Dale trust me I know how you feel. I get paid about 1/3 of the average worker and in what I do I am getting paid about 1/2 of what the national average is. Worse, the area sucks yet I don't know where else I would go. I haven't been around much. I was south a few times, but without sounding like a jerk...I didn't spot many caucassians and I don't want to feel like a minority or move into a GIANT apartment complex just to get a better job. Not to mention, I was once in virginia at the end of summer and the heat was too much for me. I hate humidity. I like it warm but don't want to leave the east coast. I am great with computer technology and the management therein. However, I lost my good job right after sept 11 and never found one to compare. I hear 'you are over qualified' constantly. Right now I am not even in my career line of work but do make ends meet which I a relief at least. Everyone complains about money and their jobs. I watch countless blue collar guys in my area making 15-20 an hour complain about their jobs and money while they get 4 weeks vacation and barely put in an 8 hour day. Not to mention they have off during frivilous holidays like today (columbus day).
While I slave away wondering where my big payoff was for going to college and obtaining 10 years hard learned experience in my field.
Like you guys said, it's an ends to a mean. I work to live, not live to work. I figured out slowly and the hard way, that I take on too much responsibility without compensation and receive no after thought kudos even in thought or words. While 2 year 'computer' guys who went to school 'to make big money in the modern day gold rush' rush in and grab a salary entry level that is almost what I am making.

The moral of this story is, live life while you can. Mine is nothing that is to write about, but at least I am trying. I am searching for a new area to live that will satisfy my needs or at least to try a different area. And hopefully all the pegs will line up for me eventually as I get enough experience in both business and computers to write myself at least some sort of a ticket to prosperity or at the very least security for years to come.

Today, I left work 1/2 hour early to go flying. I am proud of myself (expect I lost the screw in my throttle as I was doing a hammerhead stall and had to deadstick) BUT other than that I completely forgot about work, bills, life and just piddled around with the current obsession of my life. Tomorrow is another day. I get good sleep at night to ensure my days don't feel twice as long, and try to make the best of the time I have while free from the bonds of the modern day sweatshops of Amerika (yes I purposely spelled that with a K)

This has been a public service announcement by: Sincraft.

S