Working Scared (Or Not at All): The Lost Decade, Great Recession, and Restoring the Shattered American Dream
This sobering book captures the fears and hopes of Americans—statistically and emotionally—over the span of nearly 15 years. Using extensive data and interviews as his content—all sponsored by the John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development—Rutgers University professor and public policy author Van Horn tells the story of the “great recession” just like it is. Truth startles—and occasionally, surprises. Nine million public-sector jobs: lost. Three out of four U.S. workers personally affected. More than 20 million unemployed in 2010. All of his numbers are backed by extensive notes, charts, research, and graphs. What is most wrenching are the interview quotes. “When I hear people talk about temp versus permanent jobs, I laugh. The idea that any job is permanent has been well proven not to be true.” Or, “I just want to get my life back.” And, “There was no warning at all. My boss said we’d work something out. Within a few hours, I’m gone.” Yet Van Horn leaves us with hope and four national priorities that must be implemented: (1) reform high-school and college education to prepare all students for careers; (2) expand lifelong learning opportunities for workers; (3) replace unemployment insurance with reemployment insurance; and (4) establish a renewed worker-employer contract. Feasible? Our fingers are crossed. --Barbara Jacobs