in response to fat phill... Not crazy, desperate...not cold and heartless, destitute.
We, like you, are angry about the situations we are in and will try anything to get a foothold in our lives. We all know hindsight is 20/20 but there is no sense kicking ourselves about it now. We all have to try and move forward as best we can.
If we had known 20+years ago that a college education would be a necessity today, we would have all gone to college. But 20 years ago we were still relying on industry to support us. The US was just transition from industry to technology - no one knew where that road would lead.
Now reports are saying we are moving more towards a "service" industry - what that means, I have no idea. Considering no one has the funds to go to spas and restaurants, I have no idea how a service industry will survive in this economy.
I do agree with you - do what you can to get by. If it means ignoring some bills in order to eat, then by all means, do so. IF it means applying for social services to survive and support your family - then do it - after all that is your tax money at work, might as well take advantage of it if you can. If you are unemployed, then yes, go back to school and get that degree. And No, $6/hr flipping burgers does NOT cut it unless you are 16 and have no responsibilities.