Facebook
Fark
Digg
Reddit
Stumble
Julie Jacobson / Associated Press
Eight months after exhausting his unemployment benefits, longtime casino bartender Bud Meyers is in desperation mode after “meaningless attempts to find gainful employment.”
Monday, Feb. 7, 2011 | 2:01 a.m.
CNN story on Meyers
Bud Meyers, who spent most of his adult life working behind a bar, has become the unwitting face of the older jobless in America.
Meyers lost his job at the Riviera in January 2008, and has joined the ranks of so-called 99ers who are still idle after exhausting two years of unemployment benefits. Unlike the many Nevadans who have suffered and deteriorated in obscurity, Meyers’ mental, physical and financial decline is on display on the Internet.
For more than a year, his blog posts have become increasingly desperate, drawing the attention of CNN, the Huffington Post and Associated Press. Using the pseudonym Bud Meyers to avoid personal embarrassment, he writes about the lack of jobs and problems obtaining benefits.
In his blog, Meyers rails against “meaningless attempts to find gainful employment” as well as his loss of identity and self-esteem.
“I’m tired of being talked to and treated and looked down upon as a big loser because I’ve lost my means of supporting myself at the age of 55.”
After reading a particularly dire excerpt from Meyers’ blog, CNN correspondent Ali Velshi assured viewers last month that Meyers was OK.
“Bud, I think you’re listening to this so hang in there, you’re not forgotten by everyone,” Velshi said.
Meyers’ story isn’t just about one man’s disheartening job search. It’s also about a class of workers approaching obsolescence in a town much changed from the days when they first came seeking opportunity.
Older casino workers such as Meyers feel passed over in a job market that favors applicants’ appearance and personality over work history or local connections, say job placement and training experts. Las Vegas always has been driven by eye candy. That was a commonly heard complaint even before the recession. Yet age discrimination actions rarely advance far. Employees are mainly concerned about keeping their jobs rather than causing a stir.
In two years of unemployment, Meyers drained his life savings of $40,000. But the experience has taken more than a financial toll on Meyers, who picks at his once-manicured nails and chain smokes while he speaks.
His graying hair and pale skin reveal a different man from the bartender who appears in personal photos with a tanned, chiseled face and gleaming black hair. The employed Meyers had coifed hair and a wide, mischievous grin. The jobless Meyers has ragged locks he cuts himself and insomnia, reflected in the bags under his eyes and an expression of defeat.
Though he subsists on just one meal a day to save money, the once-trim body that rushed about behind a bar, slinging drinks for tourists, has grown thick.
Many of the long-term unemployed like Meyers are showing up at agencies like the state-run JobConnect.
Ben Daseler, who supervises the state’s largest JobConnect office in central Las Vegas, said older hospitality workers are having an especially tough time finding work. Like other job seekers, he said, they are told to “be flexible and learn new skills.”
That may be easier said than done for members of the hospitality unions accustomed to the security of seniority rights and healthy wages, Daseler said. Many casinos offer on-call positions where employees may only work one or three days per week, he said. Some workers, he added, aren’t called in for months at a time.
That’s why JobConnect counselors, he said, are steering many job seekers away from hospitality jobs and toward other fields, like health care, that haven’t been as hard hit in the recession. But other industries weren’t on Meyers’ radar.
After losing his job, Meyers figured his experience and a persistent, chatty personality would land a new gig. Optimism waned as the months wore on and he was rejected from multiple casino jobs, from assistant bar manager down to busboy and barback. The latter job meant washing glasses and stocking bottles.
“I couldn’t believe that someone with my experience couldn’t even get a job as a busboy,” Meyers said.
Still, he spent months applying online for similar job openings. But many casino companies prevent job seekers from applying for more than one job at once, requiring applicants to wait several weeks before they can reapply for something else. He also walked into bars and casinos, talking with bartenders, managers and human resources representatives to get a foot in the door. You have to apply like everyone else, they said.
Meyers, a bachelor who lives alone, depended on his paychecks. Every month, he spends $855 on rent and $490 for his 2007 Chrysler Sebring.
Before the big Las Vegas casinos adopted the online application process of corporate America to filter thousands of applications at once, they often hired workers based on a few words of recommendation from another casino — or a smile and a handshake with the boss. That’s how Meyers moved around.
Those days are over, said Greg Abate, who runs the city’s oldest and largest bartending school, ABC Bartending.
“The days of getting jobs through the buddy system are gone,” he said. “This is new Vegas, which is pool parties and nightclubs. You think a casino wants to hire someone who’s 50 years old serving drinks to 21-year-olds?”
Long resumes are viewed as more of a liability than an asset in today’s economy, he said.
Sherry Cummings sees many people like Meyers in her line of work. She instructs bartenders-to-be in checking IDs and handling drunks for the agency Techniques in Alcohol Management, or TAM, that certifies all working bartenders in Las Vegas. Besides her day job, Cummings spends time boosting the spirits of unemployed service workers. Her advice: smile like you mean it and be flexible.
That’s harder for the long-term unemployed, especially men whose identities are mostly wrapped up in their jobs, she said. A shellshocked demeanor can derail a candidate’s job prospects, as casinos want happy, confident and optimistic people in service jobs, she said.
“Women are used to having multiple identities, but there’s an ego thing men have,” Cummings said. “Losing their job takes the wind out of their sails. When they’re interviewing for a job they don’t have the same energy about themselves.”
After applying for a busboy job, Meyers received a notice from the casino saying he had failed the psychological questionnaire following the formal application. Meyers figures his truthful answer to a question about his level of optimism for the economy cost him the job.
Meyers has lived in isolation since he lost his work.
He is estranged from his mother and from the rest of his family. Most of his friends were co-workers with their own pressing concerns. Some are out of work as well. Those still working, Meyers said, want little to do with him since he became unemployed — a feeling of survivor’s guilt, perhaps.
“They give me this look like I’m a dead man walking,” he said. “They’re afraid that what happened to me will happen to them. Or that they will catch it from me.”
It wasn’t until Meyers stopped looking for work last fall, becoming even more cut off from the world, that he received national attention.
“I have pondered the absence of relevance in my past life, and the lack of significance my passing will be to the world,” Meyers wrote.
As a white man over age 50 who also lacks a support network, Meyers fits the profile of people most vulnerable to suicide.
With homeless shelters full and social service agencies focused on families with children, more people are calling the statewide suicide hotline for help such as financial assistance with rent and food.
Statewide, the Crisis Call Center received 3,931 calls for help with various needs — employment, food, shelter and transportation — a 17 percent increase from 2009 and a 48 percent jump from 2008. This doesn’t include the greater number of hotline calls from people who were suicidal and did not openly request financial assistance.
Since the downturn, more hotline calls are coming from unemployed men in Las Vegas between ages 50 and 60 who are too young for Social Security and too old to appeal to employers, said Debbie Gant-Reed, crisis lines coordinator for the Reno-based Crisis Call Center.
In many cases, callers have exhausted their savings and feel hopeless about their job prospects as companies seek people at entry level wages, favoring younger, less experienced people, Gant-Reed said.
“They feel like they can’t recover” financially, she said. Unlike those from society’s fringes, they tend to be middle-class people “who have lost everything and who aren’t used to going without.”
The Crisis Call Center also receives suicidal letters addressed to the White House and expressing frustration with the poor local economy and a lack of jobs.
There’s some hope for Meyers, though. A Henderson woman who read his blog and lost her own job offered to take him in.
Meyers said he’s too polite to refuse a stranger’s help. While fearing he will only be a burden, the tone of his voice lifts as he mentions her.
“I don’t know how I’m going to be of any help. But she keeps telling me, ‘We’ll make it work.’ ”
"failed the psychological questionnaire" for a busboy...then he is told to 'find out where to compromise in his search'. Was he shooting too high in applying for a busboy job? How lack of compromise was ever part of the problem. Maybe he should try standing on the sidewalk in front of Home Depot?
And his family is in Cleveland so HIS PROBLEM becomes that he doesn't fly back for the weekend BBQ/social life? What does the family BBQ do for a resume?
Hair coloring would work a lot better. Also - cigarette smoke sticks to a person's clothes. Walk into an interview smelling like a pack of Camels and don't expect success...I'm surprised no one told him that.
Eat Oatmeal and cooked whole potatoes three times a day with a daily vitamin to keep your energy up - these foods are most affordable and energy is critical to success.
Oh - and if you need a laugh, call Joe Heck to find what jobs he is bringing to Nevada. Humor will brighten your day.
Wait until the unemployment benefits finally run out, while the state budget is gutted. What is going to happen here? We are going to be facing a future of massive numbers of destitute, desperate older people who will have to choose between homelessness and suicide. In civilized European countries people pay higher taxes so that things like this do not become public policy. I'm sure those Super Bowl football players would just up and quit playing football if they had to pay higher taxes, right?
GOV O.2 Brian Sandoval has failed this man and Nevada. This man is paying for Sandoval and his families medical insurance, mansion, car and fancy inaugural ball.
Hate talk radio has stigmatized the unemployed.
This meanness, this lack of compassion for others-this judgmental attitude exuding from Americans whenever a story like yours appears-sad, isn't it?
It's our country now.
It is who we have become.
Jobs available divided by population unemployed. Someone is going to be left out, hence the tent cities popping up everywhere.
Also did anyone notice that the BLS changed the reporting statistics last month? I really enjoyed this line "and some methodological changes in the estimation process."
Very sad to see all this happening.
get in the car and move out of town..try CA, both South or Nor Cal..who knows, at least its a try...LV is dead for the "over 40" crowd and jobs unless you can totally change and learn a new profession, which America needs to do...it sucks for us over 40 !!
Lately I've started to feel bad for the people who are always pointing fingers and placing blame. It must be a hassle to carry around all that hate all day.
Nonetheless, as misguided as they are, there simply aren't enough jobs to go around to the 190,000+ people unemployed in Nevada. Of course, they never seem to let pesky little facts get in the way of their vitriol.
They don't realize how unbalanced their lives are when the first priority is to develop talking points against their perceived "enemies" no matter the validity of their position. Every day they react to run of the mill news ad though it is a major national emergency. Junkies.
and, there it is. the politico pundits, once again, lash out at the powers-that-be, to explain away this one man's struggle.
both of you need a clue and some new schtick. it's really getting OLD.
Why is it these guys who are scraping pennies to survive are always smoking like a chimney? Give up the cigs. Step 1. Saves money, better health, better appearance.
I'm with Martin9. Young people, it's very tempting to just go with the status-quo when you are young and making very good money in the service industry, but don't fall into that trap.
Feet and knees don't last forever when you stand on them for decades, and pretty faces fade over time.
I feel for the subject of this story. This is a very scary thing to have happen to you in your fifties. When you take those psych tests, just answer as if you were the most perfect employee on the planet. Good luck Bud.
To all of you who want to lay blame for this at some politician's feet- it just doesn't work that way. There was a bubble, and now there is a correction. It's how markets work.
Everyone from Bush, to Obama, to every Congress member out there would have loved to fix this economy if they could. Who wouldn't want to be known as the guy who saved the economy? They can't. It's a cycle and we've just got to work through it.
Hey, Cliff...
That's just sick, man.
Haters hate.
It's what they do!
hey cliffie boy...
let me guess...
you watch fox...
"We are going to be facing a future of massive numbers of destitute, desperate older people who will have to choose between homelessness and suicide.
In civilized European countries people pay higher taxes so that things like this do not become public policy."
------------------------------
And people still ask me why i live in central Europe instead of my hometown of Las Vegas..
This is a sad story, which illustrates what a poor choice of career serving drinks is. Sadly many kids have had the mentality that they can all be cocktail waitresses, valets or drink servers. This story proves that isn't the case.
hey bud...
hang in there man...
some good people are pulling for you...
those that aren't...
just ignore them...
they aren't worth your time...
I agree with Clifee on the first sentence Sandoval just got into office but Obama has been in 2 years and still blaming Bush.
This is a very moving and well-written story.
It seems obvious that those posters who have jobs (or who are retired) don't have any clue what difficulties can be faced looking for a new job.
I hope the Sun publishes many more stories about ordinary Americans struggling in this recession.
""Though he subsists on just one meal a day to save money, the once-trim body that rushed about behind a bar, slinging drinks for tourists, has grown thick.""
This is just asinine. One meal a day, but has money for chain smoking???
I hate to say it, but there are certain people out there who have no clue about priorities. The day you are putting smoking ahead of eating is the day I stop feeling full pity and some anger surfaces.
The US capitalist system is a disaster. It failed in the great depression and is now failing in the great recession.
The only reason this is not another great depression is because of governmental spending.
The great depression occurred because all the greedy unethical rich people got all the money - and the rest of us had huge credit debts.
This is the same thing that has caused the great depression.
Unless taxes on rich people and significantly increased to 70%-like they were in the 1950s and 60s -when the middle class developed and an family could exist on one income- the american "dream" is over forever.
Since the rich people now control the US - this will never happen.
It is time to realize that US capitalism is lie- it is feudalism.
"This meanness, this lack of compassion for others-this judgmental attitude exuding from Americans whenever a story like yours appears-sad, isn't it?"
--------------------------
But in southern Nevada among the "TeaHead-libertarian" crowd, the ignorant meanness on stories like this really show. That is a whole new level of sad me thinks..
Harry's "Dream Act" will address this.
Finding a job after months or even years without one isn't easy, but it is possible. Just posted this story with tips on avoiding and ending long-term unemployment. Hope it might be helpful. http://moneywatch.bnet.com/career-advice...
I've been homeless due to bad times in the past and I've always worked my butt off but it still happened. I once lived in a warehouse at night that a friend of mine owned because I had no place to stay - yet I never thought oy myself that way and never went to any agency for help though I wish I had. You get into a mindest of who you are. You don't say to yourself, "I'm homeless without prospects" but in time this will overcome you if it persists. Anyway, I thought about suicide one night even though I had people who loved me in other states and could probably go to for help - BUT MENTALLY YOU DON'T THINK of those things. Once the self loathing and depression kicks in you're no longer rational. This isn't about just finding work - episodes like this change you and you never objectively see a silver lining. You look back after months or years and then realize the mess you were in and wonder how you survived. For the employed, most Americans are two paychecks away from homelessness. And if it weren't for relatives or friends there'd be a lot more of it as well as suicide attempts. The man in this story did not jump at the chance to stay with someone even reaching out a hand - THAT'S how entrenched your mind becomes. As far as him smoking cigarettes, give me a break. I'm a non-smoker, but I used food as a crutch and he uses cigs. And now his health is shot according to the story. Telling someone with little or no money how to eat is insane. On the other hand, there's nothing that says you can't make some food and help someone's nutrition along which leads to better thinking and courses of action. City Center cost $8.5 billion.
I make it a habit to not be negative when posting comments anywhere, but I'm having a hard time finding any sympathy for this guy, beyond not being able to find the desired bartending job.
Sorry, but 40k and 3-4 years (with unemployment benefits 2 of those years) is ample time and money to either A) re-invent yourself, at any age, and make a parallel move into something else or B) getting in that newer car and go find work.
A guy like this, with his age and experience, could be running a bar or restaurant in any other town where age and experience are looked at as a virtue (even in this economy). My advice is, go do it.
Believe me, I know. I was laid off in 2007 and faced the same adversity. If it takes finding a job you don't like for a little while, then that's what it takes. Or moving. Or getting into another line of work. Whatever it takes. This country hasn't sunk completely underwater, it still can be done.
Good luck brother. Concentrate on keeping your health up. Things will turn.
Can't believe this guy staked his life on being a bartender.
why did he lose his job
Cliff.
Before attacking Obama's ears, I'd take a look at the Republican crew. One leader is Orange, another looks like he put his finger in a light socket, and another looks like he went to Floyd the barber in Mayberry and had him empty the bottle of hair tonic on his head. "Grease is the word." Not to mention Republican women commentators complete with "Adam's Apples." So much for civility?
It was Nixon, the Republican, that "opened up" China...and the Republicans and their big business benefactors have been cozy with them every since. I have as little to do with China and their products as possible.
Also, you assume facts not in evidence about my supporting Obama. Continuing the 2 Bush Wars, expanding the Afghanistan involvement, continuing the Bush bailout of Wall Street, not extending Medicare for everyone and crafting an insurance company handout as "health care reform" and so on.
No, I'm in the "disapprove" category when it comes to Obama.
Sandoval is responsible for the unemployment because he has water-boarded the Nevada economy from the get go by destroying "tax predictability." Cities, Counties, individuals, big and small businesses are in a quandary about what the tax policy will be, preventing new hiring. Also, as AG, he steered away from protecting age discrimination in the work place.
This guy will be trashed and second guessed the way the "homeless guy" featured in the Sun awhile back was.
As for these "truck driving jobs in 2 weeks," that is completely bogus, there is quite a bit of unemployment in that industry. Many driver jobs involved transporting building materials and construction equipment are gone, and the level of transport of food, household goods, and other commodities is relatively stable.
Mr. John Parsons fails to see that many college graduates, MBAs, attorneys and others, even in health care are having job problems. So trashing "Bud" and his name ..."John" (isn't John another name for a bathroom? I'm going to the "John")
I can remember someone name "Jody" was a weekend hate talker on a local hate talk station, she lamented that her "day job" was that of a civil engineer and she had been out of work for 4 months. Shortly thereafter they fired her from her radio station job.
There but for the grace of God go you.
Liz, not you too. At least this guy's story isn't as pathetic as the other homeless guy that the Sun was portraying.
>>Your big ear Obama failed the nation with his over two years of communism which you support.
The only hate anywhere comes from you and your kind.
<<
Pot? Kettle? Meet Cliff.
This guy doesn't seem to be doing himself any favors or being very flexible. If he is too old to get a bar job anymore, than work in the back where looks don't matter.
Maybe you won't make bar money but at least you'll have a job and some income/purpose in life.
I agree with some of the above - mexicans don't seem to have any problem finding work.
I remember being at MCI years ago and we were hiring developers. We had a number of seasoned folks apply and interview and I asked one of the hiring manager if they were likely to get hired. She told me that they were highly unlikely to get hired because people that have been well above a certain level have a hard time adjusting down. She added that they often feel that they should advance faster if there are upgrades available and it creates problems. So, unless they get the strong sense that the person can manage that downgrade well, they won't take the chance. I was torn because it seemed like it was a waste of some good talent and experience, but I did understand that have a good cohesive team environment is important as well.
C_bess, did your unemployment run out too?
It's called re-invent yourself and find something else you like and get trained.
Although I have sympathy for those needing work, I'm nearly the same age as this guy and I've gotten no help and the reason I can't work is because In 2007 I was attacked, put in a wheel chair and almost 4 years and 3 surgeries later, still have to deal with pain that is unbearable sometimes and can really only work a few hours a day at most before the pain becomes so unbearable. I can't stand for hours, I can't sit for hours without intense pain and numbess in my limbs. No one was arrested in my attack, which happened on video for all to see, that is until the club where it happened erased it without letting anyone see it. So with no arrest means no victims assistance from the DA. I haven't gotten one cent of help from anyone other than my family and friends and it has put a strain on them as well.
This guy needs to man up and try something different or move somewhere that they need his help, say south florida for instance where they like older bartenders to deal with the geriatric crowd they have as customers. if he would have spent his 40,000 to move instead of blowing it and whining, he may have a job. Time to end the self pity party.
I only eat one meal a day, and usually something real cheap because I'm broke to, but that doesn't make me lay around and get overweight to where my appearance would hurt me in a job interview, should I be able to find a job i think I could actually do these days
Very simple, I am over 50. I have been employed for 36 years. I can work in the office or drive a truck. I learned to type in 8th grade because my mother who was an educater told me if you want to make sure you have a job you better learn. Then came the PC which I had to learn. Now I came comfortable in a blue collar or white collar enviroment. I took classes to keep my skills up and still read and learn. You can't give up and die. By the way I even worked during the recession with the other Bush!
And just one more thing. i didn't even think about applying for unemployment until it was too late (18 months after your last job). if I did i would have been eligible for the the max benefits because my last job was over $150k year. So what do I do with my time? Instead of sitting around whining about how no one wants me because I'm too old to get hired as a bartender in a city where youth and good looks prevail, I volunteer and got elected to a seat on my HOA's board of directors where the workload isn't demanding and hopefully I can make a connection that will get me a job after i recover from what I hope is the last surgery i need to finally be able to go back to work on a full or part time basis. Again, hopefully !!
How does he afford to chain smoke and update a blog with no income?
this is where he lost me .. " $490 for his 2007 Chrysler Sebring."
This guy is obviously in a vicious cycle of unemployment, however it isn't hopeless. As a employer most people unintentionally rule themselves out of a job in the application procedure and I fear this is the case here. I mean this out of positive feedback that Mr Meyers should look to change.
He is quite correct in assuming his negative answer in the busboy application probably ruled him out. These questions are cleverly set to ween out anyone who is pessimistic-someone who is pessimistic about the future might not be ready to enthusiastically tackle employment.
My other concern as an employer is what has Mr Meyers done since his last job? Did he volunteer for something? Take classes?
I would advise anyone looking for work long-term to consider volunteering or take classes, because it makes a great impression on a would be employer. I would also advise anyone in unemployment to take any paid employment. Even if its temporary or low level, it is better to be employed.
Like I say 95% of applicants rule themselves out of the process before they even get an interview. I feel this is where Mr Meyers might be going wrong.
@dipstick
"its time for this gentleman to stop with the pity and start using the smarts that got him to where he was before the crash."
-- That's cold. There is a lot of luck in finding a job as well.
Bud, get a haircut, stop smoking, move in with a buddy or family, buy yourself a clunker. "Stop feeling sorry for yourself", nobody cares about you, but you! I'm sick of the Sun's articles on guys like Bud and the other homeless smoking, feel sorry for me, person. SUN, help these guys find a job, help them learn how to find a job, stop the sob stories. Bud, I suspect you are trying to get reemployed in the wrong industry. You are no longer the stud you think you are! Go to Home Depot and stand in line with Jose. Deliver advertisements dood to door. Get a spot at an off ramp and take donations. Call your relatives and let them know you aren't the big Las Vegas success story they think you are. Beg! Suck up your pride and let the old lady in Henderson take you in. Just stop the self pity! No body cares! You are but 1 of thousands, stand up. OK!
@mred
"GOV O.2 Brian Sandoval has failed this man and Nevada."
-- Too early to put that on him mred.
Nevada is STILL GOING DOWN from the stock market CRASH of 2008 - This was caused by bankers, mortgage companies, insurance companies all cashing in on Liar's loans and UNREGULATED Mortgage Insurance policies with NO LIQUIDITY.
This recessions was caused by the unregulated "FINANCIAL GENIUSES" who ARE:
Not the Communists
Not the Socialists
Not the Taliban
Not the Illegal immigrants
Not the Mexicans
Not the European Intellectuals infiltrating our Universities
This recession is 100% American Financial Genius CREATED by lack of regulation and not one single ounce of Personal Responsibility, because Personal Responsibility ends above a certain income bracket!!
Remember: China's economy is booming - they had to raise interest rates to cool it off. Looks like the Communists and Socialists are the only political system that can run a stable financial system - LOOK AT THE WORLD NEWS, not the Clark County Line.
It's NOT THE COMMUNISTS OR SOCIALISTS - their economies are BOOMING!
This is what the unemployed face in this economy, thanks primarily to large US corporations and the cretins that work in their HR departments:
No recent experience - Gotcha
Gap on your resume - Gotcha
Job changes on your resume - Gotcha
Held the same job too long - Gotcha
Held temporary rather than permanent jobs - Gotcha
Missing one of the ten skills on the list - Gotcha
Overqualified - you might quit - Gotcha
Didn't score as their type on the psychological test, even though you were already promoted once in that field - Gotcha
It took you only two months to learn the technology, but the HR person grills you on whether you have three years of experience - Gotcha
You are disabled and the ad for a desk job requires you to lift 25lbs - Gotcha
Someone you never met, who interviewed you for five minutes on the phone, checked the do not hire box in the applicant tracking system two years ago - Gotcha
Recruiter's placement percentage will go down in the applicant tracking system if he submits too many risky (e.g. older) candidates - Gotcha
Didn't follow up soon enough - Gotcha
Called too soon - too aggressive - Gotcha
Too much academic experience - Gotcha
Other candidates have a Ph.D. - Gotcha
Didn't remember the answer to an arcane question about a course you took 20 years ago or a software detail you can look up in the manual - Gotcha
No older employees/women/minorities on the interviewing panel - Gotcha
One out of eight interviewers votes against you - Gotcha
You got through the first two interviews, but the third time you came back someone didn't like you - Gotcha
You are fat and the job is in (insert city) - Gotcha
You wore a suit and the interviewer wore a t shirt and bike shorts - Gotcha
You weren't well groomed enough - Gotcha
Former employer prohibits references - Gotcha
Bad marks on your credit rating - Gotcha
No room in your budget for all the gear they expect you to own - Gotcha
They call someone who is not on your reference list and that person badmouths you - Gotcha
HR PERSON READS EVERYTHING YOU EVER WROTE ON THE INTERNET AND DOESN'T LIKE YOUR POLITICAL VIEWS - GOTCHA
Manager advertises the job for five months,finds no one good enough and withdraws the position.
Real person and not a robot - Gotcha
(List courtesy of LAS, Redmond, WA)
I'm sorry but I have trouble feeling sorry for this guy. Driving a 2007 Chrysler for $490 a month? Rent for $855 when you live by yourself? Chain-smoking, which probably means $5-$10 a day on cigarettes ($150-$300 a month)? Buddy if you want sympathy you need to start living a little more modestly. We've all had to make changes in the last few years. Why don't you quit smoking, move into a $650-$700/mo apartment and get rid of the car you can't afford.
And who told you to be a bartender for a living? I'm tired of people who pass up an education for the short term money (dealers, bartenders, servers, strippers) and then complain when they wash out. To be over 50 with only $40K saved up? And now you're SHOCKED that no one wants to hire a sad old fat man with smokey breath? God help us all. And these are the people who get 2 years of unemployment money for sitting around smoking and 'blogging' courtesy of the rest of us who got an education so we could get real jobs. These are the bums who walk away from their mortgage, once again screwing the rest of us who actually live within our means.
Don't give up Bud, hang in there! Help might be just around the next corner. People need to show some compassion, they may be next!
"You can see the religious right's famous compassion and right to life belief on display here folks."
---------------------
The southern Nevada version that is, you betcha.
A set of hooters does not qualify for a tip, nor does the ahole that employs you deserve my business.
...the fact that the Sun has taken this long, to give this type of detail, that's the problem. I mean, the guy's got to be national news before we're up and running on his insights?
While the truly damning indictment here is that I've noted how a solution sent to the LVRJ, was taken and skewed with the help of a UNLV Professor, but the Sun has shown no interest at all!
I used my MS in Economics to do put together a pretty good set of solutions, 12/19 of last year the LVRJ took the idea and suggested shrinking the city would be better...suggested my detailed description was spot on...a description they had a UNLV Professor attempt to make their own...while the solution for growth was tossed!
Again, the Sun's just now letting us know this level of pain shows how big business creeps into even the most sincere efforts of balance, even if that means the community its founded on is thrown under the bus; that's the problem!
Thanks!
I have been told by the JOB CONNECT office that they will not forward my resume to positions that I am qualified for because I did not do those tasks in the the last 3 years.
I will be a 99er as well and not by choice. I also have a degree, and over 8 years of HOSP admin/billing experience AND 15years of hospitality.
italiangal, So what's your solution to your mess? Do you think that some company owes you a job? Does the government owe you 99 more weeks of benefits? You had a good career going for you but where do you go now? Are you going to be a Bud? Consider moving, taking a lower paying job, moving in with your family, starting your own business, collecting aluminum cans, handing out flyers on the strip, cleaning houses, become a pet walker, or sit on your behind and blame Bush! Good Luck, I wish you the best!
Good Points. There is a 10-15% overcapacity of PhD in many fields.
Constructive ideas? If you unemployment has run out...
training: Coach new bartenders and bars, customer relations, tips for getting bigger tips, Print-up some business cards and get some low cost web-presence, Craig's list, etc. You are already a blogger. You already are "nearly famous." Charge minimum $20 an hour for consulting.
Hire out as a personal bartender for parties, meetings, etc. $20 an hour, minimum 2 hours.
Hire out as a product demonstrator for liquor companies, liquor stores, feature new drinks, etc.
Obviously, things might be hand to mouth, but this might help a little til new ideas and opportunities develop.
Get ready for to be a target of hate. It is not OK to fail.
This is an example of the systematic destruction of the Middle Class.
This systematic destruction has been brought about by the previously excessive credit expansion followed by the subsequent excessive credit contraction executed by the totalitarian Federal Reserve.
The Federal Reserve was put in place by the super-capitalists whose sinister desire for power spurs them on to Communize the whole world by destroying its middle class.
The unemployed middle class victims will be radicalized to carry out the aims of the super-capitalists to communize the nation through social unrest.
hang in there Bud you think you have it bad i am a 51yr old black male with over 10yrs f&b managment exp with a wife that has had three heart attacks in the last 2yrs but i refuse to give up because it is NOT IN MY MAKE-UP so trust in GOD he will see us both through this!!!
A very insightful and well documented story. My heart goes out to Bud. At least he is willing to look for work wherever he can find it. Bud is a more sympathetic story that ordinary people can relate too than some others that have been published in the LV Sun, i.e. a "writer".
C_bess: Enjoy the new era of 'civility'. Bet you've won a few urinal-cake-eating contests in your day.
"Bud, I think you're listening to this so hang in there, you're not forgotten by everyone," Velshi said."
Along the rest here safely and remotely patting Bud on the back, I don't see Velshi or anyone else offering cash or anything else to ease his suffering. Except for that nice Henderson lady at the end.
Mostly what I see in this article is crushing the myth old white guys are in charge of anything. Anyone else notice that's who you see mostly around this town, holding up the signs asking for help?
"Life begins on the other side of despair." -- Sartre
"$490 for his 2007 Chrysler Sebring" It's called having BAD credit PEOPLE!!!!! not everyone has good credit!!!!
C_bess, we get it. You hate religion. Good luck with that 'boss' illusion.
Having run several businesses in the past and working in management positions it was always easy to eliminate an applicant. Nothing has changed. People like Bud have to reinvent theirselves and look for new types of employment. Even going to community college and learn some new skills. I know it is easy for me to critisize someone. Keep in mind we are never to old to learn something new.
I have a lot more sympathy for this guy than I did with the other one, Rodger. This is reality people! Quit with the snarky comments! He was riding high until this all happened. It's terrible. He had a life and an income, and now it's all gone. It can happen to you. If you are telling this guy that he is lazy and doesn't want to find work, you are a rotten little punk, and karma is going to hurt one day.
I suspect many of you are snotty little college brats who think you are going to all become millionaire CEO's. Been there, done that, been a mentor for these kids. Nothing in life is guaranteed. Be humble and grateful for what you have!
problems are opportunities.
he seems to have some writing skill, right?
he seems to have some kind of computer skills, right?
he's not lazy. he WANTS to work.
and there's probably many people like him in vegas that can relate to him, right?
so...why doesn't "the sun" give him a little space on this site where he can write about himself and others like him and the sun can pay him as a freelancer?
Some really mean people on here. I just read through all of the comments. Again, some of you are lucky to be in positions that haven't cut back, or you are still in school. Remember, this man's bills are based on the income he had prior to losing his job. He didn't take it on knowing he would be unemployed, and he didn't think he would be jobless for long. I'm seeing some really childish comments about how this guy should do this, he should move, he should do that. I mean, you sound like some college kids I used to manage. Every one of them had an attitude and thought they would be making a lot of money when they graduated.
Hiring departments have some of the dumbest, most unqualified people working in them. I'll have you know that so many of them are crooked anyways. I lost a couple friends because they used their parents to get a job at the companies they worked at. Not long after, they soon developed hostile attitudes towards the jobless and underemployed. Never mind the fact that they would have been working the same bad jobs as me if that weren't possible. That's why the hiring departments play games. They already are basically forced to give the job to somebody's kid or friend. It's always incredibly easy to get a job at a company that is starting up, ever notice that? That's because the employees there don't have their own little networks and connections set up. When it's up and running, that's when the games begin.
I'd recommend that this guy leave Vegas. It's a dead city anyways. He's an experienced bartender. There should be a score of great jobs in great locales waiting for him. Other than that, I wish him the best and pray for him, because he is TRULY undergoing a trying time!
Floozy's comments reminds me of a time I was sitting at a Coco's restaurant. It was sometime during the 80's when unemployment was on the rise. The guy sitting next to me said he owned a machine shop and he would NEVER hire a former aerospace worker because they are used to making too much money.
Though my heart goes out to this guy and all the others.I still think he could have made even more changes to help get by.For one near $500 for car payments and the rent?...what gives with that. Move into something less expensive....there are tons of apartments for far less.Smoking?...Mega bucks could be saved there.Get control of your expenses,then you can survive longer.At 55 it'll be a bit hard to "re-invent" himself.Don't look for the perfect job...look for A JOB,any job, Big or small. If need be...take two.Been there,done that.At some point I even went into sharing food money with other people in the apartment Bldg and we ate together.It's a tough situation that requires EVEN tougher decisions.
and yes...older dudes...
you HAVE to stop smoking.
non-smokers can smell you a mile away and you might as well splash some cat urine on in the morning before looking for work if you're going to smoke.
Speaks volumes. Such a shame that our economic safety net is based solely on women with young children ONLY. (OK, survival support for disabled.) Nada for single women, single men, anyone over 40 or so. Once the unemployment is gone, we don't qualify for much if anything. All the stuff we pay for, we don't qualify for--housing assistance, federal TANF, food stamps, Medicaid.
I have to second the cut-your-expenses theme above. Nobody explains it but once you "retire" you get about $1,000 from Social Security and that's it. There are $500 rents for seniors with income below $2500. How long are the waiting lists? Singles who've lived alone might need to consider finding a roommate they can tolerate.
Babyboomer, the guy has basically said that he has TRIED to find ANY JOB!!!
That's what I can't stand about people like you. You sit in your dorm room at college, or your doctor's office, or your cubicle with the nice job that your parents got you, and talk down to these people like Marie Antoinette.
Karma is...and when it hits you, remember the saying.
Too experienced! Just like a PhD looking for an entry-level office job. ROFL.
I think his blog was pretty good, bottom line hiring practices have changed big time since Vegas heyday. Most people I have talked to who are long term employees have no idea what or how difficult it is to get a job. The whole process is done over the computer and is painstaking slow. When he was first layed off in 2008 for bartender he was in a really bad spot. First most casinos weren't hiring or were in the process of downsizing. Then the people/bartenders they were hiring were usually young attractive so out the door he goes. I think he made some mistakes, he should have went to a callcenter for employement or tried to taxi anything for an income. He should have thought of moving 1-1/2 year ago if those employment opportunites were unavailable. Good Luck.
He must have been using a lot of recreational drugs all those years he worked as a bartender, collected thousands in tips each year, and still doesn't have a paid-up residence and car. Even a truck driver with no education could save $40k by age 55, raise a family, and have a small house. This guy lived it up for years and can't even survive on unemployment and $40k for 2 years?
Time to learn how to manage your money and get a job. Yes, there are jobs out there but you may have to leave Las Vegas but that should be easy since you rent rather than own. Sell the car, sell whatever crap you don't need, buy a nice used pickup truck, and leave Vegas. A man with a pickup truck and a desire to work can indeed find work.
good luck
Martin9, shut up, this is an internet message board. It could be a lot worse!!!!!
I put those multiple exclamation marks in just for you!!!! Much love people!!!!
This is why I love the Las Vegas Sun...HUMAN interest stories. Liz is the new bomb!!!
Nice writing, Liz-girl.
In the mortal words of an idiot boy's retarded father, "READ MY LIPS."
There is no SOCIAL ARCHITECTURE in Democracy to handle this situation. (Hoarding and legalized theft by the select, the incredible, the beautiful, the better than everyone else...few)
Computers, automated systems and overseas slave markets have PERMANENTLY,
PERMANENTLY,
PERMANENTLY reduced the need,
reduced the need,
reduced the need for human labor,
human labor,
human labor.
Even my brilliant Perpetually-Expanding BRAKEOUT Revitalization Plan is only a band-aid without SOCIAL EVOLUTION.
What do you do?
Spread the workload and wealth evenly to create EQUALITY.
To create WHAT?
...Equality.
Equal rights, Equal social positions, equal assets...that's where the word equality comes from..."equal."
Say these very basic concepts over and over until it breaks through all of the childhood programming and thousands of brainwash sound bytes, cutting through the fog of "conventional wisdom."
(the new oxymoron...conventional wisdom)
If you disagree, then give yourself a hard slap, go back and read these very rudimentary truths again.
Seriously, this guy planned on being a bartender his entire life? You'd think that someone that has been unemployed for over 6 months may deem that their $490 car payment doesn't make sense anymore. You'd think that someone who has run out of unemployment benefits would stop chain smoking. I have compassion for many of the unemployed, but there comes a time when you have to do something about it. Continually trying to get a job in food & beverage where you know you no longer fit in the mold for that position is an exercise in futility. Not cutting frivolous expenses is foolish and doesn't really deserve any sympathy.
It's a huge s*** sandwich and we're all gonna have to take a bite.
I got laid off two years ago but before I collected unemployment I found a job driving a cab right a way. You don't have to be an ethiopian contrary to popular beliefs but You must willing to work as hard as these foreigners who unlike white americans who depend too much on their unions. You can get hired right away and start earning 100 to 200 dollars a day and get paid for being chatty.You just have to swallow your pride and work hard.Desert cab and Nellis cab pays daily but they only keep the high bookers who long haul and take advantage of naive tourist who come here to waste money. Frias cabs hires anyone including ex-felons but every cab company will drug test you first before you start. Besides the self pity about no jobs available You must get your head out of your butt and accept the fact that this is better than collecting unemployment
Reality check for most of the Republican "go-getters" on here who think they've got it all figured out.
When the big guys on top fail, they get millions of dollars and perks to go away.
When you fail or cease to be useful to them, you get unemployment and whatever else you are lucky to get.
The former CEOs never have to work again. You? You better find a job or your wife will leave you and your house will get foreclosed!
No one knows why this man hasn't been able to find a job. Stop talking down to him. I think a lot of you are still in school. You have to be, the way you talk. I think you are fools for personally thinking that there are an endless supply of jobs and that all you have to do is look for them. You are brainwashed. That's not how life works. People get screwed. One day, it might be you!
Sometimes you have to move where the jobs are.
@Martin 9, if I can't capitalize economics, then shouldn't you have written nothing I've said makes any sense to, YOU?
btw, I'm writing within pretty much a blog, on the fly.
Thanks!
Hey man, you can always look out of state. The work is were you find it, but you have to go where it is.
The cup half full is that this guy is infinitely better than the last loser that the Sun profiled.
The last guy had a sense of entitlement. This guy doesn't as much.
He wasn't perfect with his bills, but infinitely better at managing his money than the last loser who was renting a house and had astronomical water bills because he didn't spend $50 to fix a leak.
About 75% of the country live paycheck to paycheck. The fact that he had 40k saved up puts him ahead of the pack and I give him credit for that.
I also give him credit for applying for jobs that are way beneath his experience unlike the last guy who thought he was too good to doing menial work.
What's happened to this guy could happen to any of us. He isn't a huge loser like the last guy. Before you start going off on him, just remember that a lot of us could end up like him very easily.
Right----Look out of state. Try Texas and Oklahoma. Their economies are doing well during these troubled times. People that are unemployed in Vegas more than likely will not get rehired by the hospitality industry for quite some time (Like 5 plus years). You need to leave the state in order to survive. Other states appreciate nice resumes and experienced workers.
Ok,...he needs to quit smoking,...thats the first thing for a lot of reasons,...but beyond that Winkler is SPOT ON!!!, however I'm going to add one factor and thats the inability for anyone to actually apply in person. We have made the computer do the dirty work for the hiring managers. They don't talk one on one with anyone who now must apply online.
Those with no money or work likely can't access a computer to search for work much less apply for it. If they do,...the hiring manager simply deletes the majority of them that fail to catch his eye,...he never has to look at the applicant, speak to the applicant,...or see if there is a quality that might be an asset to his company. If he doesn't like what he reads online the applicant is deleted.
Employers might tell you your application will be on file for 6 months, yet how many have applied for a job online, didn't get it, but see it available again within weeks? If they actually kept it on file instead of deleting it they should be contacting you, only it never happens,...you were scrapped in the beginning.
Regardless of age,...the system of hiring is broken along with the economy,...and was well pointed out by Mr. Erwin Winkler and while Bud is the subject of this article,...he's one of thousands.
Where the hell are we? Is this still America?
And with your attitude, I wouldn't hire you to shovel chicken sh*t. Seems to me like you got what you had coming. To all the posters that mention karma, did you ever think this guy "Bud" is finally getting his ?
I don't feel sorry for people because let's face it, those among us who adhere to "true principles" as taught by Christ will always come out on top and those who persist on kicking Cacti will get their shoe tips full of thorns. Such is life.
I read a story years ago about a couple of midget brothers who were in a plane crash and suffered burns over most of their bodies and other medical nightmares, could no longer walk, etc. They already had the deck stacked against them for being midgets, then this? Thing is, they obeyed true principles and ended up being multi millionaires in the RE industry, as they said, "even a burned up midget can broker a no money down loan and make money buying foreclosures".
Bottom line, the lib Sun likes to focus their stories on those among us who fail in life, and scare many into thinking this will soon happen to them rather than telling stories about the winners in life who obey true principles and come out on top. Such is the nature of the beast I guess. Those who read this and are on the right path need not fear the future. Amen.
BTW, in case you're wondering "what is a true principle" ...here are a few:
1) Give away 10% of your income to the needy
2) Obey God's commandments and "common sense"
3) Love your spouse, be true, and put your family first.
4) In business, the goal is not "to make money", it's to make your customers happy and provide them with te best deal possible.
5) Your word is your bond, period. Being dishonest in any way is not an option. Plan ahead of time on making the right decisions when faced with x, y, or z situation.
6) Be humble and thankful for your blessings.
7) Pray often and say out loud the righteous desires of your heart to draw positive energy and enlist the help of Angles to make your desires become reality.
I could go on and on, you get the idea.
Common sense: Don't drink, smoke, gamble, buy new cars on credit, get into debt, rent a place when you can rent a room, find a roommate, etc.
Where's your karma Justme? Comes around goes around.
The gloomy pose, the backward ball cap, the downcast gaze, the melancholy lighting is not helping. Yeah, the photo is well done and dramatic, and may fit the tone of the article but it's not helping Bud's public image in a newspaper with potential employers checking out the story. Vegas is going through a major crisis like the rest of the country. Maybe Bud needs to try a new environment and get out of there. It's not what it was. I know because I lived there and now it's too big, too clogged, too impersonal, too corporate, too soul crushing.
One last comment on this story. How many of you guys have a problem with hotels only hiring young, hot girls as cocktail waitresses vs older, more experienced by women in their mid 50's or 60's (or beyond)? That works at the older hotels with older customers I guess. Why then should we deny the younger women of this town what they want, hot, young, ripped muscular bartenders?
If Bud wants to work in as a bartender, look to FL or any place that caters to older folks, not LV which caters to the young, hot hip crowd with money who demands good looking and young servers. Common sense: Don't fight "the machine", roll with the punches and get in where you fit in. BTW, there are plenty of good paying jobs for single guys, truck driver, limo driver, learning a new trade etc. They say when you're about to hit a car, if you look at the car you'll hit it 100% of the time BUT if you look to the right or left (escape route) your reflexes will instinctively take you towards the best escape route. ie. don't focus on the train wreck that is your life/career and look for th options that are available out there to move past this "done" phase of your life (bartendering in Vegas)
I love the pic of this guy in the print version of this story taking a BIG drag on his cigarette. Why is it that the destitute and down and out may not have enough money for food, rent, or their car payment, but they ALWAYS have a carton of cigarettes to tide them over?!
...with comments excoriating a fellow human being coming from people who don't even know this guy.
...with vitriol showing that the internet has become an extra avenue for social perverts.
Please let me take the time and say to this fellow American, I'm more than willing to wish you the best.
Please, hang in there and let peace be your guide.
Thanks!
I didn't know there were so many nasty rich kids reading the articles on this website. It certainly seems that way. Everyone has their vices. I would like to know what yours are first before you criticize this guy!
Shows how out of tune the Las Vegas Sun is. You don't even know your own publication. It was mred himself that said he'd stand before the Chinese tank in an earlier comment.
Everything I said in the comment of mine that you removed was simply reiterated from your favorite posters. Funny how you didn't remove it when it was posted by the other side.
Not unexpected from a liberal press that pushes propaganda, tells lies and denies freedom of speech. You can choose who can speak and allow your favorites to hide behind fake names.(Your employee and fellow liberal?)
But I've used my real name, long before you decided to have your "trusted" pages which is nothing of the sort to trust.
Calling all ambulance chasers again, we have an age discrimination suit here. The man is over 40 and qualified but continues to get passed over because his plumbing is different.
****
Forget the "ambulance chasers" aka lawyers. The legal profession is THE worst in age discrimination against their employees or prospective employees. FIrms know how to walk that fine line.
JUST ME
You're an ASS!!! Be careful- bad times may befall you sooner then you think. There is NO GUARANTEE these days, whether in your job or your life. I'd watch the karma if I were you.
If this guy is 55+ he's apt to never get a job. No one is talking about the long-time unemployed who are unable to even get interviews because of their age. I am 64 years old with a master's degree and a very strong, professional resume. I have been unemployed since July 2009. I have sent out my resume to 300+ contacts and employers. I have worked my network to the max. I have applied for upwards of 100 jobs at all levels of experience and with many different businesses. I have availed myself of computer training classes to upgrade my skills and I have volunteered at educational and non-profit organizations in hopes of snagging a part time position. I have landed just one interview - a position as a holiday store clerk - that didn't pan out. My college degrees, salary history and age have played a real role in my inability to land even a job at Borders during the holidays. The response I most usually receive is "you're over-qualified." (I've talked with many 55+ unemployeds who say they get the same answer everywhere they go.) I have been told to "dumb down" my resume - which I have done. Even this self-image destroying exercise has garnered no positive results. I have only my social security and unemployment to keep me from living in a refrigerator box on an empty lot. I have medical issues that have cleaned out my savings and I can no longer afford medical insurance. My social security is just $750/month - not enough to pay the mortgage, leave alone eat and keep the lights on. I don't believe in federal handouts, but the U.S. has got to face up to what will be done with those of us who may very well be permanently unemployable based on our age. And Nevada is the absolute bottom of the barrel in terms of available services to care for its elderly population. Apparently the current federal and state plans are to just wait for us all to die?
agism,
You are correct in your assessment of the current job situation. It's not going to change, so you have to change. Here are my suggestions.
1) Start your own business. Make a list of your skills, knowledge base, etc then go online and create a blog to share your knowledge with others. My guess is you can create 10-15 such blogs. Work them to make them popular with a lot of relevant content and they will show up in the search engines and you will get traffic. Convert that traffic into income with adsense and other online ad revenue streams. Even 15 year old kids are making $5K plus a month this way, my guess is you can do much better than that.
2) Downsize until you start making good money again. Sell sell sell all non essentials. Live very modestly for now. If you are single, rent a room for around $400 a month for now until you get back up on your feet.
3) Pray and ask God (or the cosmos if you are not a believer) for the help and guidance you will need to become successful in your new venture.
Bottom line, this is still America. We still are a free people. Take advantage before a nanny state type gov steps in and replaces your god given freedoms with 3 hots and a cot in exchange for the gov work you'll have to perform in the future.
BTW, how do you think this website makes it's money? Look to the right (ads). Anyone can make money on the Internet these days, if you have good writing skills, something to say that others want to read, and a modicum of "how to" knowledge that is easily obtained online.
MickeyA, that was utterly ridiculous. Start a business? THAT NEEDS MONEY AND CAPITAL! Downsize? Don't you think he's already done that? Pray? That's just ridiculous, and I'm sure he's definitely already done that in some form!
Your last paragraph? Like the rest of your post, it was patronizing and utterly disrespectful. You need to get back to doing your homework, because you are definitely not living in the real working world. You might want to ask daddy for your allowance check for this week too.
"Bud" uses a pseudonym because he's embarrassed.
He should be.
He pays $855 rent. STRIKE ONE. Get a cheaper apartment, a roommate or move in with relatives.
He pays $490 a month for his car. STRIKE TWO. Get a cheaper car, a bicycle or ride the bus. (My grandmother used to scrape for pennies to ride it each morning. It's called PRIDE!)
He smokes. STRIKE THREE. He'll be less of a drain on society and have more dough in his pocket if he gives it up.
I make a six-figure salary. I drove my Toyota until it had 350k on it, I have a new Civic I bought with 0-down and pay $350 a month. I'll drive it to 300k. I NEVER paid that much rent even in the greater NY area though I could have paid much more. It's called shopping around. My mortgage is less! I quit smoking seven years ago, making me healthier, richer and less of a drain on society.
To all you bleeding hearts out there, your sympathy is misplaced. Instead of smoking, complaining and "blogging," he ought to cut his expenses, get out of LV, and do whatever's necessary to find a job somewhere else.
Ali Velshi? Give me a break.
@LasVegas2011, really? That's your best business plan? How old are you? You must be one of those internet losers that thinks any business will succeed just because.
@fcontrone, if he were truly having financial problems, he would cut down on his lifestyle, if he isn't trying to already. He probably is trying to sell his car, and maybe he likes the apartment in his area and is trying to keep it. Who knows why he doesn't want a roommate? That's his business.
The comments from you made me wonder the other day. Is this the awful New York personality I've heard about so much? Maybe that explains the nasty comments on here, given the high numbers of New Yorkers I've seen in the Vegas area. I don't think any of you know what it means to actually earn wealth. You think anyone who tries can get it. Too many fireside stories with dad about how he made his wealth, huh? I don't think dad's been honest with you about the truth about anything. Get real, people get screwed, it's life, and if you don't believe it happens, be prepared for a rude awakening.
SAMJUNG,
I must say, your comments are among some of STRANGEST I've ever encountered though I don't read these boards often.
I said I LIVED in the GREATER NY area (for four years to be exact.) I was born and raised in Columbus, OH, so you offended New Yorkers for no reason with your thoughtless statement and overplayed stereotype. Your post implies your experience with them is quite limited. To what other stereotypes do you subscribe? Many I'm sure since clearly you like to make assumptions.
And how did you determine that the other poster was "an internet loser?" He made no reference to the internet at all in his post. And to whom exactly are you referring when you write "internet losers" and their successful businesses? I have NO idea what that means. ??
You said my comments made you wonder the other day. What does THAT mean? I just wrote them at noon. ?? And what about "nasty?" My comments are "nasty?" Terse, harsh, certainly. However, they're not nasty. Also, you spoke of "NASTY little kids" and "snotty little college brats".... To whom are you referring? What do THEY have to do with this man? And who did you mentor? Clearly many people with misconceptions and chips on their shoulder.
Finally your ridiculous rants make all these cryptic references to "dad" or "daddy?" You stated "I don't think dad's been honest with you about the truth about anything." Besides the redundant nature of the statement, I simply don't know to WHAT you're referring. We lived in a blue-collar, working class neighborhood, didn't have a fireplace, nor were my parents AT ALL wealthy soooo that scenario never played out. From what do you draw these ridiculous assumptions?
"You might want to ask daddy for your allowance check for this week too" was another one I read. What does THAT mean?
Anyway, you can have the last words. I'm sure you'll have a LOT to say. I have to go back to being productive and positive!
@fcontrone, apparently, you don't have reading comprehension, and that's pretty sad.
Guilty as charged of everything I stated. You had me fooled with your snarky reply though!
@LasVegas2011, your brother is not telling you the truth about what he does for a living. That's all I'm going to say.
"Even 15 year old kids are making $5K plus a month this way, my guess is you can do much better than that."
no they aren't. trust me.
there are ADS that want you to buy a "how to make money on the internet" book that says they are, but they aren't.
@stevem, that should tell you something about the people who are posting these mean-spirited messages on here.
They are KIDS, snotty ones at that too.
In defense of Bud Meyers:
I've known Bud for several years so after reading all these dumb comments, I have to respond.
"Get a cheaper place to live, sell your expensive car, and stop smoking...and everything will be just fine."
That's everyone's ridiculous solution to his current situation. How stupid is that?
Before he was laid off 2 years ago, he was already locked in to a lease and car payment that he could easily afford on his past income. He wasn't living above his means. Then suddenly, he lost his job. So he looked for another job. Was he supposed to break his lease, move out, and abandon his car and most of his possessions a week later? Would the cost of a pack of cigarettes really have made that much of a difference?
He had legal financial obligations, and so he tried to maintain his status quo and his credit-rating while looking for another job, and he spent his life's saving's while doing so. He never expected to be rejected for a job for so long, only getting one real live job interview in all that time.
How is he supposed to rent a cheaper place or finance a cheaper car without proof of employment (i.e. last two pay-stubs) if he's been unemployed? It's a Catch-22 situation and much more complicated than to just "quit smoking".
Does anyone really believe that after exhausting all his unemployment benefits and after already paying $13,000 in car payments that he simply decided one day to refuse to work anymore, just to squander away everything he's worked for all his life? That's crazy.
In hindsight (as if anyone can really predict the future) people told him he SHOULD HAVE DONE THIS or HE SHOULD HAVE DONE THAT. Even he says that had he known 2 years ago what he knows now, he might have taken his $40,000 nest egg and half-paid off car and driven to Mexico to live until he was old enough to collect on his Social Security benefits and his 20-year union pension.
But how was he to know? And to say that being past 50 years old is too old to work in Vegas is just plain asinine...what rock did you people slither out from under? Should all your moms and grandmas be fired too if they're over 50? There are lot's of people over 50 bartending and waitressing in Vegas. There always were, and there always will be. Casinos have practiced age discrimination for years, and it's only the unions that keep "old people past 30" with jobs in the industry.
Some of these "kiddies" who write such stupid statements should remember these things when they're REAL OLD and they're past 50 and have to face job rejections.