Working Poor in America

For many people status defines who and what we are. That status encompasses where we live, what kind of car. we drive and what kind of job we have. If you were like me and suffered from the effects of being laid off in the last 6 years, then you know what it's like to not only watch your job disappear, but see your status change from middle class to "working poor." Recently the government reported that the number of individuals who fall into this category has and continues to rise. We are the victims of an economy that has not only gone south, but decided to stay there. As a result many people have lost not only their jobs, but their homes as well. Some have moved in with other family members, while others are living in shelters. There are news reports that suggest that this type of economic down turn has not been seen in over 50 years. And to those fortunate few who have been able to find some type of work, many are working at jobs that are paying below what they were making before. They are the working poor. Yet for all the bad news that is out about the economy and what it has done to the middle class, there are some positives. Losing a job has spurred many individuals to "go for it" in terms of ideas or dreams they were just thinking about. Many have put those ideas to reality by staring their own business or reinventing themselves in other ways. Like the true American Spirit that this great country was founded on, we always find a way to pull ourselves up and get back on track no matter what it takes to do so. Take me for example, being laid off has helped me to focus more on my creative talents. I have always loved writing and now that I have more time to do so, I'm doing just that. Writing has been very therapeutic. I'm writing articles and short stories and enjoying every minute. So to those who have now been refined as the working poor I say to you hang in there. We are Americans and we know how to reinvent ourselves. We will get back on track and  we survive and thrive!  Always remember we are Americans that's what WE DO!