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| Tuesday, October 27, 2009 |
| Working stinks, but running out of money is worse |
The Wall Street Journal article: When Returning to Work Is Harder Than It Seems interviews some recently hired workers who are having trouble adjusting after a long period of unemployment. Mr. Wallace, 40, began spending much more time with his two boys while he tried to start his own business—and then when he was interviewing and negotiating for a full-time job. During the nine months he was unemployed, he spent many afternoons hanging out with his sons after school. He also dedicated upward of an hour each day to exercise. He lost 25 pounds and shaved almost 30 points off of his cholesterol level.
But then, in March Mr. Wallace started a job at Penneco Oil Co. in Delmont, Pa., as a chief operations officer. His bank account is fatter—but so is he, having gained back 15 pounds. "I'm finding less time now," says Mr. Wallace, who has traded running and weight-lifting for walking the dog.
He also spends less time with his two sons. Less frequent are the after-school driveway basketball games and impromptu walks before dinner. "I get home at 6:15 and they've been home from school for a couple of hours," says Mr. Wallace. By the time he gets home, it's time for a quick dinner and homework—then the boys are off to bed. And he says the boys have noticed that he is less care-free than he was during his time off. It is frustrating when you realize how much of your time is spent working and missing out on home life. Of course, the folks in the article are fortunate enough to have found jobs. The Marketplace.org piece Workers over 40 struggle in job market tells of many who haven't found work.
Reminder that tonight the Frontline story: Close to Home is airing on PBS. If you miss it, they should replay it online for free. |
| posted by Boston Gal @ 12:45 PM *
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| 4 Comments: |
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it's tough but just think that many fathers never have time like that to spend with their kids or on their health. at least you know it's important and should do whatever it takes to get it back. bite the bullet and get the paycheck but strive for a life that suits you best.
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It always seems to come down to time or money.
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I just finished watching the Frontline episode shot in the hair salon in NYC. It was actually very good. I liked how they had a mix of people sharing how they were impacted.
Kind of sad to see how many "over 40" were in such tough shape.
The story around the FL house could have used a bit more fleshing out. How big was that place? How many bedrooms? How much was each person paying in rent?
Didn't she say she bought the house in 2006 for $230,000 at 9.25% - so her Principal & Interest is something like $1,900 a month. Then add insurance and real estate taxes - so say she owes $2,500 per month. With four tenants helping out?
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It is a story everywhere. When we are busy, with our works, we never get time for family and we realize the importance of being with them. The same is the case when we are not working we do not enjoy much with family because we are always worried for job and money. This is life.
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it's tough but just think that many fathers never have time like that to spend with their kids or on their health. at least you know it's important and should do whatever it takes to get it back. bite the bullet and get the paycheck but strive for a life that suits you best.