I was chatting with my friend Eric over drinks last night, and the subject of the Recession came up. The Recession has been a popular topic as of late, and this conversation was not really different than the others: tallying the increasing number of unemployed friends; lamenting the loss the parents’ retirement savings; fearing that iron curtain that could any day now fall down on our careers.
On Sunday I watched television commercials for the first time in months and was astounded by the number of Recession-themed advertisements. Hyundai special offers proclaiming that “we’re all going to make it through this.” Kohr’s encouraging this revolutionary new concept of “smart shopping.” It was one thing to take advantage of restaurant specials around the city — $35 three-course dinners, woo hoo! — but watching the flickering images on the TV in your own home finally brought down the weight of what’s going on, to me at least. I was in my own little world of denial, and my bubble finally popped.
Because I, unlike many of my friends, am (or rather, was) not worried the least about losing my job or falling into financial turmoil. My position is very secure, my rent is super-cheap and my living expenses aren’t enormous. I am extremely lucky, but I also know that some of the choices I made/didn’t make got me where I am today. So why do I feel so guilty?
