asian-invasion

It must be nice to have a job that allows workers this day off and still collect a full eight hours of “time and a half” pay.  I would settle for anything in my unemployed status that puts me to work in spite of the federal holiday.

As far as I can tell, there are three categories you can choose from to describe Labor Day, an exclusively American tradition.  First, it can be seen as a day for workers who can afford to miss a day of work, paid or not, to relax and have an extra day off.  It can be classified as the day employers close down shop whether or not their employees need the boost that holiday pay offers.

I fall into the third category: it’s a day I have no choice but to work through because I need the boost of holiday pay but can’t because, in spite of the fact there is work to be had today, Labor Ready (a “pay by day” temporary staffing service) decided to take this day off.  And not one person who uses this service can afford to lose a day of work.  I have bills and expenses to meet, not to mention a wife to support, and the new month is already beginning which means rent is due again.

As unemployment spikes and continues to increase, I find it more difficult as time passes to secure employment anywhere.  The temp services are vital to me until the time I find a permanent position somewhere.  Anywhere.  My skill set would qualify me for a good-paying job but my “legally blind” status means my lack of mobility cuts my range of travel and employment options all at once.  I have to settle for jobs which are “beneath me” in order to break even, so it hurts my cause when the job I’m doing won’t allow me to work for a day which I am available (holiday or not).

So to anyone out there who is gainfully employed, I congratulate you.  For those who are being paid to have this day off, enjoy it.  At the same time, I don’t want to hear anyone complain about having to work in spite of earning “time and a half” today.  While you bemoan your lack of free time, try and remember those of us who don’t have the luxury of a job to keep us afloat.