2016 Postmortem

yodermon

(6,153 posts)

209. This thread is really fucking depressing. Most replies are how "I did it, I'm fine, you can too"

Wed Apr 27, 2016, 01:52 PM

Apr 2016

They make it personal (about themselves) and/or personal (about your situation) and then give step by step examples of how "see, it's not so bad".

You can always find examples of folks overcoming adversity to "make it". That's the American Dream. But these instances are noteworthy because they are the exceptions. More and more people are falling behind and don't have the resources (internal or external) to move forward. The point of being a Democrat is to make the playing field more level, not sanctimoniously point out how "I" overcame that unfair playing field, and "you" can too.

And it's getting worse: Here is just one metric:

Working harder & hard, and getting paid the same.
And the student loans graduates are saddled with nowadays, yikes.

And for the record, I have a six figure income, a house, 2 cars, 2 kids an a nice 401k. So I "got mine" which has precisely fuck-all to do with this. Holding that over your head is a RIGHT-WING framing.

"Democratic Underground", what the fuck ever.

Edit history

Please sign in to view edit histories.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

224 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

I will never own a home. I will probably never save enough in a 401k. [View all] DFab420 Apr 2016 OP

So what do you do for a living? What skills have you honed in your mid to late 20's? snooper2 Apr 2016 #1

I am a 3D Animator and Illustrator. I actually just finished publishing my first book and DFab420 Apr 2016 #5

What type of Illustration? PyaarRevolution Apr 2016 #10

I mean it's all digital but I use a tablet and pen so it's kind of hand drawn? DFab420 Apr 2016 #23

Look at the post i just made in the bernie group about web development Baobab Apr 2016 #30

See I adore. PyaarRevolution Apr 2016 #43

If you're interested in trading services. PyaarRevolution Apr 2016 #57

Wasn't much of that work off shored or am I mis-remembering again? haikugal Apr 2016 #25

Thank Lucas and ILM for offshoring much of that work... PyaarRevolution Apr 2016 #44

Thought so..my son was interested in doing similar work. Thanks for the info. nt haikugal Apr 2016 #60

No problem. PyaarRevolution Apr 2016 #64

Agree totally. nt haikugal Apr 2016 #70

If you just finished publishing a book, you're missing a bet MineralMan Apr 2016 #75

It's called Filbert: Floating on Air, good for kids. Or if you like coloring books haha. DFab420 Apr 2016 #216

Congratulations Demsrule86 Apr 2016 #166

It's called Filbert: Floating on Air. It's a kids book about a whale that learns to fly.. DFab420 Apr 2016 #218

Do you have animation/illustration experience CoffeeCat Apr 2016 #175

What was your major in college? beaglelover Apr 2016 #2

Animation. DFab420 Apr 2016 #6

You can be anything you want if you work hard at it. JaneyVee Apr 2016 #3

Agreed! NWCorona Apr 2016 #7

ROFL angrychair Apr 2016 #78

Of course they do. JaneyVee Apr 2016 #85

This is a capitalist country lancer78 Apr 2016 #161

Then may it be you. Splinter Cell Apr 2016 #183

I was just making a comment lancer78 Apr 2016 #187

Maybe we need something else. OkSustainAg Apr 2016 #202

To risk his life Avalon Sparks Apr 2016 #162

The game has always been fixed. puffy socks Apr 2016 #129

JFC eom TransitJohn Apr 2016 #116

What are you smoking? progressoid Apr 2016 #198

If I didn't know you, this would read as sarcasm. zigby Apr 2016 #210

Do what your Dad did savalez Apr 2016 #4

In my darkest, poorest years(and there were many)I never thought that a politician redstateblues Apr 2016 #8

It's more about having a leader that can set the agenda DFab420 Apr 2016 #13

This message was self-deleted by its author closeupready Apr 2016 #71

Did you basically say Gwhittey Apr 2016 #109

Nope I said it's basically up to you to make your life better. I was in worse shape that the poster redstateblues Apr 2016 #152

There was a time you could assume LiberalElite Apr 2016 #142

I'm 67-been through Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton, Bush, Obama redstateblues Apr 2016 #154

This makes sense now GummyBearz Apr 2016 #158

Is this all you took from her/ his OP? artislife Apr 2016 #188

I'm in a similar position. Turning 30 in a couple months, & I also don't think I'll ever own a home. Svafa Apr 2016 #9

Have you considered? PyaarRevolution Apr 2016 #11

It's a cool concept, but I am a city girl through and through. Svafa Apr 2016 #14

Please consider it. PyaarRevolution Apr 2016 #46

Side work! metroins Apr 2016 #17

I do. Svafa Apr 2016 #21

Nice. metroins Apr 2016 #24

Thanks. It's easy to get discouraged. My friends are all in even worse Svafa Apr 2016 #28

We're on the same page metroins Apr 2016 #33

This is the problem. PyaarRevolution Apr 2016 #38

Funny how boomer families made it on just one salary... Avalon Sparks Apr 2016 #163

They had a lot less stuff. People didn't eat out nearly as often. Kids didn't get brand name raccoon Apr 2016 #206

Translation: Don't look for leadership to actually care artislife Apr 2016 #189

If you can keep a roof over your head, thats the important thing. Baobab Apr 2016 #35

For now! My job isn't secure, so I have enough in savings to get by for a couple of months Svafa Apr 2016 #37

Just getting by. PyaarRevolution Apr 2016 #73

Two is better than one. If you find the right person and marry, you share expenses brush Apr 2016 #42

Me finding the right person! Svafa Apr 2016 #62

That is sad. It's hard to find the right person but don't give up. Many people do. brush Apr 2016 #67

That's kind of the philosophy I go by. Svafa Apr 2016 #79

So true Demsrule86 Apr 2016 #168

Actually it is cheaper to buy than rent in Ohio. we can do it Apr 2016 #171

MOVE!! metroins Apr 2016 #12

Yea that's not going to happen, that's not where the work is. Moving somewhere cause it's cheap DFab420 Apr 2016 #15

Texas is most certainly where work is metroins Apr 2016 #18

That's what your parents did. savalez Apr 2016 #20

Um, no? They met in BU and landed on the outskirts of Boston because that's were two young students DFab420 Apr 2016 #26

You didn't ruin anything. savalez Apr 2016 #34

Commuting is less and less important due to the internet. Baobab Apr 2016 #41

Illustrator Creative Circle 69 reviews - Dallas, TX $37.50 an hour - Contract snooper2 Apr 2016 #27

Creative Circle greymattermom Apr 2016 #61

It might be good if somebody is planning to move, to move now, before the rush. Baobab Apr 2016 #36

We moved from a fifth wheel in the Arizona desert and within ohheckyeah Apr 2016 #90

There are a bunch of daunting problems for both younger and older people. Baobab Apr 2016 #117

Where I live - most of us built our own houses womanofthehills Apr 2016 #205

Congratulations. ohheckyeah Apr 2016 #215

I live in a city with a cost of living that is relatively very low, yet Svafa Apr 2016 #16

Side work! metroins Apr 2016 #22

My guess is that you are self employed and by that I mean you own, others labor while you doodle Bluenorthwest Apr 2016 #69

I doubt my clients would say that metroins Apr 2016 #74

I'm from Michigan, and the idea that there are cheap homes is just a myth. Romulox Apr 2016 #48

Lansing metroins Apr 2016 #50

I just put Charlotte, Mi in Zillow.com. I stand by my assertion. nt Romulox Apr 2016 #56

52 results metroins Apr 2016 #58

100k for an old home in a dead/dying agricultural town 80 miles from the jobs is no great bargain. Romulox Apr 2016 #76

Thank you! Homes are not cheap or easy to get into. Moving is no longer the best, fastest haikugal Apr 2016 #63

The idea that moving is a solution to a poor economy is a myth. RedCappedBandit Apr 2016 #130

What are the prices in Da Yoo Pee 1939 Apr 2016 #132

More than $50k gollygee Apr 2016 #172

I live in Ohio Demsrule86 Apr 2016 #180

There are not decent homes for 50k in Michigan gollygee Apr 2016 #150

The same is true for my son. I'm so, so sorry. haikugal Apr 2016 #19

I disagree. LP2K12 Apr 2016 #29

You are living proof savalez Apr 2016 #59

yes - poor people are just lazy. RedCappedBandit Apr 2016 #131

That's your opinion. Not mine. n/t savalez Apr 2016 #135

... RedCappedBandit Apr 2016 #137

What is your definition of success? savalez Apr 2016 #139

Whatever the definition - you're still blaming those who don't achieve it. nt RedCappedBandit Apr 2016 #140

Whatever... Believe what you want. savalez Apr 2016 #144

Lol. Sure. nt RedCappedBandit Apr 2016 #147

You may be better off not owning a home. It is a hyped "American Dream" to keep Jitter65 Apr 2016 #31

Don't consider renting ANYTHING freedom. PyaarRevolution Apr 2016 #55

It worked for me. I never felt freer. But thanks for telling me how I should feel. nt Jitter65 Apr 2016 #99

I just can't stand the idea of renting. PyaarRevolution Apr 2016 #107

You pay for all that stuff while renting. mythology Apr 2016 #114

It's all about picking careers wisely in this economy. anotherproletariat Apr 2016 #32

I searched 'Illustrator' in USAJOBS and see quite a few opportunities. one is with Obama :P"Office o Sunlei Apr 2016 #39

yes, but greymattermom Apr 2016 #66

Don't make excuses. A person can place in their local zipcode on dotGov view hundreds of jobs. Sunlei Apr 2016 #72

Please understand that not everyone had it like your parents did, either. hamsterjill Apr 2016 #40

I was never an affluent boomer, either Lydia Leftcoast Apr 2016 #165

Well Said! Ferd Berfel Apr 2016 #45

Another factor about whether or not to have kids: Global Warming Arugula Latte Apr 2016 #47

Nice post. Nail meet head. Recommended. mmonk Apr 2016 #49

Well, I changed careers at least four times after MineralMan Apr 2016 #51

You have been talking to the wrong people Runningdawg Apr 2016 #52

Thank you for this- it IS possible. we can do it Apr 2016 #173

Your vote is not a joke. onecaliberal Apr 2016 #53

I'm in the same boat and I'm 54. The Midway Rebel Apr 2016 #54

I hear you, but 30 seems a little young to give up, so to speak. Hoyt Apr 2016 #65

TPP WON'T help that. PyaarRevolution Apr 2016 #77

I disagree, because we've had over 50 years of experience with similar dispute mechanisms Hoyt Apr 2016 #80

120 years after a creators death is too long Hoyt. PyaarRevolution Apr 2016 #94

I don't know. Someone keeping the rights to intellectual property like art doesn't bother me. Drugs Hoyt Apr 2016 #106

See but I'm talking about the creator of the work being long dead. PyaarRevolution Apr 2016 #108

If you are buying a recording, you are paying for the performance. Beethoven, etc., have been dead Hoyt Apr 2016 #111

I'm not talking about not paying someone who actually did their own recording. PyaarRevolution Apr 2016 #120

Tax royalties enough, and it goes back to society. I'm fine with hiking taxes on such income. Hoyt Apr 2016 #121

It's NOT the same. PyaarRevolution Apr 2016 #174

Oh, I believe in imminent domain to build hospitals, public schools, etc. Nor do I have a problem Hoyt Apr 2016 #194

Like I said, I don't have a problem with the original creator being remunerated. PyaarRevolution Apr 2016 #199

So an investor pays Prince for the rights to his songs because Prince wants money Hoyt Apr 2016 #208

Blaming others for your own bad decisions... beachbum bob Apr 2016 #68

Yeah following their passion. PyaarRevolution Apr 2016 #82

How dare someone follow their dreams, right? MirrorAshes Apr 2016 #84

His point does not include...hey I made a decision that beachbum bob Apr 2016 #88

You're treating him like he chose to work at McD's. MirrorAshes Apr 2016 #91

So if I'm working paycheck to paycheck it's not my fault beachbum bob Apr 2016 #95

Entitlement! LOL! MirrorAshes Apr 2016 #98

The American Dream is still an attainable goal. 1939 Apr 2016 #138

You are getting a lot of advice that sounds very right wing. SalviaBlue Apr 2016 #81

In terms of apprenticeship. PyaarRevolution Apr 2016 #86

Do you want to forge the blade of the halberd, or just make the shaft? Recursion Apr 2016 #159

I would kinda like both. PyaarRevolution Apr 2016 #186

Seriously! I was wondering what site I was on for a while here! smirkymonkey Apr 2016 #115

Yea, its crazy how many people claim they are liberals SalviaBlue Apr 2016 #148

Thank god you said it laundry_queen Apr 2016 #155

Spot on Salvia Avalon Sparks Apr 2016 #170

Many apprenticeships, particularly union apprenticeships pay. PersonNumber503602 Apr 2016 #193

It sounds very Hillary, to me. "Bootstraps!" "Pluck!" "Gumption!" lumberjack_jeff Apr 2016 #204

If these aren't actual Cons posting these things... SalviaBlue Apr 2016 #207

are you confusing internship with apprenticeship? to my understanding you have to apprentice when dionysus Apr 2016 #220

I may be. Thanks for pointing that out. SalviaBlue Apr 2016 #224

While many older folks will tell you nadinbrzezinski Apr 2016 #83

I see some potential for me to make money with bumper stickers. PyaarRevolution Apr 2016 #89

I know nadinbrzezinski Apr 2016 #101

Yeah I think I have a market for this particular one, especially given how the Saudi's are in hot wa PyaarRevolution Apr 2016 #191

What are you talking about Radiography? taught_me_patience Apr 2016 #122

And many hospitals are now using specialists nadinbrzezinski Apr 2016 #124

It is illegal to use foreign radiologists to read exams in the United States taught_me_patience Apr 2016 #125

Here nadinbrzezinski Apr 2016 #126

This is a completely bullshit article taught_me_patience Apr 2016 #128

I'm facing many of these same issues. I am also a Hillary supporter. MirrorAshes Apr 2016 #87

Is editor something you're good at? PyaarRevolution Apr 2016 #97

It is actually! It's hard to find a steady job-- MirrorAshes Apr 2016 #100

Well, I'm looking at writing something. PyaarRevolution Apr 2016 #110

Not to be depressing Dem2 Apr 2016 #92

In all honesty tell her she needs to intern every free second she has, no summer jobs, interning. DFab420 Apr 2016 #102

Thank you Dem2 Apr 2016 #103

Apply your 3D skills to something else. Throd Apr 2016 #93

This thread has been all kinds of illuminating n/t Godhumor Apr 2016 #96

Sorry DFAB420, but it seems that you want a pitty party when what you need is a dose of tough love. politicaljunkie41910 Apr 2016 #104

sorry you feel that way. MFM008 Apr 2016 #105

Rest assured, your vote for Bernie is not a waste. NorthCarolina Apr 2016 #112

Mid 40s, same boat. PowerToThePeople Apr 2016 #113

This thread is hilarious. "Bootstraps, motherfucker!!" TransitJohn Apr 2016 #118

I know! It's incredible, isn't it?!?!? Coventina Apr 2016 #119

Sure beats "I'm fucked forever, there will be no hope!" Throd Apr 2016 #123

I err on the side of kindness and compassion, as a general rule. TransitJohn Apr 2016 #127

i don't think your vote is a waste. i don't think you want free stuff. La Lioness Priyanka Apr 2016 #133

Reading this thread you'd think nobody ever struggled but for their own lack of drive. nt RedCappedBandit Apr 2016 #134

Ayn Rand would probably be voting HRC. PowerToThePeople Apr 2016 #136

Considering there is a thread mocking the 27 dollar donations DFab420 Apr 2016 #143

Some day soon PowerToThePeople Apr 2016 #145

AUTOMATED MESSAGE: Results of your Jury Service IronLionZion Apr 2016 #160

Ya, that's the word for it... Hydra Apr 2016 #157

very very very well put eom LiberalElite Apr 2016 #141

Former illegal immigrant - home owner jaceaf Apr 2016 #146

Excuse? Hissyspit Apr 2016 #149

You have your whole life ahead of you. RandySF Apr 2016 #151

When I graduated college, the unemployment rate was higher than the worse unemployment rate Fresh_Start Apr 2016 #153

I'm sorry. Did I miss the part where you got your MBA? wildeyed Apr 2016 #156

I did not get my first house until I was 34 years old Demsrule86 Apr 2016 #164

43 for me. LuvLoogie Apr 2016 #178

It is not easy Demsrule86 Apr 2016 #179

54 for me... VOX Apr 2016 #197

Just don't give up. Keep looking for opportunities. Barack_America Apr 2016 #167

Owning a home is not always as great as you may think IronLionZion Apr 2016 #169

Life is day to day. Make peace with it. Find a mate. The rest will follow. LuvLoogie Apr 2016 #176

It is super hard! Silver_Witch Apr 2016 #177

Oh good Lord. Fortunes change. You'll be fine. Work hard and make your own path. nt BreakfastClub Apr 2016 #181

Very true Yupster Apr 2016 #184

I'm sorry things shook out this way. Jester Messiah Apr 2016 #182

I'm forty-three and have never Norrin Radd Apr 2016 #185

I have read through the comments artislife Apr 2016 #190

Yep! Right wing cons have nothing on them dana_b Apr 2016 #213

It is. artislife Apr 2016 #217

they're some bootstrap pullin mofos all right! dionysus Apr 2016 #221

At least you don't have to mow any lawns. PersonNumber503602 Apr 2016 #192

Bootstraps make a nutritious broth when steeped overnight in poverty juice Fumesucker Apr 2016 #195

I'm a boomer and I don't have much treestar Apr 2016 #196

The thing in question is that forjusticethunders Apr 2016 #200

Do not count yourself out My Good Babushka Apr 2016 #201

Not this boomer, I got out as soon as I could CanonRay Apr 2016 #203

This thread is really fucking depressing. Most replies are how "I did it, I'm fine, you can too" yodermon Apr 2016 #209

Yea, shows you really what this board has become... DFab420 Apr 2016 #211

take heart in the fact that most of the people posting "i'm doin great, why aren't you?" who dionysus Apr 2016 #222

tell it! The boomers had more "free stuff" than you OR I (Gen Xer) dana_b Apr 2016 #212

I have wondered when this topic would surface, the very real fact that our working class and middle Todays_Illusion Apr 2016 #214

people should be outraged that our standards have fallen so far. you used to be able to support a dionysus Apr 2016 #223

Just a question: Ms. Yertle Apr 2016 #219