Critter Alley

Critter Alley

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Labor Day Weekend



















It's Labor Day weekend and the unofficial end of summer.  Time to enjoy the final days of barbeques, boating, and swimming pools.  Having a three day weekend is always a treat and I felt as excited about it as anyone else.

Then I turned on the television.  The job situation is frightening.  Long lines of people were shown waiting for a chance to apply for work.  The scene looked eerily like the "bread lines" of  the great Depression, except those waiting were in business attire and carrying a briefcase. During an interview, one man nearly broke down in tears.  It's been over 8 months that he's been trying to find employment.

I complain about working, but the reality is I feel so grateful that both Hubby and I have jobs.  We're so blessed, and I'm going to try a lot harder not to take that fact for granted.

The United States has always been known as the land of opportunity.  Not so much right now.  So it's my Labor Day wish that opportunity returns to this country...and fast.

On another note, for those who have so kindly commented about my "write-athon". Wednesday I submitted one piece to a national publication, one to an anthology, and two were sent to contests.  Now comes the waiting game. 

Another lesson learned:  Pay close attention to deadlines.  After editing and polishing, one more piece is still sitting at home.  The real deadline came a day before I thought it did.  Oh well....

Hope you and yours have a safe, enjoyable, and gratitude-filled Labor Day.  See you next week!

13 comments:

Mariodacat said...

We hope all the oomans without work do find it soon. It's so said to see so many unemployed in this Land Of Opportunity.

Tammy said...

And I know first-hand that your church is doing something about it. Wish I could get to their meetings more often, but they've been very helpful. Happy Labor Day!

The Word Place said...

Fingers crossed for a mailbox full of acceptances for you--and checks, too!
Yes, it is frightening to think of so many families out there without a guaranteed income. I'm glad to be retired but think about what cuts might do to my income, fixed as it is. We just have to work for and believe in better times ahead for all.

Nick said...

Like your header photo - reminds me of showdown at the OK Corral

Arran, Arthur and Mum said...

Good luck with the submissions. It is scary out there at the moment jobs wise.

Two French Bulldogs said...

work sure is hard to come by these days
Benny & Lily

Anonymous said...

Best wishes on your writing send offs! :D Yes, paws crossed for the job market to begin improving soon. Have a happy Labor Day Holiday! :D

Waggin at ya,
Roo

Lassiter Chase and Benjamin said...

Happy Labor Day weekend to you. Mommy knows all too much about deadlines -- she has one every other week. Very Frustrating. But it keeps the dog food coming in -- so I am grateful that Mommy has a job. Enjoy your weekend.

BECKY said...

Pat, all so true and so sad. I think we ARE at just about the lowest point since the Great Depression....in so many levels. The rich seem to still "have it all" while the rest of the population struggles.

Good luck with your submissions! Isn't it a great feeling? I have a few more I'm "trying" to work on, too.

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

Happy Labor Day to you too!

Hope your pieces are accepted!

Unemployment? I could write a book about it.

I have been unemployed since 2007...nobody wants a woman in her 50s with an advertising background...that is when I started to blog to try and gain back some self-worth.

I don't see me ever working full time again with the way the world is now and that is sad.

Anonymous said...

My human has work, and full-time work, but she works for the government and they have cut her salary until she is barely getting by now, and she fears another cut is coming. All who suffer are not unemployed.

Mimi said...

My dad person's job is really not very good for our family, but we just have to feel lucky that he has one. It's hard to see him be miserable.

Nubbin wiggles,
Oskar

Lisa Ricard Claro said...

The job situation is scary. One of my friends was hiring for a single position at her company and said she received 500+ applications in two days with more rolling in. She told the HR department to shut it down and not send any more. After just two days. Then, after culling through the 500, she ended up with a stack of 50 which she then whittled down further to 10 for interviews. She said the majority of applicants were so over qualified she was both amazed an saddened. So many well-educated, experienced people and no available jobs. Sadly, it doesn't appear that it is going to improve any time soon.