Ever since we moved here, and I started covering the business beat for the paper, the phrase "do what you gotta do," has come up a lot in interviews — especially with state of the economy.
Most of the people I interview for stories own multiple business around town, or they work at multiple jobs. I'm constantly running into the same people over, and over again, just because they are starting up and second, third (or even fourth) business.
When I ask them why they're doing it, they usually respond with the same statement: It's Tahoe. You do what you gotta do to get by.
It's not unusual that people work as many jobs as they do here. There aren't many opportunities to move up in the work force. If you're not working for the government, school district, or the community college, all that's left are jobs related to the tourism industry (servers, retail, etc.). The town lacks economic diversity, so most people are stuck with minimum wage jobs, or trying to make their own small business venture work.
Just this past week, five businesses closed their doors for the final time, and it's only the beginning of the shoulder season. The results of the recession are amplified here since the community counts on visitors, and the residents don't make enough to keep all the businesses afloat.
Since newspapers are fueled by adverting, I decided to join the Tahoe club and do what I gotta do, so I'm moonlighting as a server at the Ridge a couple days a week.
It'll be interesting to see how everything plays out after the election is over. All the officials elected in November will have a lot of work to do once they get into office.
P.S. Yes Eric, I lost the bet.
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