Being in Chicago I have been hearing the "hope for change" type of mantra many months before the rest of the country.

I have to admit, its a great little catchphrase, even to the point I helped organize a fundraiser for Obama and voted for the guy. Even went to the rally in Grant park the night of the election.

 I've been in a bum mood all day today (its the 10th anniversary of when my dad died). To make matters worse, my boss tells me our hours have been cut---AGAIN. I have total of 8 hours (two 4 hours shifts) next week. That's it. As mangement and inventory coordinator. 

And its not like I work somewhere that is a, shall we say, 'blow off money' store like Best Buy or my comic book shop down the street . I work at a store that sells shoes.

*I would like to make note that due to a media policy agreement that I signed when I was hired, just to make sure I don't get fired I am not going to mention the company name.*

Pretty cheap (but high quality) ones. People need shoes regardless of what is going on in the world.  

So why the cut in hours when I work on a street in one of the 2 shopping districts in chicago?

Lack of revenue= lack of payroll hours. Simple as that. Its not just my location either folks, its across the board of the company.

What sucks is I am worried about making rent. My roommate was laid off in early November and still hasn't been able to land a new job (even a part time one). This was the second time he was laid off since he moved here in July of 2007.

So with my mood today, I am having little hope that things are going to get better.  Tuesday, Mr. Obama will take office. I am hoping with the new regime change businesses will believe that Uncle Sam will be getting on track to help and start hiring again.

So for all of you out there that have money to burn or know people that do, tell them to do some shopping. Seriously, it helps out people like me :)