I'm here to share the real-life struggle of finding a job.
Itās been nearly 10 years since the last recession, but that hasnāt stopped work discrimination from running its course. In Los Angeles, California, the highly-competitive workforce makes it virtually impossible for a dark-skinned, African-American person to obtain employment in any position (much less a lucrative one). Scoring a cashier position at McDonaldās has become a difficult feat (Ask my 47-year-old husband about that). Bilingual citizens (who are usually of Hispanic descent) have an increased chance of earning a job, compared to those who are Black.
Even if a minority has earned a Bachelorās in a given field, a prospective company of employment would often not hire a candidate if he or she does not have a minimum of 3 years of experience. One might ask: āHow do we get job experience if no company will give us a chance by hiring us?ā If I ever find out the answer, I will let you know. It appears the work system is designed against minorities. Resumes are tossed in the trash by future employers, based on the candidateās name (and its lack of Caucasian-ized pronunciation), their low experience level, and even because of their physical address. If a potential employer recognizes a neighbor as inner-city territory, that could cost a minority from obtaining employment. If thatās not discrimination, I donāt know what is. And it only contributes to the real-life struggle of finding a job.
There are many people in this region of California who have earned a Bachelorās, yet are forced to pair up with roommates to afford their rent. The cost of living is too expensive, most likely because we are surrounded by convenient hotspots that are next-door to A-list celebrities. Itās hard enough to try to survive in a popular, large city when youāre underprivileged. Thus, to add ethnicity and work discrimination into the equation makes life much more complicated.
The motto of a big city like Los Angeles is like any other in a congested city: Every man is for himself. Many inner-city residents are finding their way into a college setting, only so they can increase their options for employment. Take my situation, for example. I am a semester away from earning a Bachelorās Degree in English Creative Writing. I only have a completed six-month copywriting internship under my belt. I have more of a college background, compared to my husband (who has not earned a single degree, not even an Associateās). The only job he can land thatās anywhere close to full-time is his self-employed position as an Uber driver. I am not so lucky, as I never had a driverās license (although I am 36 years old).
Our two daughters, 11 and 15 years old, are relying on us for financial support, but we can barely take care of ourselves. Thatās why we all are currently living with his parents. With my Bachelorās Degree being five months within reach, college appears as the only shot I have gearing toward a lucrative career. My children are looking up to me, so thereās no room for discouragement (although itās often tempting). I have entertained the thought of moving to a state with more opportunities and less discrimination to get a leg-up in the workforce. My husband is not sold on that idea, but I am so desperate for security that Iām willing to leave him behind in California (if it comes to it).
I believe everyone has the right to the optimal living situation, not only those who are rich or well-off. Everyone has the right to live a healthy, stress-free, and safe life. If I am willing to dedicate the time, I (and everyone else) should be able to reap the destiny sowed to achieve an optimal life
(especially without obstacles of discrimination standing in the way).