Directions:  Choose one of the following options below and write a page. If you are feeling ambitious, you may choose to write on both.

Note: The journals are intended to be a way for you to explore ideas that you might later wish to refine in a paper or a discussion.  I will not censor these journals in any way, nor will I grade them on content or grammar (though, like the seminars, they must be coherent and display some measure of critical thinking about the question at hand). You do not have to answer all the questions, nor do you have to confine yourself to these questions. Write about whatever is on your mind. 

Option #1 - Worst Job Ever
Much of The Working Poor focuses on the workplace challenges of people in low-wage jobs. Can you relate to some of the problems described in the book? Write a page about the Worst Job Ever.
Some questions to consider: 

• What's the worst job you've ever had?
• Why was it so awful?
• How did you end up leaving it, assuming you did at some point?
• If you are still working at the Worst Job Ever, why? What's keeping you there?
• If you've never had a job, or never had a job you hated, what kind of job do you imagine would be the Worst Job Ever?

Option #2 - Philanthropy

What are your thoughts on giving to the poor? Here are some questions to get you going: 

• What is your attitude toward philanthropy?
• What were you taught as a child about giving, and what examples were you shown? 
• How did your early experience with charity influence your current attitudes? 
• What are your guidelines for giving?  How do you decide where to donate your time and/or money?  
• Have you ever been on the receiving end of charity?  Explain the situation and your reaction to it.