They're spending money, Jim, but not as we know it

Posted to The Age (28/10/2011) on 28/10/2011 at 12:36 PM
Commenting on “They're spending money, Jim, but not as we know it”
http://www.theage.com.au/business/theyre-spending-money-jim-but-not-as-we-know-it-20111028-1mmy5.html

@Michael Pascoe, when was the last time you applied for a job advertised in seek.com, mycareer.com, newspapers, local papers, etc? I used to think that with years of working experience and several certificates/degrees from colleges and universities would have no problems for me to find a job, not necessary a full time one. I was very wrong. I start to doubt some of the jobs advertised are just promotions for some companies or employment agencies. If I did not save and spend my money wisely during my working life, I'll be dead like a dodo.

Incomes are growing nicely for those who are in employment. What you have written are valid, but I can ensure you, without employment, spending just stops - no credit card, Foxtel, coffee, international travel, home repayment, rent payment, etc.

If official unemployment rate is at 5.2%, 40% of the employed are casual/part time, what is the real unemployment rate even if 50% of the 40% want to have full employment? ABS data can be rubbery and must not be taken at face value.

How many durable items like fridges, cars, houses, TV's, etc does one family need? How many pieces of clothing can one wear even the prices have come down or available in recycled clothing outlets? An Amway founder once said, "The best thing about selling detergent is that it can only be used once, and you have to keep buying." Can you see why people keep drinking and eating repeatedly?

How to ride out the tough times

Posted to The Age (29/9/2011) on 29/9/2011 at 12:53 PM
Commenting on "How to ride out the tough times"
http://www.theage.com.au/small-business/managing/blogs/enterprise/how-to-ride-out-the-tough-times-20110929-1ky7j.html

Have you ever got reply from job application? If so, what's the hit rate? Have you been told you are over-qualified? Having diverse qualification can be viewed as Jack of all trades and master of none; but there are always exceptions. I have been training and advising trainees how to tackle problems, until I realise in the real world, many textbook techniques don't work. Self confidence is good when one is competing in good times, but it soon gets eroded when every technique has been tried and failed. Age is definitely a barrier as long as young interviewers are doing the interviewing, whether from the organisation or employment agency. Most companies can be more efficiently run if the aged but experienced people are given a chance. By the way, I am a victim, but fortunately I can hang up my boots today. I don't want to waste my useful brain cells if I am given the opportunity.