I'm really tired of being broke all the fucking time

OP any chance you can turn tricks?

I know what you mean. Get on food stamps. Scrounge for free benefits, even if you have had too much pride in the past to do it. You deserve them.

What's your occupation, OP?

What R2 said

You paid taxes for half your life, now it is time to collect.

Sell a kidney.

Move to a state where people don't have nice things, but have a nice life.

Eugene, OR

Albuquerque, NM

etc.

OP, if it makes you feel any better I'm in the same boat (only younger). It's still sucks though.

You should work harder, OP.

I can relate, OP, I'm earning the same dollars now, that I made in 1995!

Wow.

Nice to know I'm not the only one.

Right there with you, OP. I'm 46 and have been unemployed for two years now. Had my parents not passed away last year, leaving me some inheritance, I probably be homeless right now. A lot of fucking good those Bachelors and Masters degrees are doing it now in this economy.

r11 what were the degrees in? where do you live? what is it you would like to be doing?

R11 That's just sad. Don't tell me you're still paying off student loans too?

Please ignore R2. That's not what welfare is for.

I condole you OP.

I like the DL Official Condoler.

OP, you're such a loser.

[quote] I like the DL Official Condoler.

Me too.

OP, are you cute and younger looking than your age? I may be willing to help if so. Do a Go Fund Me campaign like Brandon with pics, and I'll assess your wares.

OP, where do you live? I have lived in parts of this country where people could give a rat's ass about your car, home etc. Many of them are just getting by, but everyone has friends and they enjoy life. I will warn you, these are conservative but most likely apolitical areas.

Someone needs a sugar daddy.

Well to be fair you weren't exactly raking it in when you were 20, either.

Unless you used to be supported by someone (parents or a significant other) you could never afford these nice things you want anyway. What is making you suddenly have a breakdown over this? The fact that you're older and you finally realize that - short of a dramatic turn of events - you never WILL have these things?

It sounds like the difference between now and then is that you no longer have hope, which is forcing you into a depression. Tell me if I'm wrong.

[quote]Well to be fair you weren't exactly raking it in when you were 20, either.

$30,000 after taxes back in 1994 WAS raking it in for a single 20 year old.

R23 that's all of 2500 a month. Unless he had a roommate, his rent for a decent place would never be under $1000 (in any relatively sophisticated city/suburb/county), so that leaves 1500, some of which has to go out for basic bills (TV/cable, phone, health insurance, etc), food, and as you can see, very little left of the way of discretionary income. Unless that income is in an industry like fashion or PR where you get a lot of free shit (clothes, dinners, travel, etc), it isn't going to afford you any of the "nice things" the OP is talking about.

At best, it would allow you to go out to dinner at a moderately priced restaurant a few times a month.

R24 If you think that making $30,000 after taxes back in 1994 wasn't amazing money for a 20 year old, you must have grown up a spoiled rich kid who never had to learn how to budget on a middle class salary. Also, your snotty ass "in any relatively sophisticated city/suburb/county)" remark shows you're are a stuck up brat who assumes everyone lives in NYC or LA.

OP, you have two options. The first is to steal or backstab your way to the top or marry a rich person you despise, basically do ANYTHING for money.

The second is to learn to be content with less. Learn to despise greed and conspicuous consumption, learn to appreciate the simple joys of library books, the beauty of nature, and the company of loved ones. Learn about the Bhuddist ideas of detachment from material things.

And yes, those are probably your options right there. Frankly, the second one will probably make you happier.

Loss of income or status is like any other loss, whether it be youth, looks, talent, health, mobility, loved ones. The old adage - change what you can't accept, accept what you can't change - applies here.

Happiness does not depend on wealth or possessions, after a VERY minimal threshhold, otherwise there would be no suicides of wealthy people, nor would they need any prescriptions for anti-depressants or anti-anxiety meds.Everyone's life has pain and loss in it.

So you need 1. to get your ass in gear to solve your financial shortcomings (if possible) and 2. to seriously work on your attitude so that you are unaffected by external circumstances. There's a lot of research to support this, that happiness depends on seeing the glass as half full, no matter what. Seek out the things, people and situations that give you pleasure and maximise those experiences.

I hope you do this. Take a look around you and see how rich you really are and enjoy your life.

...if you live long enough, you get to see everything

Be a sperm donor to a sperm bank. Seriously. I've heard that can be decent money.

Doesn't seem like there would be any training involved if you already know how to jerk off and can get it into a cup.

I've been assuming your male.

I work for a billionaire and several multi-millionaires and I can tell you firsthand that more money does not always bring more happiness.

Yes, you want the basics covered, hierarchy of need and all that. But any joy you get from possessions and acquisitions will be short lived. Take a good, hard look at what you're doing and where you're doing it, and what makes you content, happy and satisfied.

And if after that analysis you decide you really do want more money, get more training or get an additional job, or both. Make a change.

[quote]$30,000 after taxes back in 1994 WAS raking it in for a single 20 year old.

Correct R23. I was doing very well at $30k after taxes.

[quote]his rent for a decent place would never be under $1000...some of which has to go out for basic bills...food.

You have no idea what you're talking about R24.

My rent for a 2 bedroom apartment in 1994 was less than $600.

Utilities were included in the rent so my only bills were cable and phone, which were about $50 a month. After groceries of about $100/week car insurance of $1500 per year, and a bit of partying, I was banking over $1000 a month.

Being Canadian I had no health insurance payments and I didn't owe anyone money so I had no debt to pay down. And taxes back then were considerably higher than they are today.

Stop trying to make 2014 seem just as bad as 1994 because it was not.

[quote]Stop trying to make 2014 seem just as bad as 1994 because it was not.

That should read:

[italic]Stop trying to make 1994 seem just as bad as 2014 because it was not.[/italic]

I spend more on personal hygiene products than most of you make in a year.

Try being poor, when all your friends around you are rich. That adds an extra sting to your poverty.

I try hard to keep up with them, but it's impossible with my income. They spend money on expensive trips, restaurants, and bars, and just to go out with them, nearly my entire free income is spent.

It's at the point where I have to make excuses to NOT go out with them, because I simply can't afford it.

Being poor really does suck, no matter what anyone else says.

OP again.

I'm glad to see I'm not the only guy who feels this way.

I know "material things" don't make people happy, but fuck it--I want to be able to buy nice things, make good money not have to pinch pennies to make it to the end of the month.

I live in a one bedroom apartment in a 14 unit building and the rent is almost $1000 a month. Electric and water are no longer included in apartment rents so I have to pay close to $300 every other month.

I have cable for TV and internet use which is about $80 a month. I still don't owe anyone money so being debt free is pretty good.

But fuck me I just want to be able to splurge sometimes.

I was with my sister in a jewelry store to help her choose a nice pen as a graduation gift for her daughter. There was a guy in there buying a Rolex that cost over $30k.

The clothing stores were filled with shoppers. The parking lot was filled with nice cars.

I'm riding the bus and I had to save up just to buy new socks underwear, and t-shirts which were my Christmas present to myself last year.

And don't tell me there are people worse off than me because I know there are. But frankly, I just don't care anymore.

[quote] I had to save up just to buy new socks underwear, and t-shirts which were my Christmas present to myself last year.

Do you know how cheap they are at Wal-Mart. Ever tried shopping there?

R43 watch the film 'Friends with Money'

[quote]Try being poor, when all your friends around you are rich. That adds an extra sting to your poverty. It's at the point where I have to make excuses to NOT go out with them, because I simply can't afford it.

I feel for you, R34.

I never had a lot of friends and even fewer as the years went on. Never felt comfortable being closeted around straight people, but didn't have the courage to be out.

I have a couple of guys I hang out with occasionally, but even though they're not wealthy, they do much better than me.

They understand that I can't afford to go out parting and they don't invite me out. However we haven't been hanging out very much lately because no one likes a broke ass hanging around. And to be honest, I think they're a bit embarrassed to have me around their other friends.

I don't pursue them because I don't want to make them feel uncomfortable. Most of our hang time is just being at their place, or mine and having some dinner or watching TV. It sometimes sucks, but it's all I can afford.

R37 I said this before and I will say it again.

Just GO ASIAN.

If you do that you will never be lonely again, and they will buy you tons of stuff, pick up the tab for you everywhere.

So easy to nab an Asian guy to treat you like a KING.

And I say this as a Gay Asian Man.

That is your choice, either be broke or Go Asian and have tons of stuff and never worry about cash.

But unfortunately guys like you would rather have poverty, than go out an Asian guy.

You are no different than the rest of the gay white population.

[quote]Do you know how cheap they are at Wal-Mart. Ever tried shopping there?

That's where I bought them R36. George brand. Cheap price, but surprisingly good quality.

Actually R38 I'm very attracted to Asian men and always have been. However I haven't had much luck in the love department lately. Or ever, to be honest.

Take a hard look at your anger and resentment issues, OP. Just the way your post is written speaks volumes.

OMG, OP, im you!

Instagram makes it harder, youtube too. I'm like WHERE are all these people in their late twenties getting all this money for all these expensive things/lifestyle, its made me incredibly envious, and feeling like a failure, which, hell, i very well may be, but still....

I. WANT. NICE. SHIT. TOO!!!

Thanks R42.

I know what you mean about young people having great stuff. A 25 year old at the place I work at has a new Mustang, a motorcycle, and a trailer at a camping site.

He's got a nice house in a nice neighbourhood and takes a vacation every year.

I'm sure he and his wife are up to their asses in debt, but at least he is having fun.

I don't talk to my friends or family like this because honestly no one wants to hear about other peoples money problems.

And as I already wrote I know stuff and things don't matter, but I want a Volvo S80, I want to be able to buy new clothes, I want a nice TV. I want a fucking iPhone instead of the 8 year old Nokia flip phone that I'm still using.

See I was right

OP would rather be broke and live in poverty than go with an Asian guy.

[quote] but I want a Volvo S80

Bicycle better for the environment and you exercise

[quote] I want to be able to buy new clothes

You'd be amazed at some of the nearly new stuff tossed at Goodwill and Value Village for just pennies

[quote]I want a nice TV

Who watches TV when everything is on-line and on-direct on your computer

[quote] I want a fucking iPhone instead of the 8 year old Nokia flip phone that I'm still using

Cry me a river, you know how much money you would save not having a iPhone. Who cares?

OP try to frugal, not materialistic.

[quote]OP try to frugal, not materialistic.

Fuck "frugal" people and their upcycling bullshit. If I were materialistic I'd be in debt buying shit.

I am you... except, I got tired of the struggle and just downscaled everything I could. I have given up on the idea of retirement, or yearly vacations, and just pray I can make it through each week with groceries and gas... and that is never having been unemployed, or lived at home with my parents after college.

It sucks, OP.

I'm asian and I want a sugar daddy.

OP, read this thread:

You're going to have to completely rewire your brain and opinions. You will have to most likely cut off anybody who makes you feel "less than", deliberately or otherwise. Don't take part in any situation that makes you feel "less than".

Quit caring about material possessions now. In the future, when you have all the new things and money for more of them, you might feel wistful longing about when you gave a fuck about this junk. You must kill off your desire to have them and think bigger.

You will have to rewire your mind through meditation and real work on the self. Walk taller, act rich. Look for ways to alter your online identity to remove signs of struggle (everybody else does, assholes).

Prime yourself for radical change. Decide "everything must go", then look around at what gets to stay.

You're supposed to organize and start terrorizing the rich.

R49 I'm available!

[quote]no one likes a broke ass hanging around. And to be honest, I think they're a bit embarrassed to have me around their other friends.

That's not true, and your friends sound like assholes. I have friends who have been down and out and I always plan things we can do for little or no money. I'll take a six pack and some tasty take out over to their place, or I'll treat them to a film. The bummer part is that most people that are going through rough times hate when I want to treat them. What they don't get is that it's NOT "charity" - I value their company, and I truly want to pay for whatever it is.

So, those of you who have nice friends who want to help you, let them help, let them pay for things now and then. Don't act like it's charity or that you're the sad, broke friend. Just be gracious and let your friends be kind to you.

I certainly appreciate that Scott Lively chooses Datalounge for his downlow trolling needs.

I used to make A LOT of money and enjoyed a nice lifestyle. After getting laid off in 2008, it was interesting to see who my real friends were...if we weren't out whooping it up at $65 brunches or shopping for sport some of them weren't interested.

I'm very thankful that I never kept balances on my credit cards, and I drove my old car for years after paying off the loan.

Now I make a fraction of what I used to make, but I love my life so much more. I run my own business and control my own schedule. I don't feel the need to buy a bunch of things I don't need, and I am so much healthier now that I don't eat out five or six nights a week.

But unlike OP I've lived both ways, and saved up enough in my previous life to fund my retirement and pay for any unexpected expenses. If it's any consolation, many of the people throwing money around are heavily in debt. You can run, but you can't hide from the credit card issues....someone always finds you sooner or later and wants payback. I hear from all sorts of people whining about that (I'm in Finance.) and it's interesting how few of them accept responsibility for the problem.

Some of them think they can just run up a tab and never pay....and even if they look like they are living in the lap of luxury, the reality is very different.

I know that doesn't help much...

R41, where the hell do you get anger and resentment from the OP?

I see comments like yours all over social media and I'm sick of it. OP is wishing for a better life but somehow has anger issues? Your issue seems to be that you have little or no empathy.

OP, R51 and R54 are both right. I've known, here and there - and known of - people who are "poor" in comparison to their friends, but they might be nice, witty, amusing; available to house- and cat/dog-sit, available to help one with errands. Sometimes such people are artists, actors, etc.; my POINT: I have been in several social situations over the years - albeit when I lived in SF much more so than NYC- where this is the case.

OP, unless I missed it; if so, I apologize - have you said what you do for a living? There are usually ways to raise one's $$$; work overtime, 2nd job, sell on E-Bay, etc.

I think one doesn't get anywhere envying other people's possessions and lifestyles. I have a female friend who has always been, "champagne tastes and beer income"; all it's gotten her is 2 bankruptcy filings when things were rough, having to drive a cab 11 months 'cause jobs are harder now, and TONS of stuff she doesn't need in her rent-controlled, $728 - this is NOT a typo: Seven hundred twenty-eight a month, apt. in SF's Marina (slightly LESS-upscale part of the Marina, but even so.)

You would think she would be worthy of envy for that $$$ these days!!! When the median rent is $3,000.00. But she's miserable; barely has room for all her damn stuff (studio); wants to retire someday and move ANYWHERE she can get 1-bedroom, blah-blah.

$Spends it as fast as she gets it. Making, perhaps 12 years ago, c.. $50,000, bought a brand-new Mercedes.

Only woe comes from living beyond one's meetings. I feel your pain, OP, but I think you need a "value check" - if there is such a phrase.

OP at 43: "I want, i want, I want." You sound like a f---ing baby. SO, the posters who say you should get a sugar daddy - are RIGHT.

Another thing I didn't mention in my first post...many small business owners run as many personal expenses and purchases through their businesses, which fraudulently understates their income taxes.

Some claim this is unintentional, but most of the time that's a lie, too.

When or if the government ever catches up with them, then things really get ugly...

I turn down dozens of clients every year because their reported income doesn't appear to match their circumstances, and they can't offer any explanations.

If a situation looks too good to be true, it usually is....

I agree with R58, the solution is to "double down".

You are not in debt: good. Now get a second job and use it for savings. Forget about material things; your old cell phone works just fine. I don't have a cell phone and get by just fine without it. People can leave you email, you can Skype, etc.

Bonjour Mr. Go Asian. Its a pleasure to cross paths with you again.

OP, I'd investigate working abroad. Preferably Switzerland - in the international humanitarian regime, the UN, NGOs, etc. This is not as difficult as it seems.

Its not too late. A shitload of money awaits you.

Or you could marry an old wealthy queen in Palm Springs assuming you're hot.

I feel you. I live in a college town run by slumlords who drive the rent up to rival those in Manhattan. The standard of living increases every year yet my place of employment just gave us a --wait for it-- 1.3% pay increase.

I feel like I cannot make much of an assessment of the situation until I know more about what the OP does- his job- where he lives- and what his plans are to perhaps get a better job.

OP, seriously looking into UAE. Dubai or Abu Dhabi. I read that they are giving teachers BMWs as perks. The weather is not the greatest but it's a great way to earn some money. A friend of mine went there to work as a nurse, they give her money for housing, I can't remember all the perks, she's been there for a few years and likes it there.

Its true, a simple English as a Second Language Certificate can change one's life. I believe the certificate can be acquired in just a few months.

You're a Democrap OP, so I can't feel sorry for you.

R67 If you'd read all the posts you'd know OP is a Canadian. No Democrats up here.

OP, most of your friends with nice things are probably up to their eyeballs in debt, but they'll never admit that. People are so concerned with keeping up appearances they don't care that they're digging themselves into a hole which may 20 years to get out of.

r65 My co-worker is Pakistani and her sister lives in Dubai teaching English and she makes a killing. I have an English degree and she was trying to convince me to go work overseas and that he sister would give me an in, my first choice is Korea teaching in a private school, but Dubai undoubtedly pays more than any other Asian country.

My point is that in Dubai the downside is that women (gasp, YES a Lesbian resides here), cant leave their home alone EVER!, they are not allowed to drive, and MUST wear traditional Islamic clothing (full body & hair covered ect), only eyes exposed. This is non negotiable even for Westerners.

I could not even do this for the minimum requirement of their contract (2 years). You are more or less giving up your freedom. No amount of money is worth that.

Oh, and you meed more than an ESL certificate lol

R79, are you sure? You have to dress in full traditional Islamic clothing with only eyes exposed in Dubai?

My friend works in Abu Dhai and often goes to Dubai for the weekends. she posts photos of her family in malls and they are wearing normal clothing. She also has a car. I think you're not allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia, you can drive in Dubai if you're a woman.

r70 is misinformed. I travel to Dubai on business and plenty of women walk about in Western clothes. Perhaps r70 meant Saudi Arabia.

And yes a university degree and an ESL certificate are sufficient to land a handsome salary teaching English in certain parts of the world. A business English certificate generally pays even more.

[quote]Yeah those antiretrovirals really cost, but I thought Obama, your Jesus was gonna give you free healthcare.

Lovely, but we caught you.

Only freepy, right wing assholes make this fact-free assertion,but you obviously sill get hard shrieking it, so lets not let facts get in the way of your nastiness.

The ACA was never "free healthcare", unless you are actually one of the many MILLIONS of working poor benefitting from the expansion of Medicaid.

Any other toxic, hater-type garbage for us today Romney cock licker boy? I figured not.

r71 I asked her repeatedly, her sister works at a private school, so perhaps this is that schools requirement, and that is where she was going to help me get in. I spoke to both her and her sister. There are many different schools over there, she worked in one of the best. I asked, hoping the answer would change, but the driver, and attire were non negotiable. She said thats why they were always hiring because not many westerners were willing to make such a sacrifice.

I mean, i guess being driven everywhere would not be so bad and its all expenses paid too I just dont understand where i would get any freedom while there if i had to be supervised at all times.

r72 YES, Saudia Arabia lol, did I say Dubai? My bad...

You can get an ESL qualification in a few weeks; Celta is the most desirable. Do not, do not think of ever making any money as an English teacher in the Mediterranean countries. The pay is abysmal, you struggle to find private students, and when you work for a company, you struggle to get paid. It's a lifestyle job..

R68, R67 is a typical Right-Less. They can't read, or comprehend, and yet want to rule the world, and tell the rest of us what we should do.

[quote]YES, Saudia Arabia lol, did I say Dubai? My bad...

It's SAUDI Arabia. For this mistake we cut off your hand.

OP, at least you're not in debt. It shows that even though you may be envious, you have self-control.

I owe more than I make in a year. I'm trying to get a 2nd job.

Always relevant...

I believe R69 is correct.

You look around and you think people have it all, but they really don't.

They're barely paying the finance charges.

I saw a story about a family in LA; the dad was in debt. He took out the whole family.

I thought what if he had sold the house and got a two bedroom apartment in a cheaper part of town and just downsized as much as possible.

I moved to Phoenix where it is so cheap they almost pay you to live here.

Vote for Democrats.

If you are healthy you can work a second job. I worked sixty hour weeks for about 4 years.

[quote]I've been assuming your male.

Oh, dear.

OP, have you considered Chaturbate? I'm making $5K a night.

someone tell me how to get easy money that doesn't include porn.

When you find out R87 let me know.

I've done everything I can think of and nothing has paid off.

[quote]If a situation looks too good to be true, it usually is....

Exactly.

OP here again.

I've always believed it's much easier to make money in America than anywhere else, but it seems like this isn't true anymore.

Back in the 1970s and 80s it seemed like anyone could start a business and begin flourishing. Was that just bullshit?

r90 nope its true. life sucks.

Timing is SO important when you look at lots of today's fortunes.

Consider, for example, buying 100 bitcoins when they were, like, $12 each only 4 years ago - and then selling when they were at $1000 - a cool $100,000. Or buying Chrysler stock when people were papering their walls with it, it was so cheap.

I know a fair number of affluent people who made their money just by being in the right place at the right time. Obviously, if you have nothing, you can't shell out even $12 for anything frivolous like a bitcoin, but hopefully you'll have SOMETHING you can use to try and make into something MORE.

I was reading that Warren Buffett reads between 6 and 8 hours every day! Maybe some of his success is due simply to applying himself and business knowledge to investing.

Sell your talent to the Republicans. Worked for me. I was broke, finished, washed up....

OP/R90, no, in the 70's you couldn't just start up a business. Interest rates were double digits, inflation was out of control, unemployment was so high - at least during the Carter years.

Not true, r90, for many of the reasons r94 stated. It's still never as easy as it looks, but in many ways it's easier to start up something now.

We have other problems now, witha shrinking middle class - a combination of fewer jobs at that level and prices well outpacing income, but the decades you are talking about were actually significantly less entrepreneurial.

[quote]many of the people throwing money around are heavily in debt. You can run, but you can't hide from the credit card issues....someone always finds you sooner or later and wants payback.

THIS!!!

These people are in debt up to their asses and when the bill comes due, they declare bankruptcy. Once that happens, the party is over.

So don't be too envious, OP. It's all just smoke and mirrors.

OK, I understand and realize that many people live far beyond their means, something I've never done as I've always been afraid of owing people money. Comes from an experience with a co-worker who had a stroke at 54 while being over $600k in debt, including his mortgage, car loans, lines of credit, credit cards, store cards, payday loans etc.

But what about those people not living in debt? They do exist. How the fuck did they get all their money?

They saved until they could pay cash for everything, OP, or did without.

Very few of the people you envy have that sort of disposable income. The vast majority of them are living deeply in debt like your co-worker. You just don't find that out until something tragic happens or they file for bankruptcy.

We all can understand feeling like you're just working and working with nothing to show for it. It's frustrating and disheartening. You're not alone.

Maybe think about hanging with friends that are happy with what they have instead of trying to out-spend each other? It's easy to get caught up in that "spend, spend, spend" mentality.

I feel your pain, OP. I was making 60K when I was 40 and now, at 56, I'm making 45K.

But I learned a long time ago that stuff is just stuff, and you can lose your stuff just like *that*.

Do things that make you happy -- there are plenty of great things to do that you can experience for free. When I was living in FL, I went to the beach almost every evening to watch the sunset (yes, on the Gulf). I went to city parks and chatted with people (snowbirds, mostly) from all over the world. I went to art walks, dog parks, meetups. I have a lot of great memories -- and they are, as they say, priceless.

BTW, when you go out with your buddies, don't drink. That will save you a shitload of money. And let people with money buy you things when they offer. Now that I have some kind of job security, I pay for my now-broke friends who once paid for me. It feels good to finally be able to help others. It's not charity -- it's karma.

Have you asked your friends how they do it? I have a new co-worker who flat-out asks what everybody makes and how they save and whether they rent or buy. Totally nosy, but people are all curious, and if they don't want to respond, they don't. We're weird here in the states. My relatives in Italy and Germany talk very frankly about income and money in general. You learn a lot. Ask your friends, "Do you live within your means, are you in debt, did you come into money--how do you do it?" and preface that with an acknowledgment that it's private but you're looking for ideas. See what happens.

I assume most of these people carry a significant amount of debt.

[You do realize that this is a troll, right? It just craves attention. You might want to stop talking to it.]

Sorry to read this R102.

I'm only 41 and have never had millions, but I fear working will be my only option til I drop.

I was an idiot, had a path to six figures. Didn't want to waste my 20s working that hard. Now I am 45 and only make 45000 a year. If you live somewhere where you can make 45000 a year then it probably costs more than that to live in that area. My office has lots of people still working in their early 70s. We manage benefits for a large grocery chain. It's not uncommon to see papers for someone working in their 80s. The oldest I saw ever was 89yo. Welcome to the new normal.

If you do not believe that revolution is the way out of injustice and oppression. Then what is, the magical transformation of the greedy?

I'm going to get heat for this, but here goes:

I live in the Northeast. My cleaning woman charges $25/hour, and is turning away business. $25/hr x 40 hrs per week = $1,000/wk or about $50k per year. A handy man makes $40/hr. That $1600/wk.

I teach at a local college. The kids I teach are morons, can barely do arithmetic, and end up getting mostly retail jobs, but they still pay at least $40k/yr.

I think a lot of people get a worthless college degrees and get married to the idea of a corporate white-collar office job. There are just too many people with those worthless degrees looking for too few jobs.

Well, cleaning is physical labor. That job particularly leads to a lot of degenerative physical problems over time. So yeah, I would fight to get a desk job over that.

A handyman has knowledge and skill, or at least should.

I agree that too many college degrees are useless. That's the path I took, and I only blame myself for my mistake. I just wish it didn't result in as much ruin in my life as it has.

It it's any consolation, most everyone I know is in the same boat, including myself. So very tired of it too. I hate people who say money can't buy happiness. Lack of it sure doesn't.

We can blame Republicans and right wingers for our fast food and dollar store economy. Those are about the only places you can find a job.

I know a kid who was just applying at a fast food restaurant and the poor kid had to go in for three interviews and they never called him back. I think he should go to that ridiculous restaurant and stuff those managers in their trunks. Workers need to be respected and obviously, managers need to be taught a lesson.

Knowing many of us are in the same boat is no consolation. I've been thinking leaving the U.S. might help, but even that seems unlikely. I can tell you that it doesn't matter what party gets into office. I guess I'm running out of hope for an answer in my lifetime.

OP and others, why not look into teaching English or whatever your degree is in, in the Middle East or Japan? Your English language skills are valuable and sought-after, and in an expensive country, you can save quite a bit. At the very least, it will be a novel experience.

[quote]Well, cleaning is physical labor. That job particularly leads to a lot of degenerative physical problems over time.

Exactly this, R107. My first job was manual labour and aside from the fact that some things changed in the natural gas business, most of the reasons for me not doing that job anymore is that I fucked up my back royally.

Now I can only do jobs that don't require too much standing, or no lifting, or too much sitting, etc.

[quote]A handyman has knowledge and skill, or at least should.

Again you're right. People pay others to do the jobs they don't know how to do themselves.

[quote]Well, cleaning is physical labor. That job particularly leads to a lot of degenerative physical problems over time. Seriously? Not if you take the time to do it right and not lift heavy objects.

[quote]A handyman has knowledge and skill, or at least should. It's not rocket science -- you could work with someone for a little while.

r111 i looked into teaching English in Ukraine and other places, the cash really isnt that much. Austria pays most but.............Hitler.

I think its overrated.

[You do realize that this is a troll, right? It just craves attention. You might want to stop talking to it.]

R115 I know others who express the same thing - I am sad reading about your situation and admire your perspective - "just existing is not good enough" sounds very apt. I hope some of us find the quality of life in this economy that justifies sticking around.

OP, is your name Brandon?

[You do realize that this is a troll, right? It just craves attention. You might want to stop talking to it.]

[quote] Well, cleaning is physical labor. That job particularly leads to a lot of degenerative physical problems over time. So yeah, I would fight to get a desk job over that.

A life-long desk job is terrible for your health. Not that I prefer manual labor.

On the contrary R118, there is a big difference between today's lack of jobs and say in the 1970s when blue collar jobs were disappearing but retraining could indeed recover the loss. Now, retraining won't recover the loss because mathematically the jobs just aren't there.

Have I got the book for you OP

soooo im casually perusing instagram and a 24 yr old acquaintance just came back from Dubai..... D U B A I

HOW?????

But the president says we are all so much better off now.......

D U B A I

D U B A I

I hate being broke

I know there are individuals who are still suffering from the Great Recession. I have read for quite a while; however, that people with college degrees have a very low unemployment rate. Perhaps the people without jobs need to move, but can still stay within the U.S.? The Northeast is booming.

dubai....

R127 What part of the Northeast is booming; is I in your specific employment sphere and education level? I am not being snarky - I am genuinely curious to hear more specifics from you.

My experience and what my friends and acquaintances - 20s, 40s, 50s, 60s - are experiencing is quite the opposite of booming in MA and ME. Jobs are very hard to find, with or without a college degree.

Add to that a generally high cost of living and the added cost of winter heating expenses.

The cost of food is insane. And the portions are shrinking. Case in point: organic spinach at Trader Joe's is now a bag of air with some spinach leaves floating inside. They used to be full bags. And the price went up a dollar.

Hearing rumors of my company having a huge layoff within the next two weeks (Merry Fucking Christmas) .......if it happens and I don't dodge a bullet for the 1,000th time ....one area I *know* I need to do better at is buying groceries and cooking more.

Restaurant eating costs a fortune ......

Whether I make the cut or not in December, that is one area I'll look to save money on.

I make low six figures and can't even afford a house (Wash. DC). It's depressing.

R129, computer skills in MA. You've had no luck? How many jobs have you applied for? I know you do need to be persistent.

R127, also, the low unemployment rate for college grads is something I've read about. That doesn't mean it's imaginary (no snark intended). I don't recall where the jobs are. I've read more than one article about this. I will try to find a link.

"...the unemployment rate for all college grads over the age of 25 is 3.3 percent"

That's higher than normal, but not that bad, really.

These statistics are such BULLSHIT. Nobody admits what's really going on. And all these fucking internships...

Here's another one, 4% unemployment for college grads.

I hate to say but the crash in oil prices suggests we're heading for worse times. It's a sign that the global economy is slowing down.

In the meantime, enjoy the cheaper gas.

Gurl at R128

1. Dubai is a shithole. Don't know why you Americans think it's Paris in the Gulf, because it's not. 2. A trip to Dubai will cost you $5000. Not exactly the trip of a liftime.

so basically, stay poor. WOW

How do your hands (or feet) look? Maybe you can become a hand or foot model to supplement your income.

R130 thank you for that discouraging observation which reinforces my own. A grocery bag of the cheapest shelf stable food with some things like fresh vegetables - a head of fresh cabbage for eg - costs twice what it did last March. And where I live in central MA is already a cheaper food retail area.

R131 sad to hear what you feel hanging over your head at an otherwise already stressful time of year.

Both of you represent a reality which seems more the norm now. I wish you both the best, and I can't say I'm far removed from either of you. Good Luck.

Anyone else who hasn't been so explicit as those two - good luck to you too.

The crash in oil prices also means that fracking is moving along quite well. The U.S. continues to increase its domestic oil production.

Not that I'm comfortable with fracking--I'm not--but it HAS improved our oil supplies.

Depending upon a few factors those with college degrees have little trouble finding work in NYC. However the devil is in the details. That yes, you may get something but at what pay scale?

So many "hipster", young adults or whatever you want to call those say under 30 are coming to NYC that employers often will hire them over older adults. This is especially true of recent college graduates willing to intern. These trust fund kids can afford to work for nothing because money is coming from elsewhere.

It is either the above or such young adults are getting assistance with housing costs from the same sources. Once that is taken off the table anyone can "afford" to work for less.

The other issue is here in NYC as elsewhere vast swaths of middle level employment/jobs/careers are gone. Everything seems to be either entry level or require several years experience doing exactly the same job as the one you are applying to get.

Know persons both gay and straight who are back to doing something they haven't done since graduating college or during; working two or more jobs just to make ends meet. This or at forty or more years old having to live with roommates because they simply cannot afford to live on their own.

New York City recently shouted from the house-tops that job creation has rebounded to highest levels in decades while unemployment sank. When you dig deeper into the numbers a majority of those jobs are in hospitality, health, retail and other service sectors.

Friend in his early 50's lost his very good financial sector job during the fiscal crisis or recession. Despite having decades of experience undergraduate and graduate degrees, etc.. couldn't get his foot past the door. After taking various retail jobs he finally landed a full time,if you could call it that, job as an airline host. He has the family home his parents left him but has been trying to hang on but it was mortgaged to the hilt to keep him afloat during the lean years. Eventually it must be sold as that is the only way to payoff the debt but what then? He likely won't have much left afterwards and surely cannot afford to purchase or even rent anything else in the NYC area on his airline wages.

Hugs to all of you who are wondering how they can possibly (and finally!!) land a new job. Hang on in there.

It's always a little tiring and off-putting reading here where the old folk whine about the young having trust-funds and support from families and therefore that is why they're so successful. Porky, get out of your basement! Addressing the thread, OP if you had any ability beyond the most minimum, you'd have a nice car, house, clothing and jewelry. At 40 why aren't you earning over $100,000 yearly? Not a great wage, but a start.

As Florida Evans said "Damn,Damn,DAMN !"

Today, I was part of a SEVENTY FIVE percent reduction in force for my position in the company (34 of 44 let go

Two weeks notice ...... last day on the books ? CHRISTMAS EVE.

I *know* they want everyone off the books before the end of the year, but ..NICE COMPANY, huh ?

Well, after 29 years, I got a decent severance package and have twice as much of that amount in savings, so I'll be okay awhile .... Ideally, I can just find a part time work at home job and swing it for the rest of my life.

No credit card debt or car payment, etc ... so I'm lucky in that respect. There are folks putting kids through college, etc ....

Sucks, but hopefully all will be okay.

[quote] No credit card debt or car payment, etc ... so I'm lucky in that respect...

No, no, no, you are NOT lucky in this respect. You are smart, thoughtful, diligent, and accomplished. It didn't happen all by itself, did it? Of course not. If you were talking about a third party, and you dismissed them as merely "lucky", I'd have thought you to be a cunt. Maybe you can say you are lucky that you've had your health and could work for so many years for one employer. I can believe there is some luck involved somewhere. But mostly, I see a smart person who's worked hard and made wise choices. And in large part, if you've been lucky, it's because you've made your own luck.

[quote]Today, I was part of a SEVENTY FIVE percent reduction

If you were any good you'd have been in the 25% that were not fired.

Typical lazy ass workers, always thinking they are at fault, when clearly they weren't making the cut.

I guess this special snowflake feels like he should be given a pass or a participation trophy.

Ignore R149, there is something seriously wrong with him. ..

R149, what do you do for work? .

[quote] R132: I make low six figures and can't even afford a house (Wash. DC). It's depressing.

Have you heard of a "starter house"? I'd be surprised if there was nothing. Are you willing to sacrifice? I know DC is a tough area, but maybe you just need to be persistent? How many houses have you looked at? I looked at ~45.

OP Just wait into you get to be in your early sixties, and they decide to "phase out" your job. Try finding someone to hire you at that point in your life. Now that really sucks.

I'm making less now than I was several years ago, when I actually *cried* about a raise I got, thinking it was too low. I make under $20/hour right now. Life circumstances and shit happens.

My highest salary-earning year was about 2001, for a decade. I think I finally broke it in 2010. That dot-com bust was a bitch.

I'm retired now, but actually paid more in taxes last year than I think I ever did, due to the roaring stock market. I'm still anticipating a big correction early next year.

The rich get richer, making everyone else poorer, then they mind control the populace into blaming the government. Genius!

The OP needs to read a newspaper or watch the evening news and count his fucking blessings. So he wants to "splurge" and can't do it...WAAHHHH! What a shallow, materialistic, whiny baby. And this guy is in his forties? I think he's still stuck in "I want, I want, I want" twenty-something mode.

Oh R156, I have to disagree. I can completely understand OPs frustration. I also sense the upset in not having good prospects for the future, under present conditions.

I am inclined to often wonder if many people are more interested in complaining, than they are in working to fix a problem, but OP seems genuinely stuck without a way out, without a way to fix things, and I am sorry to read that.

I also understand what it means to want "nice things". I like how he phrases it that way, too. Not extravagant things, not luxury things, just maybe, plates that match, or drinking glasses that weren't jam containers. I can appreciate how fortunate I am, even if I had to work hard, sacrifice, plan, persevere and do without for a very long time, in order to get to a point in my life where I no longer lack for the nice things I want.

Why don't you try making more money, then? You are obviously listening to the wrong people. You can't solve your problems at the level of thinking that created them.

R156 Ugggh one of those "count your blessings" hypocrites? Be "thankful" you're not a Darfur orphan or in the middle East - ive heard all this bullshit before. You're in "America!" "Count your blessings!"

Get off your high horse. Life can really suck for people sometimes - no need for people who are down to be judged by people like you. Especially at this time of year - this kind of thing can really get to people.

OP, believe it or not, you are not too old to make a change that will change your life for the better. Also, it only gets harder, the longer you wait, so don't put this off, expecting a better outcome later.

If you have no ideas of your own, I would seriously consider moving to North Dakota. The oil & gas business has plenty of work there, and those employed within it also need service employees. As a result, business is booming there. You don't have to move for life, just consider moving there for two years, after which you can decide if you want to move back.

Live with open you means, save, save, save, and invest in your future.

Just one thing - do not go without a plan. Don't go expecting to find "help wanted" signs on every oil well. Ok. Problem solved. Next?

"Get off your high horse. Life can really suck for people sometimes - no need for people who are down to be judged by people like you. Especially at this time of year - this kind of thing can really get to people."

Oh, shut the fuck up. The OP isn't starving or homeless or dealing with a serious illness. He's just mad because he can't afford luxuries like nice cars, big houses, expensive clothes and jewelry. And your heart bleeds for him. Well, why don't you send him a few thousand dollars so he'll have a Merry Christmas? I'm sure he would accept your charity eagerly.

[quote]The OP isn't starving or homeless or dealing with a serious illness.

What's your point? Only Darfur orphans are permitted to complain about their lot in life?

I may not have the same problems but that doesn't mean my problems are any less important.

R161 Riiight because those are the only people who are allowed to express frustration at their life and their problems. Let me guess, you're one of these annoying instagramers who posts things to make others feel bad about their own lives, and then humble brags #blessed #grateful. But nooooo, material things don't matter at ALL.

It's always the pompous show offs who are the most hypocritical.

No my heart does not "bleed" for him, and I won't send him a few thousand, because I don't fucking know him. But I would hope that he has close friends and family who would, and if he doesn't, well that's a damn shame. The concept of when friendship, family, and obligation is all about has really crumbled in the past two decades. People should really feel it as a moral obligation to take care of their own (meaning their close ones). Much more so then the government, frankly.

"I may not have the same problems but that doesn't mean my problems are any less important."

Compared to what a lot of people have to deal with, your "problems" don't amount to a hill of beans.

[quote]I may not have the same problems but that doesn't mean my problems are any less important.

While I'm sure your problems are important - at least to you - they aren't really all that important to the rest of us in the grand scheme of things like human trafficking, starving people, homeless people or a myriad of other problems.

Of course, you're entitled to vent and seek sympathy. I'm just not sure that DL is the place to find succor based on your situation. Seriously, I'm not sure what you expected here of all places although getting 165 and counting responses on any thread is a victory you ought to be able to wrap yourself in and warm yourself during cold nights this winter.

[quote]Compared to what a lot of people have to deal with, your "problems" don't amount to a hill of beans.

Get of your cross R164.

[quote]While I'm sure your problems are important - at least to you - they aren't really all that important to the rest of us in the grand scheme of things like human trafficking, starving people, homeless people or a myriad of other problems.

And what are you doing to fix those problems R165? Or do you just like to mention them when trying to negate what others are going through?

People sit backend and expect to get raises and paid. That was old america. Now they won't give you raises because Corporate America claims they are not making profit. From 1998 to now I have increased my salary every year. I moved from a PR field to an IT field because it paid more. When I felt I has reached a ceiling in pay I moved jobs. I have never had a problem getting a job. I quit a job due to a director making it impossible for me to do my job and the longest i was out of work was two weeks and that was because I wanted to take two weeks off.

By now you are thinking "sure but you need to have a computer degree" nope. I got a book. Studied the technology and got the jobs. I taught myself.

I was speaking the other day to a younger man who told me he could not find a job that paid more than minimum wage. I told him my partner was a retail manager and they were hiring starting at 10.00 an hour for x-mas. He asked me what it was for and I told him in a mall and he balked. I told him "it is very easy work and you get 10.00 an hour." He said "whatever.."

Typical. Guy complains no jobs point him to a job and it's not for him....

[quote]And what are you doing to fix those problems [R165]? Or do you just like to mention them when trying to negate what others are going through?

I'm not trying to negate what you're going through. I'm merely pointing out that you're asking for sympathy from a bunch of strangers without having given any real reason for us to care one way or another. And worse, the manner and type of problems you've articulated actually undercut your request for sympathy by coming across as small and petty concerns.

Okay, I'll bite. You're tired of being broke - have you exhausted all your options and made difficult tradeoffs among various priorities, sacrificed anything:

1. What have you done to remediate that problem - gotten a second job, obtained vocational training, taken classes, volunteered? Before going back to get an MBA, I worked a full-time job as a product manager/VP at a bank and took 2 undergraduate business classes in the evening every semester (fall, spring and summer) for 2 years at a state university.

2. How do you spend your free time? Do you watch TV and movies or read to improve yourself. How often do you read newspapers like WSJ or FT which would increase your understanding of business, economics, and finance. Clearly, you spend time on DL.

3. Do you have a roommate?

4. I spent 10 years working 70-80hr weeks, including doing 2-3 all-nighters each month where I worked all night, then got on a plane to fly to a meeting the next morning. I've worked through most holidays since US holidays are meaningless to international staff or clients.

I'm not trying to humble brag or ask for sympathy. I made my choices- I have relatively few close friends anymore, I've never had a long-term relationship since I was always too busy, and I frankly, I look back on my 20s and 30s and don't even have a lot of memories of good times and fun with the friends I did have. I do have financial security (knock wood), but even now I wonder whether the tradeoff was worth it.

I made my choices and sacrifices - for good, bad or indifferent.

Have you truly made all the tradeoffs available to you. Things aren't just handed to people - media stories about the douchey Brant brothers notwithstanding.

Give me a reason to have sympathy - tell me about all the hard work and sacrifices you've made.

Great post, r168.

R168 / 165 is a heart attack waiting to happen.

A moral obligation to look after relatives? ROFL

There are still a lot of people, despite what sitcom minds think, growing up in horribly abusive households. I was one of them. Fucking YEARS of abuse by the hands and mouths of more than one relative.

If I saw those puds heading for a cliff a towards painful, long lasting end, I'd cheer.

Some families don't turn to each other in hard times for legitimate reasons. Some families are so sick and twisted, they can be totally aware someone they abused is having a hard time as an adult and, because they're sick hypocrites, they don't do a damn thing to help but get secret enjoyment knowing the person is still suffering.

If you don't or don't want to understand the dynamics of sick families, fine. But it doesn't mean they don't exist.

As for things, I could care less myself but that's me. I know that nice things/houses can hide dark hearts and so I will always be suspicious of them. Finding one really decent person?

Priceless.

[quote]I'm merely pointing out that you're asking for sympathy from a bunch of strangers

Where did I ask DLs to give me sympathy? From the comments here it's clear many people can empathize with me because they're in the same boat, but I don't see anyone praying a rosary for me, nor would I expect anyone to.

[quote]I'm not trying to humble brag or ask for sympathy.

The great thing about the internet is you can be anything you want to be. For all any of us know you're some kid sitting in your parents house.

Just because you claim you've worked all these hours and jobs doesn't mean you really did. You just expect us to take your word for it.

If you want us to believe you give us some specifics--which bank did you work for; which schools did you attend; what year did you get your MBA and with which program?

The fact of the matter is you come off like a troll desperate to feel superior to me and anyone who in responding positively to this thread.

The fact that you claim all these accomplishments, yet spend time on Datalounge chastising anonymous posters may cause one to find your claims spurious at best and horseshit at most.

Perhaps instead of paying $18 per annum for the "privilege" to post in this ghost town, you could instead direct your resources and time toward finding a better job?

Either it works right away and you make more money and stop whining about being poor, or it doesn't work right away and you wind up too busy to post your self-pity here. It's win-win for the rest of us!

Oh right, R173: because no unemployed person should be allowed to browse the DataLounge a few times a day, for just a minute or three.

Talk about getting off the big ol' high horse..

Exactly. It's possible to have fun bitching and also be nice when someone's being sincere. It's a lot better being a whole human being, than only half of one. If some don't, or won't, be humane then just shut it and target the cynacism elsewhere. There's plenty of threads for that LOL

OP, fwiw and it's not much, I know...envy won't make you feel better. The nice things you CAN do for yourself or give yourself,(ice cream?), are better for you in the end. You never know what's around the next corner, so take care of your emotional health along the way to it.

R173:

[quote]The nice things you CAN do for yourself or give yourself,(ice cream?)

Funny you should mention that R175.

Went grocery shopping on Friday and picked up some mint chocolate chip, (on sale) and had a bowl while watching Grimm.

I honestly thought to myself at the time, "Things could be much worse," and they could be.

I appreciate what I have, especially my health. I would just like to be better off, or at least where I was 20 years ago.

And to R173 the $18 I spent almost a year ago on this forum has brought me much entertainment and I will gladly renew my membership when it comes due.

I'd much rather spend time chatting, bitching and gossiping with the people here than listen to friends and family humblebrag about their lives.

[quote] From 1998 to now I have increased my salary every year. I moved from a PR field to an IT field because it paid more. When I felt I has reached a ceiling in pay I moved jobs. I have never had a problem getting a job.

Well SMELL YOU!!!

OP, fix it. There is no reason why you can't.

OP, I think r168 is trying to help you figure out how you can improve your situation. Questions 1 through 3 are right on target.

What is your plan of action to find a better job?

I never understand people criticizing others for spending $18 a YEAR on DL. That's nothing. Only a completely impoverished person couldn't afford that. Think the Darfor orphan. OP merely said he'd like nice things, I can't believe the shit being thrown at him. Not LUXURIOUS items, just some nice things. Who wouldn't?

Four years ago I lost my job in IT. I took a job at Burger King so I had some money and something to do. At first it SUCKED ASS. Then I started, you know, making lemonade out of fucking lemons. I smiled and talked up the job while I was there.

Three years later I'm a Burger King manager. Making a little more than twice what I made in IT. Not exactly where I saw myself when I was in college. I take a lot of shit from people about fast food and all that....but I'm used to it and it ain't so bad.

R182, did your weight change? Not criticizing, just curious.

I may have lost a little. I don't eat that shit LOL. The first few weeks were like training for a marathon in my dress shoes. It was fucking horrible I was SO tired. I was on my feet for really long periods of time. You get used to it. I dealt with fat, nasty bitches. Scrubbed the toilet. Did the fucking fryers. Just rotten.

But I just acted like I was thankful for the job. I kept getting promoted and got a BK about 30 minutes from where I lived... there are still more promotions I could get. I suspect I could become a regional manager. Like I said. It's not where I saw myself, and there can be that disappointment, but who knows I may end up someday at franchise management at corporate. I just guess I'm saying I became one of those irritating "make the best of it" people.

Get a credit card.

Interesting, R184!

Oh, and a credit card solves nothing for OP. R185, I have no idea at what getting.

"Where did I ask DLs to give me sympathy?"

Then why exactly did you start your woeful thread about how you can't afford luxuries? To what purpose?

"I want nice shit, too." You might be 40, but you sound like you're still 20. Grow UP.

All you need is love.

R187 must be grateful that Prime Time goes off every now and then.

loser

What was it that couple in the other thread that was in the "financial death spiral" did again?

And who bumped this old thread?

Please R24. My apartment in '95 (downtown Portland, Oregon) was $425. HUge 1 BR railroad style with closets and hardwood floors. It's now $1500 for the same apt. I made 7/hr and did just fine then.

R191, R192. I fell for it.

I bumped it to pump it

Stop voting for Repuglicans.

Bumping an old thread so I can bitch.

Had to do a delivery to a beautiful house today. There was a Bentley in the driveway.

I look at that and know that at 45 I will never be able to live like that.

Guess you didn't suck the right cocks in your prime, OP! Sorry about your bad luck...HAHAHAHAHAHA