This man was actually on the morning show I listen to yesterday. He works at Target because it's the only job he can find. He graduated from college either last year or the year before. I was actually very impressed with him-- he was well-spoken and even brought up that he knew some people would have the attitude that he should just be thankful to have a job in these times. He thanked people who work on holidays-- police officers, firemen, doctors, etc. He said something to the effect of-- We need people like this to work on holidays in case of emergency and I am so thankful for them but it's no emergency if I can't hand you a Tickle-Me-Elmo.
I completely get his point. People who work retail never have a regular schedule-- aren't always home to have dinner with their families, aren't able to go to every school function with their child, can't go to church every Sunday with their families, some can't even take the day off for a funeral. The only days these people can count on to have off are holidays and, quite frankly, I think it sucks that that's being taken away. :twocents:
I am really having a hard time believing that a college graduate can only find a part-time job at Target.
My son was a college graduate last year. Between graduating from college and waiting to be called up to active duty, he needed a job (even though he'd already been commissioned into the military -- signed the contract, everything..they don't pay you while you're waiting to be called up to duty....and because they had so many graduates from the Academy, they needed to place them, first). He went to a temporary agency and worked for a local manufacturer in their Quality dept. making $10.50 an hour.
He didn't really like the job, but he did what he needed to do.
I don't think we've been told the whole story here. Perhaps he has some other obligations/limitations/considerations that keep him from seeking full-time employment, and perhaps Target is the best "fit" for him right now.
Retail sales is probably one of the most thankless jobs out there. Long, sporadic hours, low pay, little thanks. It's not for everyone.
As for it being an "emergency"...for those of you who don't need to save the money that sales like this get you, God bless you! I'm very happy for you! Unfortunately, some people are pinching pennies, and this is one way to do it. Because my children have no living grandparents, and my extended family is not close, I am all my kids have, in terms of gifts -- I am Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Joan and Uncle Bob, and Santa, and I really need to save every penny I can. Some of the deals on Black Friday allow me to do that, and you have to admit, that you're not going to find Nintendo DS games for $5 or $10 each any other time of the year, unless they're being discontinued.
Yeah, I know it's not all about the gifts, and I know there's no Santa. But when you're 4 and 6 and all you see are toy commercials on TV this time of year, it's a different story.
I don't buy my kids a lot of gifts -- I don't know what other families do, but my kids will be getting 3 gifts each...one of them just happens to be a Nintendo DSi-XL...which is costly.
