Is Downward Mobility The New Normal?

[Riddick]

While the American Dream of upward mobility and financial security is alive and well for the richest Americans, upward mobility from the lower to the middle-class has all but vanished. With 3/4ths of Americans thinking things are looking worse, lower- and middle-income folks have never felt less secure financially than now.

For all but the highest-paid workers, the fact is that wages have been stagnant for almost 30 years. Both wage stagnation and unsteady job markets have helped to create wealth and income disparities that are approaching levels this country has not seen in almost a century.

The belief you can succeed financially with hard work and determination has been a core tenet of the American Dream. While the American Dream as it's existed for over 50 years is on life support, for some, it may already be dead. FULL STORY

[kbot]

I stiil (years later now....) see students graduating from college with degrees in healthcare, unable to find full time employment. Per diem, usually, part time if they're lucky

[Doka]

I stiil (years later now....) see students graduating from college with degrees in healthcare, unable to find full time employment. Per diem, usually, part time if they're lucky

I understand totaly that things are tough. But, would you not think if the student/parents are spending let's say up wards of $60k for education that they would do some research on on what the job trends are to be. I know the medical field job wise went down fast, but I do expect it re-coupe as soon as TPTB stop wanting to kill us, more than they want to help us.?

[voguy]

College is overrated. Yes, it's necessary for some, if you're going to be a doctor. But many (rich) entrepreneurs did it with hard work and determination. After being in Europe for a while, I think the U.S. suffers a motivation problem. There are so many safety nets, mom's basement to crash, and free things, what motivation is there to be creative and want to work? Let's face it, anyone can get on the public dole if they want. And most people are comfortable making enough to get by without thinking about the future.

[Cherry Kelly]

downward is not mobility it is losses... losses in so many areas. Seems far too many growing kids (HS on up) simply do not WANT to work. Why should they? Mom and Dad continues to provide for them. (SAD ya) By the time the kids are ready to graduate on go on to college - oh gee, they haven't saved any monies and with the higher college costs - ehh? Scholarships, Grants are down and loans from banks are high interest....what to do?

Too many freebies, so why bother? Yes bad attitude, but gee hold out your hand - get more freebies. And gee can't find work - well claim mental anguish disability and get even more freebies.

[voguy]

Personally I have no problem if people don't work. If they don't work, don't pay them. The problem solves its self.