This retirement oasis in the desert has long beckoned those who want to spin out their golden years playing golf and sitting by the pool in the arid sunshine.
But for Clare Keany, who turned 62 last fall and cannot find work, it feels more like a prison. Just a few miles from the gated estates of corporate chieftains and Hollywood stars, Ms. Keany lives in a tiny mobile home, barely getting by on little more than $1,082 a month from Social Security.
“I would rather be functioning and having a job somewhere,” said Ms. Keany, whose pixie haircut, trim build and crinkling smile suggest someone much younger than her years. “I really don’t enjoy living like this. I’ve got too much to do still.”
All too familiar. I lost my job in 2010. Thanks to having over 20 years of experience in the workforce, I find that all I can gather are regrets letters from employers, who hire younger workers, and who tell me I am overqualified. Unlike Ms Keany, however, I am not quite old enough to be eligible for Social Security.
This is the true face of our job market. The 8% figure touted by the current Administration does not acknowledge the existence of people like Ms Keany and myself, who are fortunate to get even temporary part-time work when we are qualified to do so much more.