‘Death of a Salesman’ Comes to Life
One of my uncles operated a fresh fruit and produce shop in New Brunswick, New Jersey. One of his sons grew up to follow him in his footsteps, landing a sales job with a well-known food company. His job was to sell pickles and other bulk foods in territory that covered a number of states in the U.S. After 24 years in the same job with the same company, he was laid off. The experience left my 50-something cousin ‘devastated and depressed’. The ironic part of the story is that he was enjoying his best quarter in a long time. How could the company let him go?
As far as family finances go, their sons are grown up and out of the house. But his wife, who owned a childcare business, hasn’t worked in a number of years. They have no income right now.
My cousin’s experience instantly called to mind the play Death of a Salesman, an Arthur Miller work that debuted on Broadway in 1949. I am sure if you are American, you’ve seen the play. It’s a classic. And Willy Loman’s story may come to life more and more now that we are likely in the midst of the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression.
October 27th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
I hate to say it but I think you may be right. Let’s hope not.
October 28th, 2008 at 12:19 am
Sadly, I’m afraid you are so right. Most Boomers have been through some type of hardship (the Reagan 80’s comes to mind). All will pale in comparison with what I fear is about to hit us. Another great post, Rhea.
October 28th, 2008 at 6:01 am
My brother recently lost his job. His wife told him that she was pregnant the next day. Luckily she has a job – doesn’t make much but has benefits. The baby is due in the Spring.
October 28th, 2008 at 7:13 am
Oh that is so sad. I’m really sorry to hear this…
October 28th, 2008 at 8:39 am
I feel sad. I have all kinds of platitudes to offer, but at the end of the day, this is devastating. If he can figure how to get the other and people do, it doesn’t have to be the end of the world. My prayers to him and his wife.
October 28th, 2008 at 9:19 am
That is so devastating. I hope they are able to find something good soon.
October 28th, 2008 at 10:45 am
sales has always been a tough racket to be in. You do rely on the economy. But food is something everyone needs maybe people are eating less?
At one point in my life I had to re tool and at age 40 I got into health care. I love it and I am busy every day. BUT nothing is a sure bet.
October 28th, 2008 at 10:48 am
I’m not sure if it’s because institutions and restaurants are ordering less food or if the highest paid staffers are let go to save bucks.
October 29th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Sadly, it is beginning to be every day that I read a similar story. Sadly, it is beginning to be every day that I read of some corporation that is going to lay off people. The one “thing” we really need are jobs and people working. And, more important, they need to be jobs that will enable folks to keep the roof over the head, food on the table etc.
I sense that this is going to keep sliding until it gets better. Full circle and all that… yet, to come.
January 20th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
[...] A middle-aged salesman gets laid off of his job of 24 years. Sound like the plot of “Death of a Salesman”? Well, it’s a real life story more and more these days. Your not alone at, the Boomer Chronicles. [...]
March 24th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
[...] A middle-aged salesman gets laid off of his job of 24 years. Sound like the plot of “Death of a Salesman”? Well, it’s a real life story more and more these days. Your not alone at, the Boomer Chronicles. [...]