A Nation of Takers?

Have we become accustomed to hand outs? Do we feel entitled? Typically these are qualities associated with the younger generation, however, it may be cultural or societal.

No one promised us employment or the "right to work", did they? In a changing global economy, it has become every man, woman and child for themselves.  Survival of the fittest. And I believe this is a good thing for the majority of lazy Americans.

We need to develop a hunger or sense of passion.  We need to earn a living, not have it handed to us on a silver platter. 

I am on this rampage because I've been witnessing job seekers who are upset over being denied WIA training dollars (free government grants), angered over the fact that Unemployment Insurance extensions may no longer exist and who only want to participate in FREE professional development opportunities.

Please, where are your survival skills?

When thousands of immigrants rush to enter our country for the opportunity to work and and make money, doesn't it make you wonder? What is it they they see that we don't?  They are doing more than just looking for a better life.  They are risking it all for a better life.  They leave behind their families, friends and community to earn money and perhaps build a new life. 

When the pilgrims came to this country, they were hungry and passionate for a better life.  They risked it all and left behind the stability of their lives.  They became entrepreneurs, providing product and services that their community needed.  They weren't looking for handouts.  They weren't expecting to be supplied with training on how to farm, how to make candles or be a blacksmith.

Yes, our world is different today.  Many jobs do require advanced skills.  How do you acquire them?  The key is to identify them before you need them.  Become hungry or passionate.

And yes, the immigrants and pilgrims had less to lose. What is it that you are afraid of losing?

So before you start complaining about needing a job, ask yourself, am I hungry enough to do what it takes to survive?

Got thoughts?  Did I hit a nerve? Please comment.

Comments

[WOWed]

WOW... I am just surprised that a person that does what you do for living is committing such a blunder! Your post is missing tact - especially when it tries to fit everybody inside your little square! Yes... unemployed people can't afford to pay for things above basic! Good luck with your job search... Hopefully you will not be in your 25th week without a job despite your efforts -- hearing someone asking you "where are your survival skills lazy??!".

[Tin Woman]

There is a 2,000 year old parable about a vineyard owner who was hiring. One man came early, agreed upon the daily wage, and began to work. Another man came around noon, agreed upon a wage and started working. A third man came near the end of the day and also went to work. At "closing time" the owner paid all three men the same amount of money. The first worker was very upset, saying that the others did not work as long as he did, and therefore did not deserve the same pay. The owner reminded him that he was paid the agreed upon sum and admonished him for being irritated that others were shown mercy.

I often think of this story when people complain that they may only receive 26 weeks of unemployment when "others" got 99 weeks, including extentions. Do we complain that we get too little or that others got too much? Where would you draw the line for who gets the larger share? Whose responsibility is it too make up the difference? It is an age old issue which does not seem to have been solved in our evolutionary process.

[Carole]

Thanks for clarifying, Hannah. Phrased the way you've said it in your latest comment, you raise some valid points. I've actually partaken in some of the alternative options that you're suggesting which resulted in one past position in particular that ended up being one of the most positively rewarding professional growth experiences I've had thus far.

[Career Sherpa]

Tina, "Bystander" and Carole:
I appreciate your comments and you all make some good points- my post shouldn't have been a blanket statement towards all job seekers.

I've been asked to explain what I meant by survival skills...and yesterday's post on the changes in the way we work was the response to those survival skills.

In order to survive in this new economy, I encourage everyone to accept the fact that the old fashion, "job" is going away. If you are still looking for it, that might be one reason you are still unemployed. Short term contracts, independent agent, solopreneurship is a way to survive. Instead of finding one job that will meet your financial requirements and excite you, could you try presenting yourself as someone who provides a valuable service on a contracted basis?
Another survival suggestion would be to accept work in another part of the county. Ideal, no. However, it would be a job and you would be making money. The logistics might be complicated, but again, it would be a possibility.
I am empathetic to the situations of the unemployed. I have met thousands of you all over the past eight years. I know these are difficult times. I intended for this post to change your thinking...about what your expectations are, what your dreams are and what is really important. You are survivors if you chose to be. Do what it takes for now. No one says it will be this way forever.
Thank you all for your input!

[Carole]

I too feel unnerved by this post, and agree wholeheartedly with what Tina has said. In spite of the great efforts that many are putting into their search, utilizing the very tips learned at RocheterWorks in fact, they have not landed by the end of the 26-week usual benefit period. Unfortunately, unemployment is not a "one size fits all" situation. Some people were blessed to receive large compensation packages at the conclusion of their jobs, and others weren't (example: contractors - and there are many in this town). Those who don't have that added extra cushion to keep them afloat while searching, are in dire need right now. The timing of the debacle in the senate couldn't be worse as many are now left to compete with college and high school students for "survival" jobs.

Granted, I do realize that there may be some who have so much of a cushion to fall back on that they are seemingly "sitting on their hands," appearing to take their time in their search, but this certainly does not apply to all, so to have it implied as such seems somewhat insulting.