Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Suck It Up, People (Sheesh)

Some world’s smallest violin playing my heart bleeds for you stories and crybaby quotes from people who have to tighten their belts because they are not making as much money as they used to make, from a CNBC piece titled Downturn Spurs ‘Survival Panic’ for Some in the US.

A paralegal, recently laid off, wanted to get back at the “establishment” that he felt was to blame for his lost job. So when he craved an expensive new tie, he went out and stole one.

For those who need to abruptly curtail spending, that leaves a major void, said James Gottfurcht, clinical psychologist and president of “Psychology of Money Consultants,” which coaches clients on money issues.

“People that have been ... identifying with and defining themselves by their material objects and expenditures are losing a definite piece of their identity and themselves,” he said. “They have to learn how to replace that.”

Beth Rosenberg, a New York freelance educator and self-professed bargain hunter, said she stopped shopping for herself after her husband lost his publishing job in June.

She is now buying her son toys from the popular movie Madagascar for $2 at McDonald’s, and is wearing clothes that have hung untouched in her closet for years.

She said it has been stressful to stick to an austere budget after she used to easily splurge on $100 boots. “I miss it,” she said of shopping.

Judas, frickin’ priest, people, get a life.

Posted by John Venlet on 12/16 at 02:43 PM
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