I did a real-dollar calculation on how much my salary actually rose.

$300. IN TEN YEARS. Meaning, my yearly salary in inflation-adjusted dollars has only increased $300 in that amount of time.

You know what's even worse than that?

In America, I'm considered "LUCKY".

THIS is our lot in life? THIS is what we've been handed?

they think about what they're making compared to what the 1% makes.

I hate looking at old invoices. I have to charge less today than I did a decade ago or I won't get the job.

It's not for lack of trying on the part of the workers.

any one with a functioning thought process knows that.

Charts and more charts....

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/01/middle-class-america-charts_n_1847211.html

During a period of unployment in 2009 I applied for a manufacturing job that paid $9.50 per hour. When I mentioned the job to an older friend, he revealed that he worked the same job for the same company in 1978 but made $9.75 per hour.

That's not adjusted dollars, either.

I've known it for years!! In 1987, I could afford to spend money on things to make life "nice". Now, if it isn't a necessity (food, car repair, medical) there is no money for it.

In other words--I used to help support a growing economy. Now I just survive.

Two weeks after the bubble collapsed in 2008 my husband was called in and told he could keep his job only if he took a one third cut in salary... Take it or leave it. Given the job market and his age ... he took it. almost five years later... not a penny of raise. We are hanging on by our fingernails.