs of this calibur. When are they supposed to get the education required for position that were once being thrown at high school graduates?? Why do people all of a sudden need a bachelor's degree to manage a restaurant or small office?? The abundance of college graduates does not magically make these positions harder to hold and carry out the duties of. The standards and obstacles for jobs that have been around for decades have floated just as fast as the inflation rate, and left those with limited income, or natural born intelligence without the slightest possibility to compete.
This is leading me to believe my generation, will become the generation of lifelong renters, the generation of life long double-jobbers, the generation of dreams and hopes that were put on permanent hold and stand-by. WE CAN'T GET THE JOB WITHOUT THE EXPERIENCE, AND WE CAN'T GET THE EXPERIENCE WITHOUT THE JOB.
So I ask, are we supposed to grow up fast and thrust ourselves into the big bad world as soon as we can, or are we to take our time and figure it out and find a path that is bearable and profitable?? What do you want me to do Moms and Dads??
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
to teach...
to teach is a skill and a desire. As I am now a substitute teacher in my home town...I have a totally different perspective on education than I once held. I have been around education, particularly special education my entire life. I have worked with children with simply learning disabilities, to children with serious mental handicaps.
But, it wasn't until I entered a classroom as a leader, not an assistant or aide, that I realized the deficiency in our public education system. They will allow with, a recent college graduate, who fortunately has much more teaching experience that most in my position or age bracket, teach, or babysit a class.
I don't find this to be proposterous...but unusually trustworthy.
I'm not truly complaining due to the fact that this is one o the few employment opportunities I can arrange with little to no useful work experience. It is nice to know that the state of California sees the value in having a bachelor's degree, even if the majority of businesses seem not to.
With the economy in dire straits, experience seems to not only be the key to success, but mere employment. Many of my fellow recent graduates are maintaining jobs that do not require their available education level, merely because the market has such competition, and companies seem rather unwilling to provide the time, money and effort necessary to train and prepare a new hire for their position. They would rather plop someone in front of a computer screen knowing they could say "GO" and the individual would know what to do immediately.
This trend is rather unfortunate for my generation as the offspring of baby boomers in today's job market. However, with the baby boomers all creeping ever-so-closely to that retirement age, these corporations that have been employing this work force 30 plus years out of college, are facing a drop in the job pool. Once my parent's generation retires, they will have to bite the bullet and employ the lowly unskilled college grad.
The irony is with testing, curriculum and intense competition of enrollment in today's universities, I must toot my generation's own horn and say that I think we are smarter than our parents. The ever increasing requirements to graduate high school, to gain acceptance (even into state universities) is rapidly increasing due to the high volume of applicants. Every college is fortunate enough to claim that their exclusivity is at a record high. All I have to say is...thank our parents for shelling out the 2.5 kids their parents did before them.
My simply request is to the employers of this world. Knowing the high level of achievement required to graduate and even to gain enrollment in today's colleges, why have you not demonstrated acknowledgment of a diploma as a valuable enough achievement to find an entry level position in your firms and corporations? Obviously we are smart...and more than capable of learning. Chances are we learned more in our undergrad studies than you did in your master's program.
Think it over and get back to me.
But, it wasn't until I entered a classroom as a leader, not an assistant or aide, that I realized the deficiency in our public education system. They will allow with, a recent college graduate, who fortunately has much more teaching experience that most in my position or age bracket, teach, or babysit a class.
I don't find this to be proposterous...but unusually trustworthy.
I'm not truly complaining due to the fact that this is one o the few employment opportunities I can arrange with little to no useful work experience. It is nice to know that the state of California sees the value in having a bachelor's degree, even if the majority of businesses seem not to.
With the economy in dire straits, experience seems to not only be the key to success, but mere employment. Many of my fellow recent graduates are maintaining jobs that do not require their available education level, merely because the market has such competition, and companies seem rather unwilling to provide the time, money and effort necessary to train and prepare a new hire for their position. They would rather plop someone in front of a computer screen knowing they could say "GO" and the individual would know what to do immediately.
This trend is rather unfortunate for my generation as the offspring of baby boomers in today's job market. However, with the baby boomers all creeping ever-so-closely to that retirement age, these corporations that have been employing this work force 30 plus years out of college, are facing a drop in the job pool. Once my parent's generation retires, they will have to bite the bullet and employ the lowly unskilled college grad.
The irony is with testing, curriculum and intense competition of enrollment in today's universities, I must toot my generation's own horn and say that I think we are smarter than our parents. The ever increasing requirements to graduate high school, to gain acceptance (even into state universities) is rapidly increasing due to the high volume of applicants. Every college is fortunate enough to claim that their exclusivity is at a record high. All I have to say is...thank our parents for shelling out the 2.5 kids their parents did before them.
My simply request is to the employers of this world. Knowing the high level of achievement required to graduate and even to gain enrollment in today's colleges, why have you not demonstrated acknowledgment of a diploma as a valuable enough achievement to find an entry level position in your firms and corporations? Obviously we are smart...and more than capable of learning. Chances are we learned more in our undergrad studies than you did in your master's program.
Think it over and get back to me.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
a time for...
So this is that time of the year when we reminisce about the fond and not so fond memories of the past 12 months. We meet with friends. We sit and talk. We say phrases and keywords that bring up inside jokes or our favorite movies. We, in the words of Dr. Dean Edell, "Eat, drink and be merry."
We crowd around to chime in the new year, some get a midnight kiss, and others don't. Some make it to the countdown...and unfortunately some don't. We remember friends lost, and cherish the friends gained. We feel it is a time for new beginnings...so many decide to forgive even if they decide not to forget. It is a time when we want to feel loved and and make others feel the loved.
But, the turn of the year is famously earmarked for our decision as a population to make promises. Typically they are promises to ourselves, but the occasional promises are for loved one. These resolutions as we call them are all to commonly far fetched. We make plans to lose 25 pounds, or be happier, or some other vague or unlikely-to-be-carried-out item. I can't say there has been a year in which I can recall what my resolution had been. Sometimes it can be mere months when we have forgotten our sacred personal promise.
So this year I have decided to adopt a tactic to prevent this. I am going to make a resolution to only make personal promises I know that I will keep. I don't want another year to go by with regrets. Your biggest regrets come from letting yourself down. Don't tried to avoid failure, but don't commit to it. Make the promises you know you can keep with the right work ethic.
Presently I don't have any resolution for myself. It has been a good year. I am only short on income, not friends or happiness. I am sure things will accumulate that I want myself to achieve. I can not change my personality or my less desirable character traits. However, I can do more things for myself. Not the purchasing of clothes or music or going out. I can do things that will be beneficial to me mentally. I will not limit the prospect of my own happiness due to fear of failure or rejection.
Happy New Year, and make it stay that way.
We crowd around to chime in the new year, some get a midnight kiss, and others don't. Some make it to the countdown...and unfortunately some don't. We remember friends lost, and cherish the friends gained. We feel it is a time for new beginnings...so many decide to forgive even if they decide not to forget. It is a time when we want to feel loved and and make others feel the loved.
But, the turn of the year is famously earmarked for our decision as a population to make promises. Typically they are promises to ourselves, but the occasional promises are for loved one. These resolutions as we call them are all to commonly far fetched. We make plans to lose 25 pounds, or be happier, or some other vague or unlikely-to-be-carried-out item. I can't say there has been a year in which I can recall what my resolution had been. Sometimes it can be mere months when we have forgotten our sacred personal promise.
So this year I have decided to adopt a tactic to prevent this. I am going to make a resolution to only make personal promises I know that I will keep. I don't want another year to go by with regrets. Your biggest regrets come from letting yourself down. Don't tried to avoid failure, but don't commit to it. Make the promises you know you can keep with the right work ethic.
Presently I don't have any resolution for myself. It has been a good year. I am only short on income, not friends or happiness. I am sure things will accumulate that I want myself to achieve. I can not change my personality or my less desirable character traits. However, I can do more things for myself. Not the purchasing of clothes or music or going out. I can do things that will be beneficial to me mentally. I will not limit the prospect of my own happiness due to fear of failure or rejection.
Happy New Year, and make it stay that way.
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