The American Worker: Downward Mobility

All the indicators show an improving economyAt least until they return to active job search and
and, finally, the start of job growth. More thanencounter the real, not the hypothetical/political,
eight million unemployed workers see hope aroundlabor market. That is when the true economic
the corner and re-enter the nightmare of jobprogression of twenty-first Century America
search with increased enthusiasm and the positiveemerges: an increasing number of millionaires, an
outlook they lost six months ago when theyincreasing number of entry-level, low paid
virtually gave up on ever finding a goodworkers, and a great middle class vacuum.The
position.What do they find?Service jobs: customerdisplaced worker is confronted with the choice of
service, hospitality, tourism, food, travel,working at a level far below his/her skills,
entry-level healthcare, retail. What are these jobseducation, and abilities warrant, or staying
offering? 30%, 50%, 75% less income than theunemployed. When the government reports that
old manufacturing jobs which have moved toin the near future "Every one who wants a job
foreign countries. Where are the benefits, thewill get one," the connotation of unemployment is
insurance, the paid holidays, retirement plans?that jobless workers do not WANT to work. This
Where have the stability, seniority system andpolitical myth leads to increased depression,
regular raises gone?It is a new world, an evolvingdiminished self-esteem, and the final conclusion by
economy, a changed future. Everything will workthe legions of the unemployed that their personal
out, government forecasters confidently predict.fears turned out to be true: they are worthless,
With tax reductions continuing, the economy willunwanted, redundant. The universal anxiety about
expand and thousands of high-tech, highlynot being quite good enough, not measuring up,
compensated positions will be created. Keep thenot able to run with the big dogs has been
faith, job seekers are advised -- this is the Unitedvalidated and the mental health of the
States where innovation and entrepreneurshipunemployed deteriorates further.Virginia Bola
always prevail and life gets better andoperated a rehabilitation company for 20 years,
better.Keep mouthing the platitudes and perhapsdeveloping innovative job search techniques for
the 50 year-old former auto worker with andisabled workers, while serving as a respected
eleventh grade education or the 60 year-oldVocational Expert in Administrative, Civil and
dislocated engineer with outdated job skills andWorkers' Compensation Courts.
high blood pressure will actually start to believe it.