Hard Times

Tuesday, 7:31 pm

By Kate

Dec

23

2008

The veneer of wealth in this town is showing thin worn spots this winter. Signs in windows downtown vie for attention with hand lettered signs screaming 50% Off in ever larger lettering. Lots of people looking, but not too many carrying bags or parcels out of the stores, even with the discounts. The streets are an utter mess with only the main streets kinda-sorta plowed. The side streets are treacherous. Everything is slippery and if traffic wasn’t slow enough before, now it takes a half hour to get from one end of town to the other. The town doesn’t have the money to cope with this much snow removal this soon. Winter arrived just a little early and we have a long way to go yet. I have never seen the streets in such poor condition. It’s another reminder that things are kind of bleak out there.

In the face of these reminders, the lad was hoping to find a job during his winter break, but not counting on it. Not much luck so far. The places where he’s worked before regretfully told him that not only aren’t they hiring, they are also letting people go. Some of these places may not be in business by the time summer arrives. He’s growing a little desperate.

Over the weekend, he spoke with one of his roommates from school who has already been gainfully employed at his local public schools. He suggested the lad check with our school district and inquire about substitute teaching. Something he hadn’t considered. Today he stopped by the school to check out the possibilities. Surprisingly, they practically pounced on him, had him fill out an application while they hovered, waiting for him to hand it back. He was told they’d probably call him as soon as school is back in session. He has the required two years of college under his belt and good references right within the school system. That is sufficient for substitute teaching. At $50 a day, that’s a fair haul for a college kid if he can get two or three days a week for the winter break. Especially when there is little else to be had. We shall see.

I have to admit that I was a little skeptical at the idea, initially. And now I am surprised. I hope it works out. It may be about the last place in town that’s hiring anyone for anything.