For the past few weeks, there seems to be an employment surge on the corners of major intersections in my city. By no means do I think it is a new concept. But, this group seems to be as organized as the CEO of a van of kids dropped off to canvas neighborhoods selling magazine subscriptions. I don’t see any signs of homeless veterans, but mostly young adults drinking Dunkin’ Doughnuts coffee and changing shifts with another peer sitting under an overpass.
I guess my beef is that I see “Now Hiring” signs in business windows up and down my suburb’s highways. I was not a privileged young adult that was able to go to college. However, the work ethic that my parents raised me with failed to allow myself to indulge in the idea that I would ever get rich quick. I worked fast food, the Piggly Wiggly deli and eventually into law offices to earn the title of Legal Assistant for a prominent attorney.
Yes, I worked for food. I improved my living conditions at a tortoise pace. Nothing happened overnight or was served from a silver spoon. My children didn’t have every gimmick or name brand fashion.
I can’t imagine that choosing to hold a sign at the side of a highway pays more than minimum wage at a department store or restaurant. I am not judging their choice to participate in a group peddling scam, but I guess it plucks a sour note. As the younger son in the Bible’s Prodical Son story, I tend to resent being the dutiful worker bee. The one that sends a check to the government and doesn’t sit and wait for one. As hard as it is to stop from rolling down my window and share the fruits of my labor, I feel I am enabling slothful mentality. As my friend, Jacqueline Gum, says…. Where’s the Justice? 
Bravo Kat! I am with you. Back in my day (I hate saying that) there was a stigma to begging! I would have cleaned a million gas station bathrooms before I begged for money or food. Like you, I was raised to believe that if I was able, I damn well better earn my living!
I pride myself on having been raised to share my blessings, but I don’t see a Great Depression, Great Wars or weather phenomenon suppressing the job market. I worked hard to be where I am and getting tired of the palms of people that can work for food.
I’ll second that…..
Entitled mentality.
There are exceptions to someone’s hardships, but it is becoming too normal of a mentality. Don’t learn a trade or go to school? Don’t bitch about minimum wage and a normal job infringing on lack of discipline.