A Highway Robbery

Just when you think you have it the worst, when you work as a reporter, it is not hard to find someone to beat you in the "woe is me" competition. So while I am dreading the inevitable next step in my life which is moving out of my apartment I share with a relative to move back home...I met 300 people who were laid off from work today.

So while I am excited about my opportunity to cutback on my expenses, others are forced to find a way to pay their mortgages and support their families.

I simply want to buy a new pair of shoes, put gas in my car without overdrafting my account, buy some new shoes and repair my credit score and maybe I will pick up a pair of new shoes. These are silly ambitions compared to supporting a family.
I realize that. But I also realize, we always want what we cannot have. While 300 people want a job, I want my apartment. The economy is robbing us of our desires. No matter how superficial, trivial or integral for basic needs...we have been robbed. And wanting what we cannot have has grown into massive proportions.

And it seems it won't stop...the wanting-robbery is hitting almost everybody. This weekend...while working my part time job...I met a couple who had to pass on $20 travel because they are still trying to figure out how to replace their 20K loss in retirement savings. They were robbed...and the gentleman wearing his overalls and flannel shirt told me there was no other way to look at it.

And I feel as if I have been robbed of even more than the opportunity to make more money...I have been robbed of the opportunity to find an eligible and available bachelor. I have already told you about the electrician who considered us the perfect mates, until he realized his financial situation was too extreme too date. Then there is the Financial Consultant who does not want to be caught unprepared during this economic disaster. So he is studying for 2 degrees simultaneously. Sure...both men sound great...one planning for the future...one honest...this will be great a year or two from now! Right! ...But what about now? I have been robbed of what I want (a relationship) and have to settle for what I can get...nothing. One of the Laidoff 300 even flirted with me today...asking if I am looking for a husband. Yea, sure. I live in the basement at Mom's and he is unemployed. What will we do? Spend friday night's at Aldi's and at the Soup Kitchen for lunch dates? I mean this is just not the way we are supposed to start out dating right? And doesn't this just give men a boost in the "He's Just Not That Into You" Category?
"Sorry I can't date, I've been laid off....I have a midterm....I have to pay for car repairs...but why don't you just come over...but you can't come back tomorrow because I have to go to the unemployment office after I finish my exam and take the bus to class."

The economy has robbed me of what I want....and now I can't have it. This has forced me to decide to go back to school just like everyone else. I want to be one of the millions of over-educated unemployed people in 2010.

So then I can be robbed of something else: The ability to pay back my student loans.