Work for someone else?
(Try to find a secure job – then trade your time for money)

The workplace today...

• More than 1.4 million workers were laid-off in 2001 in the United States. It’s the workers, not the “high level” executives, that suffer from the weak economy. Source - AFLCIO

• In 2002 the average American worker produced 12% more than in 1989. But after adjusting for inflation, the average worker's wages have only increased by 1.9%. Source – Economic Policy Inst.
   
• In 2002 middle class families earned only $285 more per year than in 1989 – despite working more hours. Source – Federal Reserve Board Data

Become a professional?
(Invest $50,000+ in a college education to secure your place in the job market)

Does the cost of college payoff?

A 1998 report by USA Today indicates:

• 51% of executives fear losing their jobs because of downsizing.
• 24% of executives fear career burnout.
• 10% of executives fear being fired.
• Economic experts state that we will have seven different careers in our lifetime’s, few college grads will ever see a return on their investment of $50,000+ for four or more years of college.
• 500,000 jobs are eliminated annually by technology alone. This includes highly educated professionals.

Job security today...

• In 2002, thousands of Enron employees not only lost their jobs – but their pensions as well!
• Every month, unexpected layoffs push thousands of families to the brink of financial disaster.
• Large corporate layoffs topped 400,000 in 1995 alone including:

  IBM: 122,000 workers
  AT&T: 83,000 workers
  GM: 74,000 workers

Hang on till retirement?
(Hope for that pension plan or social security to take over)

Anticipating those golden years...

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics out of 100 people that start working at age 25, by age 65...

• 1% are wealthy
• 4% have enough money to retire
• 3% are still working (can't afford to quit)
• 63% depend on Social Security, friends or charity for food and shelter.
• 29% are dead
• 95% of all Americans retire in poverty after working for 45 years!

If you retire at age 65 and live to be 85, you'll need $240,000 saved up just to live on a fixed income of only $12,000 a year!

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