Don't cry for us, commentator

Consider this a gift and get out while you can. The last thing you want is to end up like Mike Hendricks. Alone, isolated and begging for crumbs like a rat trapped in a cage.

August 11, 2009 12:08 PM

So said the anonymous commenter on McClatchy Watch--the right-leaning blog devoted to the goings-on at the McClatchy newspaper chain.

The subject: A one-week furlough announced Tuesday, extension of the wage freeze and a voluntary separation package to be offered to most full-timers. It's been five months since Mike's pay cut and bump down to part time, yet here we see his name mentioned again, as if he is some kind of poster child for the newspaper economy. (He's not, but feel free to send your donations anyway!)

There are a couple of things I'd like to say about this.

First, I am touched--deeply touched--that in the midst of all that's going on in the economy and in the print media someone would still be thinking of us and extend us these kind, sympathetic thoughts.

Second, Put away your hanky, dearie. It ain't like that.

"Alone, isolated and begging for crumbs like a rat trapped in a cage."

You know what's funny? If this was five months ago, that is pretty much how I would have described my feelings about the startling news that we would soon be getting by on one-third (plus) less income. Back then I was losing sleep, losing appetite and unable to focus on much of anything but our finances.
But somewhere amidst the laughing yoga and the brainwave therapy and the inspirational books, things have changed. A lost week of pay? Did I really used to worry about that? I should have been ashamed of myself.
Let's parse this.
Alone
Totally not accurate. We're surrounded by the best family and friends anyone could ever ask for. I just spent one of the happiest weekends of my life in the company of my accomplished, intelligent and self-sufficient kids. My own proudest accomplishment has been launching them, one by one, into the community. And friends? Not everyone is a right-wing wacko nursing a festering grudge--though it seems like it sometimes. The vast majority of people we know are kind, generous, empathetic. And fun to be with.
Isolated
Isolated? Seriously? Hey, he's not up in a mountain cabin, eating squirrel brains. We do a lot of our own food growing and cooking, but we still have the telephone, the Internets, the Twitter, the Google. Is anybody really isolated any more? Well, maybe the Unabomber was.
Begging for crumbs
Awww... Just like the little Match Girl. How can you not pity the person who is begging--not for spare change--for the tiniest crumb? But is that us?
Let me just go check the cabinet. Nope. Plenty of crumbs here. No need to beg.
Both Mike and I had the good fortune to be raised by older parents and grandparents who had seen the Depression and the shortages of World War II. They showed us how to cut back and be frugal and after all this practice, we kick ass at it. So there'll be no begging for crumbs here. But if you're hungry, we'll FedEx you a loaf of bread.
Like a rat trapped in a cage
Funny thing about downsizing. We both felt a lot more trapped and hemmed in when we were worrying about hanging onto the Star job. The cutback has actually been a freeing force for us, because it has enabled us to think of other, interesting career paths. Not just as a daydream, but as something to act on. This is now a transition time, and it's exciting to think of the fresh projects we might take on.
Let me point out here that we aren't one cent better off than we were. None of Mike's former salary or status have been restored. No promises have been made. But the economy is improving. The jobs are out there. We can ride this thing out, because neither of us is afraid of rolling up our sleeves and going to work.
So, anonymous commenter, thanks for your interest in our time of need. But don't worry about us. All the things that have happened the past five months have only strengthened us. We're more focused, more appreciative of what we've got and--dare I say--even happier than we were in January, when all we did was worry. And by the time we get out of this, we'll be more liberal, too.