No Worries

Yesterday, Broadsheet posted a link to an interesting article about couples who choose not to marry, but instead maintain seperate households. The couples interviewed for the article inferred that they made this decision in order to preserve there own spaces. These people seemed very happy with the arrangement and, personally, I really don't care what people do so long as it's consensual. Apparently, I am in the minority, though, as it is fairly common for singles, particularly women, to be pressured into marriage and child rearing by those around them. I have had married people tell me all about the joys of marriage and that raising a child is the most wonderful experience imaginable. I'm not sure if they were saying this for my benefit or there own, but for their sake I hope that they believed what they said. The timing of this article was ironic because I recently recieved a vivid reminder of why I've chosen to remain both single and childless.

Last week, my employer made an announcement about a major change at the company. I'm not supposed to discuss the details of it and I know that sitemeter gives the name of my employer, so I am deliberately being vague. Let it suffice to say that the potential for cutbacks or layoffs at the end of this year is distinct. Of course, we were assured that the precise opposite was true, but many of us can see enough of the big picture to know what's what. Regardless, as the ramifications of this change sunk in to my co-workers' psyches, I could see the fear and panic begin to take hold. Particulary, amongst those who are married with children. Although I sympathize with their plight, I am firm believer that we are accountable for the choices that we make. For many of my coworkers, they need two incomes and in some cases more, to make the nut.

Thankfully, I'm not tied to this area, with it's outrageous cost of living, for any reason. I don't have kids in school or a spouse's job to worry about. Also, I'm not trying to make a godawful $2000/month mortgage payment. Although renting is throwing money down a hole, I can give the hole back at anytime. I don't have to worry about staying in this area until my house sells in a flattening market, or making two mortgage payments. I'm not making payments on new vehicles for myself and a spouse, instead I drive a '93 Camry that I own outright. I've never taken a bank loan to take a vacation and I pay my credit cards off monthly. I have banked as much of my pay as possible and I've tried to invest wisely. Additionally, if I have to look for a job I'll have the entire country to choose from. This has been absolutely invaluable in the past, as your negotiating position is poor when you are tied to any one city. Consequently, I truly couldn't care less what happens. If they asked for voluntary layoffs today, I'd be first in line and I'd likely take the rest of the summer off.