American attitudes towards the poor
Dec 4th 2012, 5:36 am
#31
He/him
Joined: Dec 2006
Location: WA
Posts: 18,937
Re: American attitudes towards the poor
In America, I have learned to stay clear of any reference to slavery, unless that is exactly the issue I wish to address. (no matter what it means to me, or my intent).
Dec 4th 2012, 5:50 am
#33
WTF?
Joined: Aug 2003
Location: Homeostasis
Posts: 79,438
Re: American attitudes towards the poor
She is not cheaper, we shopped around first to make sure we were paying the going market rate. This is not about getting a cheaper deal, which I agree would have fit your argument more to your pleasing. As I've already stated, I can't police what she does. I have no evidence other than her self confession, which I believe would be heresay, unless she would substantiate my accusation. I'll mention it on Thursday when she cleans.
The floors sparkle when she has been. She also folds the toilet paper, nice touch
http://lasvegasblog.harrahs.com/wp-c..._fold_332w.jpg
The floors sparkle when she has been. She also folds the toilet paper, nice touch
http://lasvegasblog.harrahs.com/wp-c..._fold_332w.jpg
But you're absolutely right, all of the responsibility is entirely hers and hers alone. Your hands are clean.
I'm sure the 1099 form is all taken care of too.
Dec 4th 2012, 6:57 am
#36
In the pink
Joined: Oct 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 3,324
Re: American attitudes towards the poor
\
In the US, blue collar work and blue collar workers are almost looked down on by many. How many kids do you know who would aspire to become plumbers, mechanics, welders or carpenters? This is a shame, because a mate of mine back home makes a very decent living as a plumber. I honestly believe that there should be far more trade schools here so that people have the option to learn a trade and get something equivalent to a C&G, rather than coerce people into all going for the same business-related degree. Unfortunately, many blue collar jobs simply don't pay well enough here either.
In the US, blue collar work and blue collar workers are almost looked down on by many. How many kids do you know who would aspire to become plumbers, mechanics, welders or carpenters? This is a shame, because a mate of mine back home makes a very decent living as a plumber. I honestly believe that there should be far more trade schools here so that people have the option to learn a trade and get something equivalent to a C&G, rather than coerce people into all going for the same business-related degree. Unfortunately, many blue collar jobs simply don't pay well enough here either.
Perhaps you should enroll in a carpentry or plumbing course at a local technical college if you want to earn good money - I'm certain no one would be looking down on you. You would probably make double what you earn now in your low paid job.
Dec 4th 2012, 8:32 am
#37
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: May 2010
Location: San Diego, California
Posts: 9,705
Re: American attitudes towards the poor
I'm not entering the general discussion here, just want to comment on what craftsmen/artisans/repair guys are paid these days.
Just had a handyman at my home looking at a few things - 65 bucks per hour
Just had an electrician here - 95 bucks per hour
Repair guy for my microwave - 60 bucks for call out and by the hour.
I'm waiting on a roofer (my home is only 10 years old but things just seem to be breaking down recently) - can't wait to hear what he is going to charge.
I don't think these guys get looked down on - we rely on them too much.
Just had a handyman at my home looking at a few things - 65 bucks per hour
Just had an electrician here - 95 bucks per hour
Repair guy for my microwave - 60 bucks for call out and by the hour.
I'm waiting on a roofer (my home is only 10 years old but things just seem to be breaking down recently) - can't wait to hear what he is going to charge.
I don't think these guys get looked down on - we rely on them too much.
Dec 4th 2012, 10:03 am
#38
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,847
Re: American attitudes towards the poor
I'm not entering the general discussion here, just want to comment on what craftsmen/artisans/repair guys are paid these days.
Just had a handyman at my home looking at a few things - 65 bucks per hour
Just had an electrician here - 95 bucks per hour
Repair guy for my microwave - 60 bucks for call out and by the hour.
I'm waiting on a roofer (my home is only 10 years old but things just seem to be breaking down recently) - can't wait to hear what he is going to charge.
I don't think these guys get looked down on - we rely on them too much.
Just had a handyman at my home looking at a few things - 65 bucks per hour
Just had an electrician here - 95 bucks per hour
Repair guy for my microwave - 60 bucks for call out and by the hour.
I'm waiting on a roofer (my home is only 10 years old but things just seem to be breaking down recently) - can't wait to hear what he is going to charge.
I don't think these guys get looked down on - we rely on them too much.
...BUT these people DID put themselves through college to get these professional, practical (vocational?) qualifications, and they have operating expenses and just because you charge $65 an hour doesn't mean your income is $500+ a day (8x $65) so now the actual net income starts to look not quite so attractive as it first did...
Dec 4th 2012, 10:04 am
#39
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,847
Re: American attitudes towards the poor
All valid and intersting points Harry. Western Europe suffered a major war in its own backyard. The US was heavily involved of course and many American servicemen were killed and wounded too, but to have rationing, aerial bombing and in the case of our continental neighbours, full on occupation. Then you had the aftermath of WW2, in which Europe was crippled economically for many years afterwards, while America prospered in the 50's and 60's (that's when the suburbs really grew and the American dream must have been at least more of a reality than it is today).
As for bettering yourself, I somewhat disagree with you, but I can only go on my UK experience from 2003 and prior. Take my profession for example: accounting. If I wanted to become an accountant in the UK, I could pursue AAT, ACCA or CIMA without having to go to an actual university. Many companies even pay for this. There are few non-core subjects, except for perhaps a basic level of IT in the syllabus and health & safety at work...and all at a fraction of the cost of an average 4 year degree at a university. I don't know if this is still the same case now, or if things have changed since I left.
Off back to work...
As for bettering yourself, I somewhat disagree with you, but I can only go on my UK experience from 2003 and prior. Take my profession for example: accounting. If I wanted to become an accountant in the UK, I could pursue AAT, ACCA or CIMA without having to go to an actual university. Many companies even pay for this. There are few non-core subjects, except for perhaps a basic level of IT in the syllabus and health & safety at work...and all at a fraction of the cost of an average 4 year degree at a university. I don't know if this is still the same case now, or if things have changed since I left.
Off back to work...
Dec 4th 2012, 12:17 pm
#40
Banned
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2012
Location: Purgatory (PU, USA)
Posts: 860
Re: American attitudes towards the poor
She is not cheaper, we shopped around first to make sure we were paying the going market rate. This is not about getting a cheaper deal, which I agree would have fit your argument more to your pleasing. As I've already stated, I can't police what she does. I have no evidence other than her self confession, which I believe would be heresay, unless she would substantiate my accusation. I'll mention it on Thursday when she cleans.
The floors sparkle when she has been. She also folds the toilet paper, nice touch
http://lasvegasblog.harrahs.com/wp-c..._fold_332w.jpg
The floors sparkle when she has been. She also folds the toilet paper, nice touch
http://lasvegasblog.harrahs.com/wp-c..._fold_332w.jpg
Next question, are you and 'fatbrit' related?
Dec 4th 2012, 12:21 pm
#41
Banned
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2012
Location: Purgatory (PU, USA)
Posts: 860
Re: American attitudes towards the poor
I'm not entering the general discussion here, just want to comment on what craftsmen/artisans/repair guys are paid these days.
Just had a handyman at my home looking at a few things - 65 bucks per hour
Just had an electrician here - 95 bucks per hour
Repair guy for my microwave - 60 bucks for call out and by the hour.
I'm waiting on a roofer (my home is only 10 years old but things just seem to be breaking down recently) - can't wait to hear what he is going to charge.
I don't think these guys get looked down on - we rely on them too much.
Just had a handyman at my home looking at a few things - 65 bucks per hour
Just had an electrician here - 95 bucks per hour
Repair guy for my microwave - 60 bucks for call out and by the hour.
I'm waiting on a roofer (my home is only 10 years old but things just seem to be breaking down recently) - can't wait to hear what he is going to charge.
I don't think these guys get looked down on - we rely on them too much.
Next time you need a handyman, call me. I'll do it for $57.50 an hour.
Dec 4th 2012, 12:29 pm
#42
Banned
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2012
Location: Purgatory (PU, USA)
Posts: 860
Re: American attitudes towards the poor
Ahhh..that explains your (confessed) not so great job! My father is a bookkeeper/accountant. All he has is an 18month certificate that he received about 25yr ago, and he has complained bitterly about the lack of pay and benefits that companies give to accountants. He said many of them barely want to pay a living wage, and they definitely don't want to pay him for his years of experience. He's deeply concerned he will soon be out of a job because complications from his diabetes has him off work for another 2weeks at least, and he has no remaining vacation or sick days.
Sorry for taking the thread off topic..
Sorry for taking the thread off topic..
Your dad is American or British? I'm sorry to hear that. Many companies these days don't seem to care about experience or hiring the right person for the job. It's all become such nonsense.
I actually like accounting in many ways. Being quite shy and introverted, it's a job I can do whereby I have minimal human contact. I am also good with spreadsheets, problem solving and interpreting financial statements to tell a story, plus I like to reconcile difficult accounts. I just don't have a degree and that puts me in a bad position here in the US. Judging by what I've read about the UK, I'd most likely have the same problem there too.....time for me to go to school, but can't afford it!
I don't hate my job per se...I just hate the toxic corporate environment. It's slightly less toxic here in Miami because this is one of the least "American" parts of America. Still, not for me long term.
Unfortunately many companies have resorted to using temp labor to cut corners, rather than commit to taking on permanent members of staff and having to pay benefits. The recession has given companies the excuse to do so, even if their profit margins are just fine.
Dec 4th 2012, 1:04 pm
#43
Banned
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,065
Re: American attitudes towards the poor
She is not cheaper, we shopped around first to make sure we were paying the going market rate. This is not about getting a cheaper deal, which I agree would have fit your argument more to your pleasing. As I've already stated, I can't police what she does. I have no evidence other than her self confession, which I believe would be heresay, unless she would substantiate my accusation. I'll mention it on Thursday when she cleans.
The floors sparkle when she has been. She also folds the toilet paper, nice touch
http://lasvegasblog.harrahs.com/wp-c..._fold_332w.jpg
The floors sparkle when she has been. She also folds the toilet paper, nice touch
http://lasvegasblog.harrahs.com/wp-c..._fold_332w.jpg
I must confess to having employed an illegal Hungarian maid-$120/hour. In a way I was acting as an enabler, however in a way I like to think I was helping her...
Dec 4th 2012, 1:14 pm
#44
Banned
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,065
Re: American attitudes towards the poor
I am the king of throwing threads off topic, so no apology needed.
Your dad is American or British? I'm sorry to hear that. Many companies these days don't seem to care about experience or hiring the right person for the job. It's all become such nonsense.
I actually like accounting in many ways. Being quite shy and introverted, it's a job I can do whereby I have minimal human contact. I am also good with spreadsheets, problem solving and interpreting financial statements to tell a story, plus I like to reconcile difficult accounts. I just don't have a degree and that puts me in a bad position here in the US. Judging by what I've read about the UK, I'd most likely have the same problem there too.....time for me to go to school, but can't afford it!
I don't hate my job per se...I just hate the toxic corporate environment. It's slightly less toxic here in Miami because this is one of the least "American" parts of America. Still, not for me long term.
Unfortunately many companies have resorted to using temp labor to cut corners, rather than commit to taking on permanent members of staff and having to pay benefits. The recession has given companies the excuse to do so, even if their profit margins are just fine.
Your dad is American or British? I'm sorry to hear that. Many companies these days don't seem to care about experience or hiring the right person for the job. It's all become such nonsense.
I actually like accounting in many ways. Being quite shy and introverted, it's a job I can do whereby I have minimal human contact. I am also good with spreadsheets, problem solving and interpreting financial statements to tell a story, plus I like to reconcile difficult accounts. I just don't have a degree and that puts me in a bad position here in the US. Judging by what I've read about the UK, I'd most likely have the same problem there too.....time for me to go to school, but can't afford it!
I don't hate my job per se...I just hate the toxic corporate environment. It's slightly less toxic here in Miami because this is one of the least "American" parts of America. Still, not for me long term.
Unfortunately many companies have resorted to using temp labor to cut corners, rather than commit to taking on permanent members of staff and having to pay benefits. The recession has given companies the excuse to do so, even if their profit margins are just fine.
You could have an exciting, glamorous lifestyle if you learnt some Spanish
Dec 4th 2012, 1:17 pm
#45
Banned
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2012
Location: Purgatory (PU, USA)
Posts: 860
