Jobs & Torture

I can't recall the countless conversations that I've had over the past six months with people of all ages and walks of life that are completely uninformed of the economic realities that face us today.

Socializing can be agonizing. Look no further than the obligatory exchange between new acquaintances, "So what do you do?" I reluctantly confess that I work in finance, and before he/she can ask how things are going I blurt out, "Things are not great, but I'm still employed. But, you know, that can change at any moment." The listener usually empathizes publicly, but wishes bad things on my family because they think I somehow masterminded the credit freeze and the downward spiraling economy based on the intense Excel work I do on a daily basis.

As if that dialog wasn't unpleasant enough, I then ask about their career. They usually admit to a career that is more interesting than mine by a power of infinity. At this point I don't question further, and I'm ready to talk about something completely meaningless like the weather outside. However, they just continue, and I sit there and take it like a suspected terrorist being interrogated in some cavernous basement being exposed to "questionable tactics." This individual rambles on about how their job is fairly safe because he/she doesn't work in finance, or that they're immune from things that happen on Wall Street.

WRONG! In case you hadn't noticed, the engine for NYC and the economy (in the recent past) has been the excessive workings of Wall Street. That trickles down to every job, every municipality, every school, to all ends of the Earth. Wait. Am I suggesting that it affects auto manufacturing plants in Detroit? YES! So it's no surprise that it could affect your publishing job, or your trendy fashion job.

You don't realize it, but I'm judging you with each ignorant and naive statement and I don't care that you went to the country's finest schools because you are oblivious to reality. Now if you don't mind, I have to get back to scanning the room or bar for more interesting people than you, and drown in my lonely beer.