The Restraining Order Has Been Lifted

THE NY TIMES HAS FINALLY COME TO ITS SENSES - AN EDITED VERSION OF THE PIECE BELOW APPEARS IN TODAY'S LETTERS TO THE EDITOR SECTION ('THE DREAM JOB, OUT OF REACH').


My friend once referred to it as the lost generation, as she watched uncomfortably while her daughter, a law school graduate, found herself unemployed and, for a short period, back home. It is a distressing time for our generation, as we watch dreams of our young being deferred and hope they are not permanently destroyed.

I am a parent of 2, both of whom are in their 20's. I have witnessed a number of their friends stress over whether to remain in jobs that were a bad fit. The fear of the alternative, has caused some unhappy alliances to continue. Others, have decided that the anguish of being in the wrong workplace is ultimately just not worth it. They now are either in their childhood bedrooms, like Scott Nicholson, looking for something that makes sense, or seeking the shelter of a further degree, hoping they find a different economic environment down the road.

Next year, my daughter completes her graduate education. I hope that all her hard work will have immediate positive results, in a job that is both satisfying and pays the bills. It is not too much to wish for, but with an "elusive American dream" I recognize that it is something that she, like so many others, could find just out of reach.