Women and the recovery -- it's not good news

As I was stuck in traffic on the 405 and feeling grumpy, I saw the signs touting that the construction is a project of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. 


Sure, I thought cynically, putting Americans back to work -- at minimum wage. Just how does that help me? Even the trickle-down economics of the Reagan era made more sense to me, and that made NO sense. I keep hearing that the recession is over and the job market is improving, and I do see an uptick in the number of job listings on the job boards. I just don't see an uptick in my own results.

Later, still stuck in traffic, I heard a report on NPR that while unemployment overall is down, unemployment among women is increasing. So it's not just me, a small comfort. This sent my mood-o-meter back into the yellow zone, a zone I'm trying to avoid.  Some days I win the battle for a good attitude, some days not so much. Guess which kind of day this is.

I'm interested in knowing how others in my boat are coping. It's become clear that The American Dream that I grew up with is obsolete, but there isn't a switch I can throw to turn off my expectations.  I know life isn't fair, but that doesn't stop me from wanting it to be. What I want most of all is Opportunity, and it seems to be in short supply. I feel like a plant that doesn't get enough sun to thrive. I am alive, but my limbs are spindly and fragile. If I could just find myself a place in the sun, I know I'd be ok. Unfortunately, the weather report predicts continued clouds.