Dear Sal,

In this uneasy economy, I know I am very fortunate to have my job. But, I am growing very exasperated with the growing expectations of my boss. Recently, to save on money, my boss cut my work week from five days to four days. Well, this cuts me back about $500 per month. Then, he cancels the cleaning service and tells me and another female employee that we are now to clean the office. I thought he meant our work stations, but we are expected to vacuum, dust, and clean the bathroom. Being a maid was not part of my job description. The male employee was not asked to perform this new found requirement. Funny, hmm…Now, if the boss was making cut backs in his life too, I would probably feel a little better and would feel a team spirit that “We are all in this together.” However, he keeps up his lavish life style of entertaining and certainly kept his personal housekeeping service. What should I do? There are so few jobs out there; I know I can’t afford to quit.

Fed Up and Frustrated

Dear Fed Up and Frustrated

Don’t quit! You are right, there are not many jobs out there, and you are fortunate to be working. However, update your resume and start networking for other employment opportunities. Cleaning the office is insulting and chauvinistic especially when the male employee is not included. I would question your boss as to why the male employee is not required to clean. Perhaps suggest taking turns cleaning the office with the inclusion of him. However, be diplomatic. You don’t want to be another statistic in the unemployment rate. Good luck!

Sal

Dear Sal,

I am writing to you because I can’t talk to anyone I know about this. I probably sound very selfish, but here it is. My mother was barely making it for quite some time and has now lost her job. My father and she divorced when I was ten, and he has been out of the picture for a long time. Sal, my mother was struggling for as long as I can remember trying to make ends meet with lower level jobs. With the economy the way it is, she is unlikely to find anything and is about to become homeless. I am doing fine. I put myself through school, married well, and have two small children. I feel like a horrible person, but what could I do if she has no where to go? I feel like it is a burden and life is not supposed to work like this.

Better Off

Dear Better Off,

You’re right, life should not be like this, but it is! Good hard working people who believed the dream are now facing unemployment and loss of homes. Many are learning to come together as families to pool resources, and helping one another is a great strength that no one can lose from. How about mom moves in, it can only enhance her grandchildren’s lives. It sounds like she was always a good mother who gave you everything she could. That can be a huge advantage to you to have her doting on your children. Studies have shown time after time that extended family living creates a healthy lifestyle with a strong foundation for children. We are told to look for opportunity in adversity; I believe this is your opportunity! Good Luck!

Sal