Here at Debtor’s Prison, we’re not big on posting links within articles.  But here’s one

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/29/your-money/student-loans/29money.html?pagewanted=1&adxnnlx=1275242514-wCTp6UtEV1S1hPtiShkU6Ahttp://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/29/your-money/student-loans/29money.html?pagewanted=1&adxnnlx=1275242514-wCTp6UtEV1S1hPtiShkU6Ahttp://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/29/your-money/student-loans/29money.html?pagewanted=1&adxnnlx=1275242514-wCTp6UtEV1S1hPtiShkU6A

I could respond to this point for point but that wouldn’t be fair to our readers too lazy to click the link and in order to provide themselves with the necessary context SO instead I will give the opposite scenario so my post stands alone.

Johnny and his parents approached college with a grim determination: to get through the process with as little cost and effort as possible.  Like many parents with their own lives Mr. and Mrs. Johnny were anxious to get another body out of the house and college savings weren’t what they could have been if certain cars hadn’t been leased and certain boats hadn’t been purchased.  But you only live once.  Besides, if Johnny possessed any particular gifts there would be scholarships.  There were no scholarships.

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Nothing beats a little good old-fashioned emasculation.  When I asked Benito why he didn’t do me the courtesy of mentioning my ex (who’s pen name is [new guy]’s boyfriend) decided to write a post about how I am a failure his explanation began with “when I was watching the View with mother…” I immediately knew concepts of pride and dignity were a bit out of his grasp.  So allow me to come to my own defense AND offer a little bit of advice to all of you in debtor’s prison: Make New Friends.

Why? Because if your debt has gotten to the point that you are not noticeably as financially successful as your old friends think you should be or if their are more obvious signs (like being out on your ass) your friends are always going to see you through that certain lense. 

Keep going, err reading…

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Hi kids.  So a buddy of mine just got laid off.  He’s in the very early stages of dealing with it.  Right now he is still looking for someone to blame.  It’s a sad situation.  He was supporting his live-in girlfriend who came with a freeloading half-brother with a drug problem and a dog who likes to pee on expensive things.  His folks are down on their luck as well and he was throwing a few dollars to his sister whose still in school and his mom and dad who are trying not to fall further behind on rent.

When I got the news I went into business mode, the way a doctor would if someone told him that they guy two rows over was having a heart attack.  Unlike a doctor though my efforts and expertise were unappreciated.  I was called insensitive and a bunch of other names.  I was reminded that I was still unemployed and the worst possible thing for anyone to imagine was a life that was in any way similar to my own.  Thanks.

But you guys here in Debtor’s Prison need to know what to do when the ax falls.  Because we are emotional creatures its impossible to have the conversation once you actually do lose your job (just like you can’t take Karate lessons once you’re being mugged).  So without further ado here is how you survive a layoff 1) move 2) get unemployment and 3) defer your loans.  More details after the break.

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[Original content temporarily suspended as a professional courteousy until the ethical investigation is complete. Older posts that failed to make the original cut will be rotated and substituted. If you have any questions, thoughts, concerns and most importantly if you need a copy of the ORIGINAL POST please contact nick@debtorsprison.com]

I am at the top (or close to it) and the last thing I need is your worthless hide obstructing my view. Say what you want about law firms but they have their structure right. I’m not here to be mentored or do any mentoring. Teaching some one else only dilutes your own value. The only reason to help anyone ever is immediate convenience. That’s why the Princess has a key to the apartment. Any successful person who tells you different is creating a facade so you are not in a position to retaliate when you’re cast aside.  You think I worry about my job? Please.  Those frazzled fat partners need me like they need the hierarchy (caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and strange sex).  My billables pay for all of that. 

Not only will I climb a ladder and then kick it over when I get to the top, I will pull someone over the side who extends a hand. You think that’s wrong? Go join your friends in the unemployment line. Say hi to Benito for me.

This principle is also true in social settings. Read on to find out why.

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Before my wings melted I thought I had friends. Then I plummeted into the sea of debt and I saw them for what they were: dogs who chose their supper dish over protecting their fallen guardian. Their silent mantra “no man fallen acknowledged.”

I can still see them. Food falling from their mouths as they loudly smack upon their undeserved carrion.  They stand over me, morsels caught in their matted fur and proclaim loudly that I’m not there. That I’m not them. They stoop to lick the rotten meat out of my eye.

My wounds close but do not heal. I have one good eye and good leg. I hobble on a cain. I see a pack of greasy mutts about to descend on one such as I was. I support my weight on my good leg. I swing my cane and roar. The scavengers flee save one who looks up and says my name.

I tell him to move away from the fallen but he insists there is nothing there. I swing my cane. My strength returns with each blow. My eye patch falls away. I see not a dog, but worse, a person with no empathy.