tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40882588715039892312023-11-15T05:22:37.054-08:0001 wage slaveI dedicate this blog to the 'wage slaves'. Working to stay alive and make ends meet.
My book, "Going Dutch, Trials of a Wage Slave" will be used as an example of how NOT to lead your life.
Looking back at what I've done, some of it's pretty funny. It wasn't at the time.
Avoid the pain and enjoy the laughs!
The comments on this blog are my opinion. None of them should be construed as professional or legal advice.
If you have any questions, you should consult a legal professional.Thomas L. Segersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395760965581032375noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088258871503989231.post-81586164520003921262019-05-01T08:59:00.000-07:002019-05-01T08:59:47.312-07:00The Uneven LifeThe vast majority of people work for a living. A very few, those who have been born into circumstances of wealth, power, or position have little in common with the average person.<br />
<br />
These privileged elites are usually given the freedom to live as they please, consequences of their actions be damned.<br />
<br />
If you have any questions about this, you only need to read the latest judicial rulings to see that there is a multi-tier system in place.<br />
<br />
You have the money, you can just about get away with anything.<br />
<br />
That is now changing, as the electronic leash given everyone to control them is now becoming the whip that cracks the backs of those who flaunt their position.<br />
<br />
It's going to be a roller coaster ride for the next few years, but the truth will out.<br />
<br />
Call it a revelation.<div class="blogger-post-footer">2008 Thomas L. Segerson All rights reserved</div>Thomas L. Segersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395760965581032375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088258871503989231.post-19966968678397674252017-12-22T12:05:00.000-08:002017-12-22T12:05:47.322-08:00Our Bicentennial Crisis by Pete Davis<div class="MsoNormal">
Our Bicentennial Crisis<o:p></o:p></div>
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Pete Davis, Harvard Law Class of 2018, has written a compelling book on the current crisis in our legal education system. </div>
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“Our Bicentennial Crisis” focuses on Harvard Law School, but in greater context is an examination of our culture and educational system.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mr. Davis breaks down our legal education situation into historical, current, and future perspectives. His call to reform and refine the current system is a dissection of our legal culture. A culture which has grown to exclude citizens from the most basic of legal services due to the unbearable cost of litigation. His solutions are workable, but will probably not win too many converts among the legal crowd.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I highly recommend reading his book.<o:p></o:p></div>
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You can get it as a PDF download through this link:</div>
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<a href="http://hlrecord.org/2017/10/our-bicentennial-crisis-a-call-to-action-for-harvard-law-schools-public-interest-mission/">http://hlrecord.org/2017/10/our-bicentennial-crisis-a-call-to-action-for-harvard-law-schools-public-interest-mission/</a></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">2008 Thomas L. Segerson All rights reserved</div>Thomas L. Segersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395760965581032375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088258871503989231.post-65414653046567404972017-09-02T08:51:00.000-07:002017-09-02T08:51:51.343-07:00Going Dutch, Trials of a Wage Slave, first videoI wrote "Going Dutch, Trials of a Wage Slave" after a lifetime of working in various industries.<br />
<br />
It would be great to say that all employers are created equal and give their employees decent benefits, good working conditions, and pay them what they're worth.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, the employee, to many companies, is one of the most disposable of assets.<br />
<br />
After all, there are plenty of people out on the street who will do the job for less.<br />
<br />
If a company made an investment in training someone, why would they throw the employee's abilities and work experience out the door?<br />
<br />
Too often it's a matter of short-term 'cost savings'. All done to boost the bottom line, impress investors and raise the stock price. Maybe the boss considers the employee a threat to their position.<br />
<br />
In the end, the company usually has problems, but management is rarely to blame.<br />
<br />
As long as the investors and upper management get to bail out with a profit, it doesn't matter that the employees lost their jobs and sometimes, their pensions.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">First video/introduction<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/100009307213581/videos/1816640201989536/?fref=mentions">https://www.facebook.com/100009307213581/videos/1816640201989536/?fref=mentions</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">2008 Thomas L. Segerson All rights reserved</div>Thomas L. Segersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395760965581032375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088258871503989231.post-48213850757485371162017-08-19T09:37:00.000-07:002017-08-19T09:43:41.168-07:00Workplace Hate CrimeHate crimes in America are on the rise.<br />
<br />
We have people who go out of their way to defend their heritage.<br />
How about standing up for someone who was injured in their service to our country.<br />
<br />
How many people are going to ask about the crime committed against an Army Lieutenant, a nurse who worked providing comfort and care to military personnel and dependents?<br />
<br />
It seems that this incident, attempted murder by a co-worker, has been hushed up, swept under the rug, covered up, use any of those phrases which describe willful deception by the media and those in power.<br />
<br />
This should have triggered so many people that it would have been front page news.<br />
<br />
Why are we only hearing about it now?<br />
<br />
Call, email, write, confront your representatives in Congress.<br />
<br />
Ask Trump and Obama.<br />
<br />
Both of whom claim to be great supports of our military.<br />
<br />
"What the hell happened here?"<br />
<br />
WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dfu599M5rP0">Hate in America, Army Style</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">2008 Thomas L. Segerson All rights reserved</div>Thomas L. Segersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395760965581032375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088258871503989231.post-84418773881405771592017-08-19T09:09:00.002-07:002017-08-19T09:09:16.776-07:00The Great American EclipseNext week at this time, the Great American Eclipse of 2017 will be history. There will be millions of photos, videos, selfies, and commentary.<br />
<br />
I've seen a total eclipse from the Netherlands back in 1999. Unfortunately, I didn't take off from work to see it. Totality was further south in Belgium, France and Luxembourg.<br />
<br />
Standing in the parking lot with my co-workers it was a short but exciting event, in a geeky sort of way. Like they say, 'You had to be there'.<br />
<br />
It also seemed to herald a death spiral to my working life.<br />
<br />
The job I had was with an American company,doing contract work for another American company at their manufacturing plant. Everything connected with the job was a trial due to my former employer having never worked in Europe. Let's just say that conditions deteriorated rather than improved over time.<br />
<br />
Was it due to the eclipse? Probably not, but down through history eclipses have been noted as portents of major changes. My life has changed dramatically since 1999.<br />
<br />
I've spent the past 17 years trying to understand how and why America has been become the country we now have, one that appears to be lost, without principles.<br />
<br />
A country where liars, cheats, thieves, and scoundrels flourish, and are admired for it.<br />
<br />
All things rotten soon collapse.<br />
<br />
I am think we are about to see that happen to America.<div class="blogger-post-footer">2008 Thomas L. Segerson All rights reserved</div>Thomas L. Segersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395760965581032375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088258871503989231.post-36711735708772165622017-02-24T09:40:00.000-08:002017-02-24T09:40:27.413-08:00No Christmas In February, O'Neil & Associates, Inc. Public Service AnnounncementThose of you who expected Christmas in February will be disappointed in me.<br />
<br />
There will be no presents tomorrow. I have to work on a court filing which has a due date next week.<br />
<br />
I <i>may </i>get another Public Service Announcement video in yet this weekend, but don't hold your breath.<br />
<br />
My
former employer, O'Neil & Associates, Inc. of Dayton, Ohio
(ONA) still hasn't paid the Netherlands court judgment. The amount goes
up in 5 days, so they should hurry and send the $.<br />
<br />
The
next ONA Public Service Announcement video will highlight Dutch court
proceedings. How ONA tried to smear my name in court. They are such nice
people, but I can't recommend them to anyone who's looking for
employment.<br />
<br />
Remember, only you can prevent wage slavery.<br />
<br />
Don't work for nothing! Get what you're worth! <br />
<br />
Have a great weekend!<div class="blogger-post-footer">2008 Thomas L. Segerson All rights reserved</div>Thomas L. Segersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395760965581032375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088258871503989231.post-8979488778289308372017-02-04T09:50:00.001-08:002017-02-04T09:50:30.915-08:00Amazon Wage Slaves Immigrants Trump Justice Politics<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Tpl14oOAyxs" width="459"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer">2008 Thomas L. Segerson All rights reserved</div>Thomas L. Segersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395760965581032375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088258871503989231.post-55785722325197273912016-09-17T09:18:00.000-07:002016-09-17T09:18:52.946-07:00Wage Slave EvolutionIt's time for the Wage Slave Evolution.<br />
<br />
People in this day and time are fed up with the promises made, but never kept by corporations and politicians.<br />
<br />
If the people who do the job aren't being paid for it, who loses?<br />
<br />
Everyone.<br />
<br />
An evolution of compensation, benefits and rights has to happen.<br />
<br />
The alternative is not pretty and it may have disastrous consequences socially and economically.<div class="blogger-post-footer">2008 Thomas L. Segerson All rights reserved</div>Thomas L. Segersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395760965581032375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088258871503989231.post-33522884304063638912016-03-22T11:10:00.000-07:002016-03-22T11:10:33.686-07:00It's an election year..where's Linda Tirado?Once in a great while, working people wake up and go...."Hell, I'm getting screwed!"<br />
<br />
Then, if we're lucky, wonders of wonders, one of them will write a book about it.<br />
<br />
This can go over well or flop, dependent on the economy.<br />
<br />
Truth be told, most people don't want to admit, much less face up to the facts that they're getting hosed at their job.<br />
<br />
Nah, much easier to cruise the 'net, eat another taco and swill some caffeine.<br />
<br />
Why try to deal with all that confrontation stuff? Life is enough of a bitch without having to piss off the boss, get fired, then come home and hear about what a moron you are for losing your job.<br />
<br />
Take it easy, suck up to the boss. Have a burger.<br />
<br />
Until someone like Linda Tirado comes along and rants her way to internet fame. Which she did a great job of, did all the talk shows, went to the White House, all those wage slave dreams.<br />
<br />
Now, it's an election year, the big one, presidential and all....not one word.<br />
<br />
I've been looking, can't find Linda anywhere.<br />
<br />
Did she get bought off? Scared off? Run off to another part of the world?<br />
<br />
The wage slaves are ready.<br />
<br />
Where are you Linda?<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">2008 Thomas L. Segerson All rights reserved</div>Thomas L. Segersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395760965581032375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088258871503989231.post-50403972930794551502015-02-07T09:38:00.000-08:002015-02-07T09:38:40.530-08:00Wages, Work, and the Millennium EconomyWe have a new economy. Whether you call it the 'global economy' or the 'Millennium economy' is a matter of perception.<br />
<br />
There has always been a global economy. Look at the trade routes of the old world, whether they used wooden ships or camels to transport goods. People always want exotic goods.<br />
<br />
The Millennium Economy is different in that we now use electronic devices to instantly communicate, control, and pay for our goods and services.<br />
<br />
We also have exported jobs to slave wage countries, all the while being told that it 'improves' our country, no matter where you live.<br />
<br />
It improves only the bottom line of those who manipulate the economy.<br />
<br />
Everyone else pays the price in the cyber-managed markets.<br />
<br />
Wages will continue to stagnate until they reach a point of equity with those of the rest of the world.<br />
<br />
Don't worry, there will always be entertainment distractions to keep you from worrying about your loss of income and rights.<div class="blogger-post-footer">2008 Thomas L. Segerson All rights reserved</div>Thomas L. Segersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395760965581032375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088258871503989231.post-11287112299876127192015-01-10T09:27:00.000-08:002015-01-10T09:27:54.701-08:00New Plans for the New YearI've been following the news about our current employment situation, not only in the USA but Europe and other countries of interest.<br />
<br />
You don't have to be a rocket scientist to notice that there is growing unrest amongst the working people of this world when it comes to employment rights, conditions and wages.<br />
<br />
These topics will be covered in the coming months by the various media outlets and political commentators.<br />
<br />
It will be interesting to see which of them understands and explains the developments in the business culture both national and worldwide.<br />
<br />
Don't expect it to be a boring year.<div class="blogger-post-footer">2008 Thomas L. Segerson All rights reserved</div>Thomas L. Segersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395760965581032375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088258871503989231.post-58764844855016682942014-07-19T10:18:00.000-07:002014-07-19T10:18:28.002-07:00Don't Worry, Be Happy About Getting Paid, MiniEnjoy your minimum wage.<br />
<br />
It's the best the company can do. After all it costs lots of money to do those things the executives do, which you get to earn for them.<br />
<br />
Remember, Segerson's First Law of Compensation:<br />
<br />
"The less you do, the more you make."<br />
<br />
If you don't believe me, ask any politician, actor, or sports hero. Sure, they work, but everyone does that. How much of what they do really PRODUCES something of use?<br />
<br />
We won't go into the usefulness of company executives. Golf, anyone?<br />
<br />
Talk show hosts are actually the best examples.<br />
<br />
If we had them back in 1776 the USA would still be a part of the British Commonwealth.<br />
<br />
All talk and no action equals hot air.<div class="blogger-post-footer">2008 Thomas L. Segerson All rights reserved</div>Thomas L. Segersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395760965581032375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088258871503989231.post-84579091208029402532014-05-21T09:27:00.000-07:002014-05-21T09:27:07.313-07:00Minimal Wage, the New Economic SlaveryWelcome to the new world of minimal wage. Where you can earn the least amount necessary to continue to survive. You're welcome to work harder for more, but don't expect it.<br />
<br />
Will this be a TV/RADIO/INTERNET advertisement?<br />
<br />
FADE IN<br />
<br />
<em>Distance Shot:Man in a suit standing in front of a lake with fountains in the background.</em><br />
<br />
"Hello and thank you for groveling. It's comforting to know that we, the elites, have been able to drip feed misinformation to all of you loyal workers. We now have you believing that your life is wonderful, even as you scurry from job to job."<br />
<br />
<em>Close-up Shot: Man in suit smiling into camera</em><br />
<em></em><br />
"Insecurity has allowed us to control your every move. Which makes it easy for us to manipulate your life. Debt is happiness and the more you have the happier you'll be. You don't want to quit your job, then you won't be able to keep your precious stuff. Work harder to own more."<br />
<br />
<em>Tracking Shot, intercut: Different crowds of workers from all over the world.</em><br />
"After all, we've got billions of you wage slaves out there and we're going to use you until you drop. Then we'll sweep you out the door and put a fresh, new clone/drone in your place."<br />
<br />
<em>FADE to Close-ups: Shots of various workers at their jobs, smiling.</em><br />
"Remember, we need you to continue to be happy and productive. If you're not, then we don't get our profit margins. We can't allow that, as it will affect our conservative, free-spending lifestyles."<br />
<br />
<em>FADE to tracking shot of expensive convertible car pulling up to lake and man in suit getting in with beautiful woman. He looks into the camera.</em><br />
"So, we thank you and expect you to slave on. It's what you do best."<br />
<br />
FADE OUT<br />
<br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">2008 Thomas L. Segerson All rights reserved</div>Thomas L. Segersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395760965581032375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088258871503989231.post-58043597471977537582014-05-14T09:32:00.000-07:002014-05-14T09:32:42.022-07:00Wages OR a PercentageSo, what are you worth?<br />
<br />
Does your hourly rate reflect your contribution to the company's bottom line?<br />
Should you be paid a percentage of the company's profits?<br />
How about a base pay rate, plus a percentage?<br />
<br />
All questions which you should consider, in light of the fact that the current wages in this country have stagnated now for over 30 years.<br />
<br />
The people who are at the top haven't seen this decline in buying power.
But then again, they do set the standards and wages, don't they.
<br />
<br />
"Those who have the gold, make the rules."<br />
<br />
Until those who do the work, change them.<div class="blogger-post-footer">2008 Thomas L. Segerson All rights reserved</div>Thomas L. Segersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395760965581032375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088258871503989231.post-534163368344603252013-12-05T10:34:00.000-08:002013-12-05T10:34:30.779-08:00Welcome to SNAFUWhich for those of you unencumbered by being around the military means, in polite terms; Situation Normal All Fouled Up.
I'll elaborate on the circumstances later, but I'm glad to see that there are people out there who are now willing to make their adverse working conditions known.
Time to change the game rules!
Remember, only you can preventa a SNAFU.<div class="blogger-post-footer">2008 Thomas L. Segerson All rights reserved</div>Thomas L. Segersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395760965581032375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088258871503989231.post-15728635932802122662013-07-11T17:36:00.000-07:002013-07-11T17:36:07.895-07:00Wage Slaves Gain Weight, Continue to Lose MoneyAs Wall Street sets new records, corporations are finding new ways to pass business costs onto employees.
The longest running is the health care scam. Big Health, (read the AMA and other organized medical groups) bolstered by Big Pharma, now are turning everything into a disease.
If you're a drunk, then you're really an alcoholic. A disease treatable by the medical community. Get a lawyer to fight for you and and you can receive 'disability' payments from the government. Money you can spend on getting drunk.
If you're overweigh, then you're obese. Now classified as a disease by the AMA. Which means that they will develop treatments, backed up by drugs. Notice that there's never a cure?
That would destroy the money flow.
We are being fed junk news, junk food and given junk healthcare.
It's no wonder this country is headed for the junkpile.
The sad thing is that we get to pay for it, through taxes or insurance, while receiving little or no benefit from a system that now supports healthcare fraud.
With the minimum wage now lower than it was (on an inflation adjusted basis) in the 1960s can the working people of this country allow this to continue?
I don't think so.
There may be some outcry, but for right now, its' been more of a whimper.
Of severe economic pain.
<div class="blogger-post-footer">2008 Thomas L. Segerson All rights reserved</div>Thomas L. Segersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395760965581032375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088258871503989231.post-70745339870216484932011-11-03T13:43:00.001-07:002011-11-03T13:56:28.197-07:00Time to LaunchBeen busy the past few months. Work on the farm is never ending and with the weather turning cold earlier than I expected, I've had to postpone a few projects. The blogs have been neglected as a result.<br /><br />Will post a 'new' video YouTube today. I made it a couple of years ago, but held off on releasing it.<br /><br />Either way, I hope all the citizens out there who now realize how out of control our social systems have become will use some restraint in their actions to right the situation.<br /><br />Time to launch my revised edition of "Going Dutch, Trials of a Wage Slave", put the billing for the judgment against my former company on line and release the public service announcement for the benefit of those who are now looking for jobs in this 'jobless recovery'.<br /><br />Remember, it's your life and all the time you spend at work can never be recovered. Find a career you love or just be a wage slave all your life.<div class="blogger-post-footer">2008 Thomas L. Segerson All rights reserved</div>Thomas L. Segersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395760965581032375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088258871503989231.post-29335580496289309732011-09-08T11:33:00.001-07:002011-09-08T11:41:55.887-07:00More Wage Slaves, Less PayYou thought it couldn't get any worse, right? Time to think again.<br /><br />There are more people unemployed, marginally employed and just play disgusted and not looking for a job than there has ever been before in this country.<br /><br />I've been working on some projects which I'll be unveiling over the next few months.<br /><br />This will include videos, essays and information about our current state of affairs related to the so-called "job situation" in the USA and the world.<br /><br />I'll be commenting on how employers and corporations use the law to enforce their agendas, while denying rights to employees.<br /><br />Remember work harder, not smarter. The boss is the smart guy in your group.<br /><br />Anyhow, you need all the overtime you can get, since your money buys less now than it did last month.<div class="blogger-post-footer">2008 Thomas L. Segerson All rights reserved</div>Thomas L. Segersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395760965581032375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088258871503989231.post-18274446807366374772010-05-10T09:27:00.000-07:002010-05-10T09:45:21.357-07:00The NEW WAGE ORDERWelcome to the New Wage Order.<br /><br />You can work yourself to death, just don't die in the lunch room.<br /><br />Otherwise, don't worry, be happy. You should be glad we let you slave here.<br /><br />You too, can be hired to work for 10% of your true, employment worth. That's right, get in on the ground floor and stay there, by being a New Contract Worker of America!<br /><br />Get downsized, right-sized, laid-off or just plain FIRED. Then be rehired for less benefits, less security and more, free STRESS. You're gonna love working with your old co-workers, who might still be on the 'full-time employee' list, but they shouldn't be too smug.<br /><br />After all, in most states in this great United States of America, you can be fired without cause, or reason. Some call it "Employment at Will", others "Right to Work" there are different, polite sounding phrases which all boil down to this:<br /><br /><em><strong>You're gonna get canned when the man decides he doesn't need you any longer.</strong></em><br /><br />Keep telling yourself that it's not that bad. After all you could be one of those poor drones who works for government.<br /><br />Where everyone is guaranteed a pension, health care, benefits and some even have shopping privileges!<br /><br />BE ADVISED: THE ABOVE IS IN NO WAY, SHAPE OR FORM A COMMENT ABOUT OUR MILITARY. YOU SHOULD HAVE HALF THEIR GUTS!<br /><br />THEY DO THE JOBS THEY DO WITHOUT GETTING THE SUPPORT THEY SHOULD RECEIVE.<br /><br />So, keep working at being the nice person in the office. They usually fire them last. It doesn't hurt to rat out your co-workers. Never know when kissing up to the boss will come in handy.<br /><br />Just expect the same to happen to you. What goes around, comes around.<br /><br />Don't worry, it won't be in your contract.<div class="blogger-post-footer">2008 Thomas L. Segerson All rights reserved</div>Thomas L. Segersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395760965581032375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088258871503989231.post-53548678757339556842010-03-02T13:45:00.000-08:002010-03-02T13:56:31.510-08:00All the Happy WorkersI'm back, the novel is finished, now to find an agent.<br /><br />How's the unemployment where you are? Still believing those 'facts and figures' of about 9-10%. Of course, that figure doesn't take into account those people who have been out of work for more than 6 months.<br /><br /><br />I spoke to a local university department head last fall. At that time, the unemployment rate in Jackson, TN was 18%.<br /><br />It's worse now, due to the two 'bads', the weather and the economy.<br /><br />Hang in there, everything's going to get better with the Spring weather. At least you can go back outside and be depressed, instead of watching whatever your favorite video poison might be.<br /><br />If you haven't figured it out, it's time for you to start your own business. I hear that people with jobs still need banks. There's an idea for you!<br /><br />Just think how happy you would be, taking and 'guarding' other people's money for them!<div class="blogger-post-footer">2008 Thomas L. Segerson All rights reserved</div>Thomas L. Segersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395760965581032375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088258871503989231.post-39099076539364051452009-03-18T04:47:00.000-07:002009-03-18T04:59:24.014-07:00Taking the Kids to SchoolYou have to wonder what they teach in school these days.<br /><br />From reading blogs and checking out the news on the Internet (I don't watch TV, haven't for years), it never ceases to amaze me. Did anyone learn anything or are you all robots?<br /><br />Here's the short course:<br /><br />Corporations and the government lie to you.<br /><br />They do this in their best interest.<br /><br />They don't care what you do, as long as you continue to believe them.<br /><br />Please continue to watch TV, do your job (if you're lucky enough to have one) and pay those taxes.<br /><br />Otherwise, stay stoned, drunk and stupid. We don't need anyone complaining about how things are screwed up.<br /><br />Those of you who are unemployed, don't worry. You'll be back at work in about a year or so.<br /><br />Expect lower wages, less benefits and probably less hours.<br /><br />Shut up and be happy that you have a job.<br /><br />I'll go into the probabilities of getting rehired later.<br /><br />It won't be pretty.<br /><br />As for you 'kids' out there, experiencing your first or second lay-off/termination/whatever term you use for being fired...<br /><br />You have a lot to learn.<br /><br />Stick around, school's about to begin.<div class="blogger-post-footer">2008 Thomas L. Segerson All rights reserved</div>Thomas L. Segersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395760965581032375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088258871503989231.post-26494460396904982662009-03-17T07:34:00.000-07:002009-03-18T04:46:37.314-07:00The Squeaky WheelGets the grease.<br /><br />Old adage, new times. I've found a blog that's written by some of the newly unemployed. It's hilarious for those of us who have had to deal with unemployment and economic downturns in the past. The angst is underwhelming. Other than that, it's a very good blog.<br /><br />They do a great job with their blog layout, very professional. All the graphics, videos, links, etc. Their marketing efforts have paid off.<br /><br />Tania Khadder was on NPR (National Public Radio, for those of you who only listen to whatever it is you listen to) on Monday, 16 March. According to their blog, they have been interviewed by one of the local (San Francisco) TV stations. After doing all of this, Tania got the job she was worrying over in her NPR commentary. <strong>After 4, that's right 4 grueling months of being unemployed!</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />John Henion, well, he's still doing the blog thing.<br /><br />I made some comments on their blog. Probably sound a bit rude to many of you.<br /><br />Tough shit.<br /><br />These are much tougher times than these two can imagine.<br /><br />You won't have to worry about me changing this blog anytime soon.<br /><br />I don't have the hours to spare, doing graphics, etc. There are other issues, such as lack of broadband out here in the sticks.<br /><br />I won't be changing my tone either.<br /><br />You want politically correct, there are plenty of other blogs that will play nice.<br /><br />So, enjoy Tania and John's blog:<br /><br /><a href="http://unemploymentality.com/">http://unemploymentality.com/</a><br /><br />It always gives me some laughs.<div class="blogger-post-footer">2008 Thomas L. Segerson All rights reserved</div>Thomas L. Segersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395760965581032375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088258871503989231.post-12718181723887268392009-03-16T20:58:00.000-07:002009-03-16T21:10:59.707-07:00Unemployment As HOT TOPICWow! WHO KNEW?<br /><br />Being unemployed is now a really big deal in the good ole USA!<br /><br />It's everywhere, on the radio, TV, Internet, your local street corner...HEY! Maybe even in your house!<br /><br />If you're not unemployed, you must be either management, a politician, a crook/drug dealer or a wage slave. Hey, one out of four ain't bad. Just think you could be a crooked politician who used to be in management or maybe a crooked manager who used to be a politician! The possibilities are endless! Of course, as a wage slave, we will read you your rights, if and when you are caught doing something you aren't supposed to be doing. Which we will be sure to insure by writing the rules and regulations in such a manner that you can't possibly do your job and not break one.<br /><br />I got my eye on you, boy/girl!<br /><br />Just remember, just 'cause you got a job today, don't mean I'm gonna pay you tomorrow.<div class="blogger-post-footer">2008 Thomas L. Segerson All rights reserved</div>Thomas L. Segersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395760965581032375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088258871503989231.post-75504836781606610532009-02-06T05:48:00.000-08:002009-02-25T06:22:37.808-08:00Employment and the Social ContractWhen I wrote “Going Dutch, Trials of a Wage Slave” my intentions were twofold; give some guidance via my experiences and make some funny comments about my former employers.<br /><br />Almost everyone who has been laid-off/down-sized/out-sourced/right-sized or any of those other palliative terms for getting fired has probably had some negative thoughts about their former employer. They might have even got mad about it.<br /><br />You know what they say about the road to Hell, right? Paved with good intentions. So far, I’ve been successful with only one of the two mentioned intentions. Most of the people who have read the book didn’t need to, they already had enough experience in the world of work to know what to look for and how to avoid getting to into bad situations. For them, it was light entertainment.<br /><br />On the other hand, I’ve not quite succeeded with being funny about my former bosses. You can only be so humorous about losing a job, even if the boss is completely clueless. Some of my friends and former work colleagues questioned my spending time on the book.<br /><br />They think that I should just forget about how much headache, time and money my former employers have cost me. Many have counseled me to ‘move on’ with my life. Easy thing to say, when it’s not your life. You lie down and let them run over you, they’ll get used to doing it and try to do it to everyone.<br /><br />Those who seek justice in this world never have an easy time of it. That’s what I’m seeking, as ordered by a court, in compliance with the contract that was signed by me and my former company, called “Ordeals” in my book.<br />The truth is about to come out.<br /><br />In future posts, I’m going name the company, how they have treated not only me, but other employees and how they work with their clients. I’ve had seven years to gather information about this company and the way they do business.<br /><br />You will be reading my opinion. Which is based on my knowledge of the company. All based on facts, which I can prove. As I have done in court on three different occasions.<br /><br />When a company gives you a contract, breaks it, loses in court, then refuses to honor the court judgment, do you know what you are dealing with?<br /><br />Why would you want to work for them, much less do business with them?<br /><br />Our country is based on a social contract. You get my labor in exchange for the security and income from the profits of our work. When a company decides to override or ignore this, then you have a lack of respect, not only for the individual, but for the law.<br /><br />If you don’t respect me, why should I respect you? You break the law, I should let you?<br /><br />That, in the long run, leads to the breakdown and collapse of society.<br /><br />Which is where we are now.<div class="blogger-post-footer">2008 Thomas L. Segerson All rights reserved</div>Thomas L. Segersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395760965581032375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4088258871503989231.post-65475309879451425902009-02-03T21:49:00.000-08:002009-02-03T21:58:53.989-08:00Listen to Your BodyIt’s not obvious. You can hear what the interviewer is saying, but when they ask you the questions or answer your queries, something doesn’t feel right.<br /><br />A job interview is much more than just a question and answer session about wages, benefits and qualifications. It’s a chance for you to get a feeling about how the company you are about to join affects you. In more ways than one.<br /><br />It’s normal to be nervous, especially if you haven’t done an interview in a long time or if it’s your first one. Anxiety is part of the game. Your body though may pick up on things that your eyes and ears might miss. Those subliminal messages could be the most important of all.<br /><br />I’ve been through my share of interviews. Quite a few more than the average person. One of the best jobs I ever had, the interview went well, even though I wasn’t completely ‘smooth’ in my responses, at least from my point of view. No one is perfect and you won’t be either. If you do come across as if you’re replies are a pre-recorded tape, someone might wonder if you’re faking it.<br /><br />My ‘dream job’ interview is another example, at the other end of the spectrum. I’ve always wanted to write for a living. An opportunity to interview for a technical writer position came up. At the time, my body was screaming at me, but I was too enthralled with the idea of getting the job to notice.<br /><br />Rather than the typical nervousness, I was literally sweating bullets. So much so, that the personnel manager asked me if I was OK while we were walking around the cubicles where my future co-workers were laboring away. I assured him that I was fine, just a bit nervous. Talk about ‘fight or flight’ response, I should have been running out the door.<br /><br />Although I loved doing the work, the company and the job turned out to be one of the biggest headaches of my life. I learned a great deal, but the downside was just as steep. When they terminated me, I was a physical wreck over worrying about the job. They could have cared less.They had another body filling my position in no time. Who was ready to quit in two months.<br /><br />Which is why you have to look for the signs. If few people, if anyone at all is smiling and in a good mood, you should wonder about the atmosphere.<br /><br />It might be toxic. Take a deep breath and get out of there.<br /><br />It’s not the only job in the world.<br /><br />It is though, the only life you have right now.<div class="blogger-post-footer">2008 Thomas L. Segerson All rights reserved</div>Thomas L. Segersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14395760965581032375noreply@blogger.com0