A Cheery Thought

[alexiscartwheel]

In today's NY Times, Bob Herbert discusses the potential impact of the "Millenial" Generation on the upcoming election. Defining a generation is a tricky business, and I tend to dislike the implied group think of some generational models, but I digress. No matter what they're calling it these days (once upon a time it was Generation Y, I believe) they're talking about people my age.

And here's what we've got to look forward to, apparently: "This is a generation that is in danger of being left out of the American dream — the first American generation to do less well economically than their parents."

Not that my goal in life is to make lots of money (if so, maybe I'd have chosen pharmacy school instead of library school) but less well off than my parents? My family isn't and never was all that well off, so that's actually a pretty troubling prospect.

Comments

[tsukara.livejournal.com]

It is disturbing, particularly when you hear someone like McCain claim that the economy is doing really well (which, really, is false. Not matter how you look at it).

We've got the debts brought back from the war, both monetary and otherwise, we've got chronic under-funding of social programs that may lead them to collapse sometime in our lifetimes, and a president who, for eight years, has done nothing but tax the middle class and give tax cuts to the rich.

Almost makes one reconsider pharmacy school, doesn't it?

[alexiscartwheel.livejournal.com]

I don't see how anyone can claim the economy is doing well. Does McCain think that if he says things are good that will make it so? (Just look at Bush's approval ratings. It doesn't work!)

Thing is, I'd probably be miserable as a pharmacist, so I guess I'll stick with books.

[carrotgirl.livejournal.com]

Sweetie, you are going to be quite well off when you get your MLIS degree. Especially if you come work at a library in Canada (because you guys are getting a bit screwed over at libraries down there). For instance, in BC right now (based on the jobs I have been looking at), the starting wage is between $46,000 to $48,000. See what I mean? Good times.

[alexiscartwheel.livejournal.com]

So what you're saying is I should move to BC? :D Actually, I really would like to move back to Canada sometime. And, you know, stay for more than four months.

[carrotgirl.livejournal.com]

Yeah, and you might enjoy it more if you aren't at a school you don't like.

Either that or live in the northern US, as I was reading an article today talking about how people in the southern US make less money. Ooo, or the Library of Congress! They had 3 job postings last month starting at $58,000 US. Craaaaaaaazy.

[alexiscartwheel.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I'm sure. I actually really liked Montreal as a place to live... but hating school put me in a very bad place. Blech. So without that I'd have fun!

I want to live... everywhere. I've been thinking I might like Portland or Seattle, I'd love to move to Europe (but that's kind of a pipe dream), and I could always decide to stay in D.C. when I finish school. Cause, yeah, Library of Congress! I checked a while back and they had a position that I was actually qualified for and everything BUT I'M NOT THERE YET! Tragic.

[carrotgirl.livejournal.com]

Portland and Seattle are gorgeous. I partly like them because they remind me so much of Vancouver, but everyone is laid back and fairly left wing, which is nice. Plus, there is good coffee and the ocean.

Wow, you qualified?? That's awesome. That means you will have a good chance of getting in when you graduate. Hold in there, you'll be done soon! I've realized that looking at job postings gives me a lot of motivation to appreciate library school, as I now can see the point of it a bit more clearly.