Comments on: Were They ‘Conned?’

By: Shahen

Shahen — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:53:48 +0000

I agree the fact that most Yerevanx-es have too much pride to work as u say “beneath” there capabilities, just because you have a college degree in physics does not mean you are not capable of bring money home by doing minimum wage jobs. I for one when in college even after graduating from college worked in restaurants and hospitals washing dishes or cleaning floors just to pay the bills. if you want to work there is plenty of work in Yerevan, u might not get paid much but it bits standing on streets for hours and breaking semechka “kotch” or spin cigarette boxes on cafe tables….

By: editor

editor — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:11:41 +0000

Point taken, but employment exists. There are plenty of ways to make money if you are not a pensioner as I explained. And your claim that “Most places expect you to work for free” is completely false (unless you agree to work as a volunteer), I don’t know where you are getting that information. True, some people get paid later than they should and that is unacceptable, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t making enough to get by. And yes, some are more privileged than others, and polarization is surely increasing. But If you possess the know-how and put it to use, or are willing to swallow your pride and do something that is perhaps “beneath” your capabilities, you can manage. I am convinced of that.

By: Adrineh

Adrineh — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:24:35 +0000

“a means of making a living”? Are you kidding me? I am a Canadian citizen living in Armenia, and trust me, it’s not easy working and living here. You say “if you really want to work you can find a job in Armenia,” but you neglect to mention the insecurity of the job, whether you will get paid on time or at all. Most places expect you to work for free from one week to several months, and then decide whether they want to “hire” you. The meagre income you make barely covers your expenses and you can forget about affording to eat out at a restaurant or any such luxuries we take for granted in the West. I appreciate your point of view and though I might agree that most aren’t starving, it’s only because of outside money and/or friends and family supporting you here, that most can get by. But try saving up for an appliance or having to make large, but necessary, purchases…. other than barely covering your basic expenses (and sometimes not even that), a job doesn’t guarantee you “a means of making a living” — at least not in my experience in Armenia.