Cost of Living

This song by Ronnie Dunn absolutely touches me to the core.  You can listen to it here on You Tube, but here are some of the lyrics:

Everything to know about me, is written on this page,

the number you can reach me, my social and my age.

Yes I served in the army, it's where I learned to shoot,

18 months in the desert, pouring sand out of my boots.

No I've never been convicted of a crime,

and I can start this job anytime.

I got a strong back, steel toes

I rarely call in sick, a good truck, 

what I don't know, I catch on real quick.

I work weekends if I have to, nights and holidays.

Give you 40 and then some, whatever it takes.

Four dollars and change at the pump -

the cost of livin's high and going up. 

I'm sure a hundred others have applied.

Rumor has it you're only taking five. 

I got a strong back, steel toes,

I'm handy with a wrench.

There's nothing I can't drive, nothing I can't fix.

I work sun up to sun down,

ain't too proud to sweep the floors.

The bank has started calling and the wolves are at my door.

Four dollars and change at the pump -

the cost of livin's high and going up.  

Listening to this song I picture the guys who work for us - the craftsmen out on our projects, making a living to support their family.  I think of the guys we've had to let go because of this recession, guys we really wanted to stay but couldn't keep busy.  And I think of their wives, their kids.  I also think of how many times I've been asked "Hey, are we hiring, because I have a brother/cousin/friend/uncle who can't find work?"  

The construction industry has been one of the hardest hit by this recession.  And we are nowhere near seeing an increase in work.  Our estimators work so hard every day to try and land another project, but with significantly less work out to bid, we are bidding against significantly more competition.  And so far, we're one of the lucky companies that are still doing okay, considering.  

The man in this song is real to me.  He is an employee, he is a person off the street looking for work, he is my husband, or my brother.  He is a man who is willing to do anything to support his family.  

Yet as somebody who should be able to actually give this hardworking man a job, my hands are tied.  Until this economy picks up, I will have to continue turning him away.  And it breaks my heart.