From: charlie
Date: 10/19/03
Time: 8:51:30 AM
Remote Name: 209.240.198.61
Jean, I think it is a bit better than when I retired in 96. There have been some changes in the welfare system.
I used to get SO frustrated where the parents were trying to get off welfare--trying very hard--but the system got in their way. If one of the parents got a job that paid more than a certain amt.--they were immediately kicked out of the project.
THAT doesn't work. What they did was quit the job.
ANYbody that is going to move out--even away from home-has to build up a nestegg for deposites, for the first few months of rent, for the utilities, for the actual moving company and a hundred other unforeseen expenses.
What these folks needed was some TIme and some help in planning their move up in life. They didn't get it.
They were penalized for wanting to do better.
In my previous post this morning, I mentioned you can have a successful life and job without being a doctor or lawyer. Yes, the garbage men can have that life as well. To have a city job with benefits, etc. is good.
Being a clerk, a cashier, or even working at McDonald's has value.
And to be successful--most families now have to be a two parent family --with both parents working. That goes for whatever race a person might be.
Even if a person only has a lowly $15,000 job--with two people having a $15,000 job--the household now makes $30,000.
THAT is how most folks are making it these days.
charlie