For the last few years, many of my friends have lost their jobs and have NOT found suitable replacements. Most are on unemployment, and those whose unemployment has run out are simply eeking out some meager existence doing something they don't like, that doesn't pay well, and doesn't help to really reduce the stress they face every day.
Well, to be honest, I used to LAUGH MY ASS OFF at them. HA HA HA I would say. I work at MICROSOFT. NOBODY has ever been layed off from here. We're the number 1 software company in the world. Nobody can touch us here. Everyday this belief would be reinforced by profit and revenue reports. Granted, stock hasn't gone up in a while, and we were feeling something of a squeeze, but nothing major. We still have free soda and free trips to the movies. Usually, a group just re-orgs into another group more suitable for changing technological needs.
Well, the unthinkable happened. My whole org simply got eliminated. Everybody with my job description got cut, not to mention a bunch of other people.
I once told myself that if this ever happened, I would have undeniable proof that the economy sucks. Well folks, the economy SUCKS, despite what Sean Hannity likes to tell you.
These 1 million new jobs Bush has created will not replace the wonderful benefits, work/life balance, and sheer salary (57,000 a year) that I used to make. They simply won't cut it.
I just recently decided to not vote for Bush, and this only reinforces the fact that I made the right decision and am actually living in reality. Don't be fooled by the republicans saying the economy is going good. Most of the people I worked with are Bush supporters. They voted for him in 2000 because they believed him to be a friend of big business (ie Microsoft). Well, from the looks on their faces, especially the ones locked in their offices crying, I can tell you who they're voting for now.
Thanks Bush...
Dolphman