Mad Minerva
The European Job-Killing Machine (and Impoverished Grad Students!)
posted Monday, 25 September 2006
Brussels Journal has a little essay on the problem of creating jobs in Europe.
I link to it also because the first words echoed in my soul. Why? Read it!
| Assume you were a graduate student trying to make as much money as possible during the summer. You obtain a job at a resort, and you ask the manager the maximum number of hours he will allow you to work. He says you can work seven hour shifts without a break other than for necessities, with 10 hours between shifts, for an average workday of 10-1/2 hours. You agree, with appreciation. In America, you would be praised for your work ethic; but in Europe, you would be engaging in an illegal act. |
This is too close to real life. Graduate students are famous for having no money. What graduate student doesn't dream of making a little money during the summers? I have done all kinds of things during summers, such as working in offices or teaching summer classes, to earn a few more precious pennies. I guess it's a good thing I am a graduate student in America. . .
Questions, comments, snide remarks?