Challen H. Armstrong

Employment

Loss of a viable income, underemployed

I am a dedicated NPR listener who loves your show. I was so glad that SOMEONE was talking about the disaster that is going on in employment.

I had a corporate job making 6 figures, with stock options, health insurance and a 401K plan. I have an MBA in Marketing. I was 55 when I lost my job due to 9/11. I spent 7 years trying to recapture the benefits I lost. Now I am a retail sales person making (fortunately) $10 per hour for 16-20 hours per week. I have no benefits, I could get fired without notice and I would not be able to get unemployment and I'm clearing around $300 per week. I had to take early SS benefits just to get SOME income to contribute to the family.
No, my ego isn't damaged, but my lifestyle has taken a huge hit.. You are not talking to people who have to support families or are underemployed relative to their skills.
I couldn't sustain myself economically if it weren't for my husband providing health benefits and most of the income that comes into this house. I know that others aren't as lucky as I am.

I know I couldn't get $10.00 per hour now...I just took a cut of $.50 per hour cut and kept my job, thank God. What happens to my intellect, my skills and the money that I would need if I were fully employed? Start asking those questions!