In today's society there are so many different jobs to be had it is hard to imagine oneself in a typical, mundane, low wage, back breaking, boring job. Many people, thinking it beneath them to toil at one of those mundane jobs, but having one of the more prestigious and well paid jobs where they don't have to worry about paying the mortgage or the grocery bill and God forbid if one of the kids needs braces or wants to join an after school program.
But then the economy slithers its grubby claws around your wallet,extending its venom into you home and your family. Ruining marriages creating criminal records and a number of other disastrous consequences.
Now what?
I am going to graduate with my second degree in less than a month and have NO job prospects. It isn't as if I have been searching either. Ive sat so long in front of the help wanted ads on craigslist and applied for so many positions that it has subsequently block me from applying to any more ads because its thinks i am a Bot. I even resorted to using a staffing agency to help in my search (which is a great tool by the way for you jobless persons reading this)but to no avail.
And although there are many posting in my field, they are all looking for someone who has 5+ years of experience. What about me? What about the fresh from the press, eager to please, and not incompetent newbie?
I have considered the possibility that it may be my resume or my cover letter or my writing sample but after my eyes beginning to glow from proofreading and editing them I cant find anything else to edit or even jazz up without sounding like a flower child happy hippie. This I have concluded that there is something that these human resources people are looking for that they aren't telling us about.
But what is it?
I recently read an article. Although I do not remember the name of it. That actually concluded that weight can be a factor in whether or not you get, retain, or receive equitable promotions compared to your skinnier peer. It said that on average, women who are within the socially acceptable body weight, that is anything under a size 6 for your information. Anything above a size 8 is considered a "plus" size according to several TV clothing shows I have watched which utterly disgusts me. I would LOVE and I mean LOVE to be a size 8 or 10 or even a 12. Those girls are NOT FAT or even in my opinion overweight. I know I am overweight and out of shape. And yes I do think that I am beautiful, but you aren't going to see me wearing booty shorts any time soon either for everyones' safety. Don't even begin to get into a conversation with me about people who do not wear the appropriate clothing for their body type. Skinny people are guilty of it just as large people are too so don't get your feathers ruffled. Anyways I digress...
Back to the article. It stated that socially acceptable figured men and women make an average of $7,000 a year MORE than their non accepted counterparts. For women the skinnier you are the more you make and it is just the opposite for men. The taller and bigger you are the more money you make whereas your skinny and shorter counterparts don't receive promotions or bonuses.
This brings into question whether there should be a constitutionally protected class for persons who fall into the socially unacceptable body type? Could you sue if you found out that your employer passed you over for a promotion or a bonus just because of your looks? What about if another person with fewer qualifications received the position because he or she was "more attractive" than you? There is only so much a person can do about their looks without paying thousands of dollars for plastic surgery. How would this make you feel? What could you do about it? How could you even prove it? Could an employer put a box where you have to fill in your weight to even qualify for the job?
How would you feel if you found out your child was not being chosen for a team (such as cheer squad) even though they were GOOD at the sport and were passionate about it just because of the way they looked?
At this point I am praying that I get a job despite my weight that will pay the bills and if I'm lucky has benefits. I am also praying that God has mercy on me and makes that snickers bar I just chowed down fat free and calorie free but in the meantime waiting for that miracle to happen I'm going to go search for that article so you all can read it and join me on my soapbox.
THE ARTICLE:
http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2010/10/07/study-your-weight-affects-your-salary/
THE STUDY:
http://www.timothy-judge.com/Judge%20and%20Cable%20%28JAP%202010%29.pdf
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