Working War

February 15, 2013

Have to remind myself as I fill bags of trash to and from the beach each day…there is a reward for being a good steward of the land. It is NOT getting closer to the front of the line in heaven, finding a great guy to partner with, receiving free gifts on-line nor fulfilling the things I want in my life. It is simply the satisfaction that I have done a small part of my bit on the planet. I still shudder as I gather pieces of Styrofoam (it never goes away!) and plastic bottles. I am painfully aware this occurs all over the world and not just in Brasil. TRASH. It is unfortunate that some people are just unaware, uneducated or disinterested in caring for Mother Earth. I give my time and energy as a warden to the planet since it is important to me and for my daughter and her children.

Being a “good” person or employee is a matter of interpretation. Volunteering is an integral part of my life and yet not deemed important on a resume. Why is that? It is also recommended to remove my own business ventures on the same document. I would love to sit down with a panel of corporate executives to ask them about their commitment to having secure, creative, flexible and out-of-the-box employees who may not have the higher level of education yet offer many years of experience in the working world.    

I am glad for good health, more often than not proper English skills, creative energy, a vehicle, experience in several unique areas and a savings account. This is as much as any individual across the world can offer. A willingness and capability to work, to contribute special talents and skills and forced to accept the value of what the market will bear. It is amazing to realize the level of jobs and rate of pay that has not increased very much over the last ten years.

In Brasil, minimum wage has risen four times its worth since I left in 2002. I cannot say the same for North America. The going rate for entry to intermediate level positions in Minneapolis range $10-$14 per hour. Most positions are part-time and do not offer benefits. How do workers support themselves let alone a family on those frightening wages? It is disconcerting to imagine returning to the United States of America and accepting the quality of life earnings, or lack thereof, available in the working world. It is part of the reason I left the country, to create another perspective and gain alternative skills to round off my resume. In the end, that did not happen. I also need to consider what posts will be offered with my injured foot? A pre-existing condition…great!

Brasil has basically two classes, those whom have a college education and consequently solid employment to be able to support the service class workers and the poor. Is that where the US is headed? When I share my work experience and describe the minimal prospects I have to make a livable wage without supplementary self-employment income S. American friends are in shock. Even those who seem to be struggling with money support the income of a maid who receives nearly R$14 per hour in an area of several million people!

How to be a part of a change for the working poor is beyond my grasp at this point. I feel inadequate and dampened. Time to meditate!