Back when I was a young child, my dad might work a second job to try to get ahead of his bills. It was a hard choice, but at least there was an opportunity to do so when necessary - a buffer zone. My mom put her career on hold to be at home with the kids, but she might work an occasional night shift. Today, it is expected that the family will be funded by dual-income. However, there are consequences to having both parents work. First off, the buffer zone is gone. What do you do when a child has to stay home from school? Also, society (not just the markets) raise prices knowing that the cost of the product or service can be afforded. It sounds absurd, but it is true and is reflected in the supply and demand of capitalism.
Our family has a stay-at-home mom and as such we are struggling to pay the bills. There aren't many 'extra jobs' out there with so many unemployed and there is fear of losing ones primary job.
Arguably, I have two jobs -- at night, I am trying to start a business to increase my income. Since I don't have any product in the market, it does not generate any income. My 'day job' has demanded "voluntary overtime" of the salaried employees and I am afraid that if I do not participate in the overtime, that I will lose my job. This means longer hours, no more income and less time to generate more income in the long run.
The point of my sharing is that I have some questions ... is this just an anecdotal situation or is this the social economic experience of everyone at large? Is it the definition of middle-class? How do we make a change and turn this around? I have some ideas ... but let me hear yours first.
No comments:
Post a Comment