| Posted By |
Message |
| Pages: [1] 2 3 4 |
mrsej
The cutest!
Member since 1/07 2495 total posts
Name:
Mommy
|
"Hard Times: Lost on Long Island" was on HBO last night
Watched this documentary on HBO last night. It was really depressing. Followed well educated Long Islanders that lost their jobs and were having difficulty finding new jobs. It made me so anxious.
|
Posted 7/10/12 1:13 PM  |
| |
|
Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
Tah-wee-ZAH
Kisses
Member since 5/05 15952 total posts
Name:
|
Re: "Hard Times: Lost on Long Island" was on HBO last night
I think this is a mostly silent epidemic that so many people are ashamed/embarrassed to talk about and they shouldn't be.
I'm probably one of the older members on this site at age 41. I can't begin to tell you how many 40-55 something highly educated and experienced professionals have been severely effected by this economy.
I see it a lot because of my age group. Because I teach high school so many of the parents of my students have been greatly effected.
Many fathers were long term unemployed only to be forced to accept a much lower paying job.
Then there is the loss of health care benefits. It's awful if a family member has a pre-existing condition. Three of my students parents were faced with cancer while unemployed. Awful.
So many of our graduating seniors can't go off to colleges that they were accepted to even with partial scholarships. Their parents are unemployed, had to take huge paycuts, lost their homes and/or are not able to afford the difference in the tuition, even with financial aid and scholarships. Three of the top 10 seniors came to me in tears because they worked so hard for so many years and their parents don't have the 10K difference to send them to a top school that they received a scholarship to. A few years ago they did.
Every middle aged male in my family (except one, partner in a top Boston law firm) has been laid off, faced months of unemployment, depleted savings/retirement. My cousins's husband works in Canada while she is here working FT, raising their boys. Let's not talk about the added stress. We are very worried about one of my BIL's.
With all I've seen, heard and personally experienced, I know I'll never fully relax again when it comes to finances. I truly believe that ANY of our jobs could end tomorrow. Including teachers and civil service... times are changing. It's not realistic to think otherwise
I hear all of these stories happening to real people on LI but then they are turning the Walt Whitman Mall into all luxury shoppes For WHO??? That's why I now refer to it as "The Mall of the 1%"  
Message edited 7/10/2012 1:41:09 PM.
|
| Posted 7/10/12 1:38 PM |
| |
|
Lucky09
2017!
Member since 1/06 7539 total posts
Name:
DW
|
Re: "Hard Times: Lost on Long Island" was on HBO last night
Thank you for posting. I haven't seen it yet but it is replaying tomorrow at noon on HBO and at 8pm on HBO2.
I agree with the above poster that it is a "silent epidemic". I know a few people that have been affected by job loss but no one ever talks about it. I don't want to be the one to bring it up, so we just don't talk about it at all.
As a side note: I had no idea about the Walt Whitman mall! I used to shop there all the time when I lived nearby. Sounds like I wouldn't be able to afford to now! 
|
| Posted 7/10/12 2:14 PM |
| |
|
Blu-ize
Plan B is Now Plan A
Member since 7/05 32475 total posts
Name:
Susan
|
Re: "Hard Times: Lost on Long Island" was on HBO last night
I know a few very skilled and educated people who are out a long time. It's very sad.
|
| Posted 7/10/12 3:16 PM |
| |
|
mrsej
The cutest!
Member since 1/07 2495 total posts
Name:
Mommy
|
Re: "Hard Times: Lost on Long Island" was on HBO last night
Posted by Lucky09
Thank you for posting. I haven't seen it yet but it is replaying tomorrow at noon on HBO and at 8pm on HBO2.
I agree with the above poster that it is a "silent epidemic". I know a few people that have been affected by job loss but no one ever talks about it. I don't want to be the one to bring it up, so we just don't talk about it at all.
As a side note: I had no idea about the Walt Whitman mall! I used to shop there all the time when I lived nearby. Sounds like I wouldn't be able to afford to now!
That is what these people were saying - that noone talks about it. It was really sad to see the suffolk county sheriff going to evict people out of their homes and putting their belongings out on the street. They also had some really mindboggling statistic about the number of young people (18-35) that have left LI. It was tough to watch, especially the end (i won't say anything in case people will watch it).
|
| Posted 7/10/12 3:43 PM |
| |
|
Tah-wee-ZAH
Kisses
Member since 5/05 15952 total posts
Name:
|
Re: "Hard Times: Lost on Long Island" was on HBO last night
Posted by mrsej
That is what these people were saying - that noone talks about it. It was really sad to see the suffolk county sheriff going to evict people out of their homes and putting their belongings out on the street. They also had some really mindboggling statistic about the number of young people (18-35) that have left LI. It was tough to watch, especially the end (i won't say anything in case people will watch it).
In the last two days I saw what looked like two evictions from houses in my own town. We're talking about houses that would sell for 400-600K in this market. EVERYTHING was by the curb When you see the entire contents of a house by the curb it's probably an eviction
IMO, I think not talking about it is not helping the situation on the aggregate level. Most people effected by this were not living above their means. They had savings and were responsible but long term unemployment while having a family to support will deplete one's resources pretty quickly. After getting laid off 20 years ago, my cousin's DH had a year's salary in liquid assets. When he was laid off two years ago he was out for over 18 months. Even with her working (and her salary was reduced as well) it dried up before he got his next job.
|
| Posted 7/10/12 4:20 PM |
| |
|
beachgirl
LIF Adult
Member since 7/05 7967 total posts
Name:
sara
|
Re: "Hard Times: Lost on Long Island" was on HBO last night
The husband in one of the stories passed away last year - he got some virus that mice spread - water in his basement...mice....suctioned it up...got some randaom virus and by the time he got to the hospital it was too late
Now his wife is left with three very young kids...so sad
It was the Hartstein couple that had the house in montauk.
|
| Posted 7/10/12 5:13 PM |
| |
|
mrsej
The cutest!
Member since 1/07 2495 total posts
Name:
Mommy
|
Re: "Hard Times: Lost on Long Island" was on HBO last night
Posted by beachgirl
The husband in one of the stories passed away last year - he got some virus that mice spread - water in his basement...mice....suctioned it up...got some randaom virus and by the time he got to the hospital it was too late
Now his wife is left with three very young kids...so sad
It was the Hartstein couple that had the house in montauk.
Yes. ^^he died from the hantavirus. So sad. I remembered reading about it last year and I couldn't believe it was him. ^^he was a chiropractor and she was a teacher. Their story was horrible. The baby has downs as well.
|
| Posted 7/10/12 5:39 PM |
| |
|
rojerono
Happiest.
Member since 8/06 13803 total posts
Name:
Jeannie
|
Re: "Hard Times: Lost on Long Island" was on HBO last night
I'm not so silent. At 43 I am no longer in a desirable age category for many employers. I'm overweight which - deny however much you want - makes it even harder.
Funny thing is that I read that less than 40% of Long Islanders have a bachelor degree.. so you would think the playing field would be a little better.. but it's not.
And it's hard.
|
| Posted 7/10/12 5:50 PM |
| |
|
Domino
Always My Miracle
Member since 9/05 9924 total posts
Name:
|
Re: "Hard Times: Lost on Long Island" was on HBO last night
My husband was laid off from Nassau County in April due to budget cuts. He cant find a job and everyday the stress makes me want to throw up
|
| Posted 7/10/12 7:41 PM |
| |
|
ALD618
LIF Infant
Member since 4/11 325 total posts
Name:
Ashley
|
Re: "Hard Times: Lost on Long Island" was on HBO last night
I just finished watching this documentary. I thought it was very well done. The statistics featured throughout are pretty staggering.
|
| Posted 7/10/12 9:48 PM |
| |
|
beachgirl
LIF Adult
Member since 7/05 7967 total posts
Name:
sara
|
Re: "Hard Times: Lost on Long Island" was on HBO last night
Does anyone know where you can watch this if you dont have HBO?
|
| Posted 7/10/12 10:02 PM |
| |
|
Ayne11
Yep
Member since 1/09 18021 total posts
Name:
|
Re: "Hard Times: Lost on Long Island" was on HBO last night
It made me so sad and it made me realize DH & I will probably never own a house on LI. This whole situation is just downright frightening.
Message edited 7/10/2012 10:06:22 PM.
|
| Posted 7/10/12 10:06 PM |
| |
|
jellybean78
:)
Member since 8/06 13103 total posts
Name:
Mommy
|
Re: "Hard Times: Lost on Long Island" was on HBO last night
I just watched this on HBO on demand and it was absolutely heartbreaking. I am sad and disguted at what this country has become.
The husband that died OMG so sad
|
| Posted 7/10/12 10:32 PM |
| |
|
greek627
LIF Adolescent
Member since 5/05 805 total posts
Name:
|
Re: "Hard Times: Lost on Long Island" was on HBO last night
Posted by beachgirl
Does anyone know where you can watch this if you dont have HBO?
i was wondering the same thing...anyone?
|
| Posted 7/10/12 10:46 PM |
| |
|
Jillybean28
LIF Adult
Member since 1/06 1018 total posts
Name:
Jill
|
Re: "Hard Times: Lost on Long Island" was on HBO last night
It was hard to watch, but I am glad I did. The stats are downright frightening. Enough with all the political promises from both sides, something really needs to be done.
Oh, and.......
 honestly,I was absolutely hysterical by the end. I saw so much of myself and my husband in the youngest couple with the small children. I have two children under 5 and I am a teacher as well . I'm employed, but barely. I work for BOCES and I am viewed as "part-time."
Why? Why does that woman have to have THAT much hardship? Why did the last years of her marriage have to be that hard? Tragic
|
| Posted 7/10/12 10:54 PM |
| |
|
|
|
Re: "Hard Times: Lost on Long Island" was on HBO last night
I just watched it on HBO on demand. I watch a lot of their documentaries. My friends who have left Long Island did not fare so well either. There is no easy answer.
I would tell the 50 year old guy who has herniated disks and depression to try for Social Security Disability. He paid into Social Security for a reason and the show did not touch on how extensive his medical issues are. Ok, I will be ducking now.
|
| Posted 7/11/12 12:09 AM |
| |
|
|
|
Re: "Hard Times: Lost on Long Island" was on HBO last night
Sigh. I wish I had something positive to say.
I hate struggling here on LI.
I often wish it was realistic to be a pioneer, move to a cabin in the woods and live off the land.
That's not gonna happen either though.
I always say I want to move, but being from the Hudson Valley, and still having family there, I know that jobs are also extremely difficult to come by.
And I don't care what ppl say, but commuting to the city from that far away is hazardous to one's overall health and pocketbook.
|
| Posted 7/11/12 8:20 AM |
| |
|
MrsM-6-7-08
<3
Member since 8/06 4249 total posts
Name:
Nicole
|
Re: "Hard Times: Lost on Long Island" was on HBO last night
I didnt see this yet, but saw the previews.
It is so hard on long island, i see a lot of people who work 8-4 or 9-5 and think its enough and it should be enough.
But its not enough and in order to survive people have to work almost triple to be successful.
My DH owns a small business, that has grown over the last 8 years, he started with 2 people and now we have almost 23 people plus over 50 employees employed out of state.
I can not tell you how hard it is to find good people to work who know what they are doing.
I can not even begin to tell you how many NO-SHOWS i have had for interviews and also I have hired 3 people recently and their start date was monday and they never called or anything, just never heard from them. So although i see the hardships I also see the flip side in trying to find good honest reliable people. The good people I do have, come in early and leave very late, its not the best quality of life either.
|
| Posted 7/11/12 9:04 AM |
| |
|
blammoair
LIF Zygote
Member since 7/12 1 total post
Name:
|
Re: "Hard Times: Lost on Long Island" was on HBO last night
Thanks everyone for your comments about the film - the discussion going on here while sobering is so needed. We'd like to invite everyone to also make their voices heard on the film's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hardtimeslostonlongisland.
We've had screenings at various festivals, public libraries, churches, etc. over the last few months so we post to the page as they become available. Right now the next screening of the film besides HBO is at the Long Island International Film Expo on July 16th. There is also going to be a screening on LI on July 23rd but if you check on our facebook page we post the details there.
Please keep sharing your stories and the stories of your family, friends and neighbors. If you'd like to get in touch with us directly you can also email [email protected].
Thank you!
|
| Posted 7/11/12 10:11 AM |
| |
|
ONEmoreBABY
LIF Infant
Member since 10/11 330 total posts
Name:
erica
|
Re: "Hard Times: Lost on Long Island" was on HBO last night
Posted by greek627
Posted by beachgirl
Does anyone know where you can watch this if you dont have HBO?
i was wondering the same thing...anyone?
I'd love to know the same.
Can you just order 1 movie from HBO without having HBO?
|
| Posted 7/11/12 10:26 AM |
| |
|
PhyllisNJoe
My Box Is Broken
Member since 6/11 9145 total posts
Name:
Phyllis
|
Re: "Hard Times: Lost on Long Island" was on HBO last night
I saw this as well and it was very eye opening. It made me more thankful for the work I have and less annoyed about the work I don't have. I want DH to watch it as well. You KNOW it's happening, but you don't really KNOW.
|
| Posted 7/11/12 10:50 AM |
| |
|
tara73
carseat nerd
Member since 11/09 3669 total posts
Name:
Buttercup
|
Re: "Hard Times: Lost on Long Island" was on HBO last night
Posted by MrsM-6-7-08
I didnt see this yet, but saw the previews.
It is so hard on long island, i see a lot of people who work 8-4 or 9-5 and think its enough and it should be enough.
But its not enough and in order to survive people have to work almost triple to be successful.
My DH owns a small business, that has grown over the last 8 years, he started with 2 people and now we have almost 23 people plus over 50 employees employed out of state.
I can not tell you how hard it is to find good people to work who know what they are doing.
I can not even begin to tell you how many NO-SHOWS i have had for interviews and also I have hired 3 people recently and their start date was monday and they never called or anything, just never heard from them. So although i see the hardships I also see the flip side in trying to find good honest reliable people. The good people I do have, come in early and leave very late, its not the best quality of life either.
All 3 didn't show up? What kind of business is it? Unless it's a highly specialized industry, that doesn't sound like what others I know are experiencing in hiring on LI. If you're having that difficult a time filling positions that people who are hired don't even show, maybe you need to look at your hiring/interview process and your job listings because it sounds like the applicants you're getting are bottom of the barrel. Or, even payment/benefits may need to be adjusted.
But let's review your statement about hours. I'm a mom, I have two young girls. There's not a lot of daycares that extend hours so that I can stay and work late. And why should working overtime be the norm over the exception? If I'm working for myself, maybe, but if I'm working a normal desk job I shouldn't be expected to work 12 hour days. How about employers pay their staff a living wage that a 40 hour week can support? Why should my children have to never see their parents in order for them to have a roof over their heads? It's ridiculous that people should have to work 12-18 hour days just to maintain a somewhat decent, non extravagant lifestyle.
I think a lot also depends on the type of work. I wouldn't expect that a former wall st businessman who is 63 can do landscaping all day long. Just like a landscaper with 20 years experience probably would have little idea on how to be a CPA.
|
| Posted 7/11/12 11:00 AM |
| |
|
tara73
carseat nerd
Member since 11/09 3669 total posts
Name:
Buttercup
|
Re: "Hard Times: Lost on Long Island" was on HBO last night
Posted by beachgirl
It was the Hartstein couple that had the house in montauk.
The thing that got me about them was that they did everything the "right" way. Our generation was taught "go to school, get an education, get a good job". They did that. They both went to school. She became a teacher, he became a chiropractor. They shouldn't be struggling but she got laid off and his business struggled because people stopped going (since they were tightening their own belts).
What did they do "wrong"? It looks to me like they did everything "right" and still got punched in the face. It didn't look like they bought a home outside their means. I'm sure they depended on her job not just for income but also to carry benefits since he was a sole proprietor. And then the final "FU" was that the husband died leaving her with 3 babies to raise. My heart broke for them, because that could so very easily be my family.
I think their story hit me hardest. Everyone says "oh just get any job" but sometimes "any job" just isn't there. We saw that with the other people. It's even harder, IMO, when you're older. Like Rojerono pointed out, being older and/or overweight definitely plays against you even though it's not supposed to. Factor in daycare costs, which are sky high on LI, and working for $10/hr is less than what you'd make. Property taxes on LI are completely insane with average families shelling out 12k/year plus their mortgage and other expenses. It's nuts.
|
| Posted 7/11/12 11:10 AM |
| |
|
CSK
LIF Adolescent
Member since 9/11 892 total posts
Name:
|
Re: "Hard Times: Lost on Long Island" was on HBO last night
Posted by tarabelle99
Posted by MrsM-6-7-08
I didnt see this yet, but saw the previews.
It is so hard on long island, i see a lot of people who work 8-4 or 9-5 and think its enough and it should be enough.
But its not enough and in order to survive people have to work almost triple to be successful.
My DH owns a small business, that has grown over the last 8 years, he started with 2 people and now we have almost 23 people plus over 50 employees employed out of state.
I can not tell you how hard it is to find good people to work who know what they are doing.
I can not even begin to tell you how many NO-SHOWS i have had for interviews and also I have hired 3 people recently and their start date was monday and they never called or anything, just never heard from them. So although i see the hardships I also see the flip side in trying to find good honest reliable people. The good people I do have, come in early and leave very late, its not the best quality of life either.
All 3 didn't show up? What kind of business is it? Unless it's a highly specialized industry, that doesn't sound like what others I know are experiencing in hiring on LI. If you're having that difficult a time filling positions that people who are hired don't even show, maybe you need to look at your hiring/interview process and your job listings because it sounds like the applicants you're getting are bottom of the barrel. Or, even payment/benefits may need to be adjusted.
But let's review your statement about hours. I'm a mom, I have two young girls. There's not a lot of daycares that extend hours so that I can stay and work late. And why should working overtime be the norm over the exception? If I'm working for myself, maybe, but if I'm working a normal desk job I shouldn't be expected to work 12 hour days. How about employers pay their staff a living wage that a 40 hour week can support? Why should my children have to never see their parents in order for them to have a roof over their heads? It's ridiculous that people should have to work 12-18 hour days just to maintain a somewhat decent, non extravagant lifestyle.
I have mixed feelings about your post, starting with, I haven't had an 8 hour work day outside of July and august (and not all of them) in 10 years. most of my days are 10-16 hours, I'm not counting commuting time either.
I'd love to have 8 hour days, however it appears that most jobs that pay decently, have opportunities etc, require more than 8 hour days. I find it annoying when I hear some people say that they had to stay late to 6 or 630, since my reality is leaving at 7 is considered a good day and generally "early"
I make a decent living, but am still in the catagory of feeling very hand to mouth with my current house, which is nice but not huge and my 9 year old cars. We don't take extravigant vacations and eating out is Friendlys.
Do I find it somewhat ridiclous? yes, it bothers me every day. Unfortunately this is what it took to buy the first house then upgrade to the 4br 2 bath house.
Message edited 7/11/2012 11:17:38 AM.
|
| Posted 7/11/12 11:16 AM |
| |
|
| Pages: [1] 2 3 4 |
