Trying to Get to Someplace Else
She might have worked at data entry forever had SourceCorp not laid her off. “I used to do the only thing I thought I could earn money from,” she says, “but I was kind of content.” Not content in a happy way but content in that she wasn’t looking for any other type of work. “It’s sometimes easier to stay where you’re at, instead of trying to get to someplace else.”
The American Prospect has a very good profile of Sue Christian, a mother of two who lives in one of America’s poorest counties: Owsley County in Booneville, Kentucky where 40 percent of the population lives in poverty. At 40, Sue decided to go to college so she could get a job in education to earn more money, and six months after graduating, was able to land a job working with middle school students. Sue gets a happy ending.
What was interesting to me, though, was that Sue was content (though not happy) to continue working at a job that paid her minimum wage, and didn’t get the wakeup call that she could be doing something better—and better paid—with her life until she was laid off from her job.
I think about all the times I’ve been content (but not happy) with a job because it met my basic needs, and why I was willing to stay at those jobs for so long even if they’re not fulfilling.
Sue is right: It’s always easier to stay where you’re at, instead of trying to get to someplace else. But every time I had a wakeup call to try to get to that someplace else, I’ve always been better for it. I’m here, aren’t I?
Photo: Shutterstock/Joanne Harris
I think I might be waiting for just such a call right now (but I also would like to have a job longer than a year on my resume before making the jump).
I read that same piece, and I think “happy ending” is a little over-simplified for what has happened to Sue. She has definitely improved her options, but to me the point of the piece is that in a place as poor as Owsley County, disaster is always just around the corner, even with all the hard work Sue has put in.
even if the expected value of taking a risk is high, you need a safety net to do it. if you are just one step away from dire poverty, then sticking with a job that provides you just enough is better than taking an otherwise reasonable risk to find a new career, because the possibility that things won’t work out is a complete dealbreaker.
reason #563452645 for inequality: it’s easier to make your life better if it’s already good.
@blahstudent This is an excellent comment.
I never thought I’d stop waiting tables – I’m totally comfortable and know what I’m doing; unlimited food and booze; I can sleep til noon every day; no responsibility – until I got fired, and now I have a great career and am generally much happier (and more sober). But . . . I still made more money waiting tables . . . (Tips at expensive trendy NYC bars are amazing). I’m much more of the ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ mind-set – sounds like Sue is right there with me.