To the Editor:
Steven Rattner’s article encourages a much-needed discussion; however, data alone says only so much. As a millennial who is part of that data, I have one of the stories behind the numbers.
I began working at 15, as soon as I could legally hold a job. After working through high school, I attended a (cheaper) state college. I graduated in 2009, during the Great Recession, and struggled mightily to find work. For three years I applied to countless full-time positions, leading to 14 failed interviews.
In the interim, I worked simultaneous, temporary part-time jobs, including handling packages, manning the front desk at a hotel, making cold calls, manufacturing water pipes and doing field work for the 2010 census. I saved and saved. I lived with my parents, forwent big-ticket items and wore my clothes until they were socially unacceptable. Though I tried to consolidate my college loans, I received a higher interest rate, 6.9 percent. I certainly could not have bought a house or started a family, and still can’t.
Now 27, I work a full-time job plus a part-time job to afford my rent. It sickens me to read story after story about income inequality, stagnant wages and the disappearing middle class. I am part of a generation of devalued people with a poor sense of self-worth. Our recession officially ended many quarters ago; why hasn’t it ended for everyone?
BRIAN T. ROBINSON
Exton, Pa.
Note from KBJ: What do you suppose Brian T. Robinson majored in? I wonder why he didn't tell us.
