This is more of a rant thread than an advice/confessional one...
I don't understand why there are so many people who are judgmental towards anyone who is under or unemployed. Official statistics say about 8% of Americans are not employed, and that percentage may be actually higher. In that case, everyone is supposed to know someone who has been hurt by the economic downturn and either lost their jobs or were unable to find a decent one after getting their college or post-graduate degrees. But yet, they show very little sympathy sometimes.
I am working as a receptionist at a law firm. While it is not the greatest job in the world, I am grateful that I have it. I spent 3 1/2 years trying to get a job in media after getting my MA in journalism. While I did some freelancing, I had to work low-waged jobs to survive. Before I got this law firm job, it looked like I was going to go on Medicaid and food stamps after my unemployment from a temp job ran out. So, I have every right to be relieved that I have this job.
But whenever I tell people about my job, they get so judgmental towards me. People who knew about my struggles even raise an eyebrow when they learn I'm a law office receptionist. They'd be like: "Weren't you trying to get back into news? Why aren't you working there? Don't you have a master's degree?" etc.
That is what pisses me off so much. If people are aware that there are so many struggling to find work and getting what they can, why do they get so critical with someone who isn't working a good enough job? Heck, they even laugh sometimes.
It's just I don't understand why people are so judgmental like this. One minute they talk about how difficult the economy is, and then they turn around and smirk at someone who hasn't had it easy. Sometimes I think some have no clue what is going on in the world and don't know too many people.
Anyway, I'm just bothered by the lack of sympathy and the overt criticism out there. I try not to care about what people think because they have no idea what I went through, but when I feel judged over and over, I get upset.
OK, enough of this rant. Just wanted to blow off some steam.
I don't understand why there are so many people who are judgmental towards anyone who is under or unemployed. Official statistics say about 8% of Americans are not employed, and that percentage may be actually higher. In that case, everyone is supposed to know someone who has been hurt by the economic downturn and either lost their jobs or were unable to find a decent one after getting their college or post-graduate degrees. But yet, they show very little sympathy sometimes.
I am working as a receptionist at a law firm. While it is not the greatest job in the world, I am grateful that I have it. I spent 3 1/2 years trying to get a job in media after getting my MA in journalism. While I did some freelancing, I had to work low-waged jobs to survive. Before I got this law firm job, it looked like I was going to go on Medicaid and food stamps after my unemployment from a temp job ran out. So, I have every right to be relieved that I have this job.
But whenever I tell people about my job, they get so judgmental towards me. People who knew about my struggles even raise an eyebrow when they learn I'm a law office receptionist. They'd be like: "Weren't you trying to get back into news? Why aren't you working there? Don't you have a master's degree?" etc.
That is what pisses me off so much. If people are aware that there are so many struggling to find work and getting what they can, why do they get so critical with someone who isn't working a good enough job? Heck, they even laugh sometimes.
It's just I don't understand why people are so judgmental like this. One minute they talk about how difficult the economy is, and then they turn around and smirk at someone who hasn't had it easy. Sometimes I think some have no clue what is going on in the world and don't know too many people.
Anyway, I'm just bothered by the lack of sympathy and the overt criticism out there. I try not to care about what people think because they have no idea what I went through, but when I feel judged over and over, I get upset.
OK, enough of this rant. Just wanted to blow off some steam.