Take a gander at a hard-to-take lead line from a story about the current economy:
"Gasoline rose to a five-week high after two reports showed the U.S. labor market may be stronger, indicating that job growth may accelerate in the second half of the year and fuel demand will improve."
Let that sentiment sit with you for a moment.
Kinda messed up, isn't it? Just when people are slowly starting to get back on their feet, the fuel they put into their cars to get them to their new jobs becomes more expensive. Two steps forward, one step back?
I understand the concept of supply and demand, but I also understand the drive for the most profits possible. The two ideas are certainly compatible, but that doesn't make the fact that as people are getting new jobs gas prices are climbing any easier to stomach.
In a recession, people often take jobs a much farther distance than they would normally take, just so that they can have some income. Take a job 45 miles away, add in an increase in gas prices, and you've got one frustrated new worker.
For the working poor, there is too frequently this "can't win for losing" trap that prevents them from moving forward. It is expensive to be poor.
[Which is why the Modest Needs New Employment grant is so great. And hand up for people who just need a little lift to get back on their feet.]
Have any of opted not to take a job because it would cost too much to commute there? Let's hear your stories.
[Photo by Dave Wild]
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