I don’t know much about global economics. Actually, I don’t know much about much, to be honest. I know a little bit about the genetics of maize and the U.S. Civil War and 20th century Southern literature, but none of those things pay the rent these days.

I’m off track already. Australia seems to have been relatively insulated against the economic tribulations that have been causing wailing and rending of garments in the U.S. and Europe. Things have seemed to tick along nicely here – certainly the housing market is robust enough to keep the prices high. Dammit. But it would be short-sighted to assume that we’re immune. There have been solemn warnings from politicians and the media about potential rising unemployment and underemployment. The main headline of this weekend’s Financial Review – perhaps the only decent newspaper in Australia – was “Get Ready For The Four Day Week”, a story describing the recent trend of employers asking their workers to voluntarily reduce their  hours as a cost saving measure.

And this morning, my company asked me to take some of my accumulated leave in order to cut costs during a particularly dry spell. Times are tough in our industry and I’ve noticed that things have been slowing down. Late last week, I heard that the people in the lab had been asked to take annual leave and this morning it hit the office.

I don’t know how to feel about all of this. On the bright side, I could use a break. I’m burnt out on the corporate climate of this particular organization. I’ve been neglecting my teaching job and have a half dozen lectures that don’t seem to be writing themselves. Boy Z is starting a new day care this week and it will be good to limit the amount of time he’s in there. I’ll have some extra time with the boy. And hell, it’s a little time off from one of my two jobs. I’m hardly headed to the Salvos’ door.

I’ve found that for me it’s best to focus on the bright side.

Because spending too much time on the not-so-bright side is unhealthy. Leads to thoughts of destruction and apocalypse. Looking at the dark side, I knew this was too good to last – getting paid for two jobs while working the hours of one. I knew I didn’t deserve a break like that. Peering into the clouds, I can begin to panic about what happens at the end of my contract with the University. On the dark side, this is the first step onto the slippery slope of penury for A Free Family. On the dark side, this is the beginning of the collapse of the Australian economy.

So, I guess what I need to do is let it go. Keep my face turned toward that bright Antipodean sun and enjoy the time. The time to get caught up on my lectures, the time to leisurely stroll the internet (we’re online at home again) and the time to spend with my son. Most of all, the time to spend with my son.

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The godfathers of the alt-country music, Uncle Tupelo, put out too few records. “No Depression” is probably their finest. Buy it at Uncle Tupelo - No Depression.

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Depression 1

Depression 2

Depression 3

 
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