Sticky Wages

Fortunately I went home for the weekend where I could recount and get some insight on all three experiences our prompt inquires about.   I am actually going to start by talking about both of my parents who together have gone through all three experiences.

                My dad has been through a few rounds in the business world, none of which have knocked him out.  My dad was laid off of work a number of years back when the company he worked for was bought out. Given the choice of relocating to Seattle, with three kids finishing up high school, or staying in the area he chose to stay. I do not think he regrets his decision. He had developed a strong resume and had the skills to open his own startup consulting LLC.  He used the time to go back to get his MBA at University of Illinois. I have been able to see this operation come full circle as he now has a job where he is no longer self employed. For my example of someone who has carried a steady job I can look to my mom who has worked in a relations position for Aspen Group for a few years.

                It is a fairly strange period of unemployment/ self employment.  Because of the unemployment he used the opportunity to improve himself by staying proactive and improving his education.  As I said he got a non self employed job recently. You might think that his MBA made a significant improvement in getting the job he desired, but it seems that he feels the pay really is not that amazing or better in comparison to his old job. Where he did have to adjust was in the position he wanted. He waited for a while for the position he wanted to open up but he was told he was simply next in line for when that person left. He appreciates the safety of money but he really seeks after a level of challenge and responsibility that tests his skill set.  Wages were fairly sticky throughout the time. It is difficult to tell exactly what effect adding an MBA / self employment experience had on the process but it obviously was a point of interest to employers.

                Then there are the self employed years my dad had. I do not know the actual impact sticky wages had as there is much more to take into context. Starting up a consulting LLC will have its own issues of its own, especially since it was in its earliest stages. The downturn was difficult, but it did not seem to have a huge affect on my dad’s business matters.  He was still able to find clients. Who knows? Maybe he could have had much better business, but if you never experience good economic years, how do you know what you are missing?  It appeared to be just a tougher startup process. I am sure that it had an affect here or there that I have no idea occurred. (Dad-feel free to comment if you want)

                Then there is my mom who had a steady job. The downturn affected her differently as a number of employees from her company were laid off. People in the company had to absorb weaker bonuses than normal and cut down on some of the luxuries. She is their main relations employee and has a valuable set of relationships with important clients.  Her company was heavily affected, as they deal with construction. But if your work is valuable enough, they will keep you.  She has a real drive and passion that make her a strong employee who is worth the money.