My heart breaks for those who are desperately struggling in this economic turmoil. As we all have, I've watched people I love lose their job or take cuts, and I fear what is happening around me. I don't really want to return to Korea, but there are numerous reasons to do so. First and most obviously, I can get a job there. In addition, if I did get a job in Canada or the US, I'd feel guilty about taking a job from someone who has a house and kids and doesn't have the option to leave like I do.
I digress.
First, I have a question. What are those of us who are already living practically supposed to do with the advice the 'experts' are dishing out now? We don't eat out very often. We have the cheapest cable plan available- and we didn't even want that, but it was a package deal with the internet. I don't have a cell phone or a car. I haven't had a hair cut in months and the last item of clothing I purchased was a jacket at a thrift store three months ago. Oh, and boots. I bought boots. It's Canada, for Gosh Sakes.
But this lifestyle is not a result of the current economy. I just live like this and mostly always have. So I ask the 'experts' - what do WE do? What's your advice for those of us who already live within our means?
Which leads me to my next thought- what the hell are people doing with their money? I don't understand a family of four that can't live on $60,000 a year! I realize I'm slightly speaking out of my ass here- I don't have a house or kids to pay for. I know that's expensive. My issue is that we've become used to living a certain type of lifestyle and for some people, buying $20 sneakers instead of $200 sneakers is just not an option- and I can't grasp that thinking. We don't NEED all the things we have. But then I realize if we don't buy these things, business fail, and people lose jobs. So there's no easy solution- DUH.
I'm not making my point well.
The point is, some of us think we're struggling even when we have everything we need. We don't need the giant house and $30.00 pizza deliveries. I get irked when I see someone on TV whining about their economic situation when there are other people who would give their right arm for any income they can get.
Again, I'm not saying that some people are not in serious trouble. But some of us are complaining when we should be grateful that are basic needs are met. Not being able to afford a Gucci purse is NOT a freaking crisis.
3 comments:
Good post to make your comeback with, Jen. Definitely a topic that's on everyone's minds, and you do raise some very good points. (and you make them well.)
The line between our wants and our needs has been blurred so badly, some people can't distinguish one from the other.
I'm going to Vegas in June for my 40th b-day, and the thought has crossed my mind more than once that maybe I should spend that monumental leap in age by going somewhere with a one-man pup tent, a notebook and pen, and my camera...instead of a wallet full of money and neon and glitz everywhere around me. That the former would do so much more for me than the latter.
While I still may do the solitary "retreat" sometime this summer, I haven't done much to call off the Vegas trip. I've had my flight booked for a while now, and I know I'm going with a fun group. But...do I NEED to spend my money that way?? Um...no.
It really struck me when I read that you're considering returning to Korea, even though you'd rather not. You're a bigger person than I for even throwing that thought in the ring. Ultimately, I'm sure you have to weigh a long list of factors that go into a decision like that, but I don't think you should feel too guilty for taking a job here, if your other option is halfway around the world.
Just my two cents.
Glad I got to read some of your words. My blog is suffering from severe neglect lately, and every night I say I should remedy that. And don't.
I should remedy that.
Tomorrow.
I think a "personal retreat" is a fabulous idea. It's not exactly the same time, but I've spent many days road tripping by myself and after 3 or 4 days of being alone on a highway, through the desert, through the mountains, my spirit is renewed.
STILL working on my next entry. I start off strong but can't finish- just like some of my ex-lovers.
Hence the prefix "ex", yes? :O)
"We drove out to the desert
just to lie down beneath
this bowl of stars."
—Mrs. Potter's Lullaby,
Counting Crows
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