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elSicomoro · 09-29-2002, 02:21 PM

Welcome to another new series here in the Manifestos, "Career Options." These are jobs fields that I have considered briefly before dismissing them for one reason or another.

Today's Career Option: Panhandler.

I work in the bum mecca of Philadelphia--Center City. Lots of workers, lots of tourists, lots of money-making opportunities. You see panhandlers every day, walking along Market Street...some of them come up to the entrance of our building and collect discarded cigarettes. Or, they'll sit out at the entrances to the El. I generally don't give them change, though every now and then, I'll feel my heart strings being tugged. What they're using the money for...who knows? I can't believe that they're all out there just trying to cobble some money together for alcohol.

I read about a study done once where this college student went out and panhandled for change in New York City. They wound up making something like $300 in one day. Some students at Georgetown University in Washington, DC did a similar experiment last year...and also seemed to clean up.

So, this got me thinking. Let's say I make, oh...$100-200 a day. I would only really need to work 4 or 5 days a week. And if I have a really good day, maybe 1 or 2. I can look bummy if need be. And I know all the hot spots to panhandle in this town. Plus, I studied the concept in college...and I think I could maximize my money-making potential.

Center City is becoming aggressive in its efforts to curb panhandling. I have noticed myself that the panhandlers have been getting increasingly nasty over the past couple of years...I saw one almost get into a fight with our building's security guard a few months back. But that's okay...I don't need Center City. I have a treasure trove in my own backyard.

Franklin Mills Mall is a mammoth outlet mall, located just up the street from our apartment. Now I don't know how true this is, but I heard recently that Franklin Mills is the second most popular tourist destination in the Philadelphia area, after Independence Mall.

So, you have 150 stores, a lot of shoppers, and a very safe area. And there's only one guy that I would have to compete against...

There is this guy that stands out along one of the entrances to Franklin Mills on Knights Road...I've rode the 84 bus with him from Frankford Terminal before. He's out there all the time, carrying a little sign saying that he's feeding his family, and seems to suffer from Parkinson's (as he trembles while standing in the traffic divider). I think I could take him on easily. Just give him a few menacing looks and shoves, and that divider is all mine. And I'd be justified--after all, I'm trying to feed my family too...I'm the only one employed at the moment.*

So, let's look at the benefits:

--$100-200 a day
--Short work week: Less than 40 hours a week
--Safe area...close to home
--Good weather for the next couple of months
--No taxes
--Easily beatable competition

And the drawbacks:

--Harrassment by passersby and the police
--Tax evasion
--Bad weather
--Income not necessarily guaranteed
--Another competitor that could possibly whip my ass
--No benefits

I don't think it's the right line of work for me, but it's always an option to keep in mind.

*--DISCLAIMER: The Sycamore would NEVER hurt this guy or take his divider away from him. He never bothers anybody or directly asks anybody for money. And I am incredibly certain that he is much worse off than myself.

09-29-2002, 02:21 PM	#1
elSicomoro Person who doesn't update the user title Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 12,486	Career Option: Panhandler Welcome to another new series here in the Manifestos, "Career Options." These are jobs fields that I have considered briefly before dismissing them for one reason or another. Today's Career Option: Panhandler. I work in the bum mecca of Philadelphia--Center City. Lots of workers, lots of tourists, lots of money-making opportunities. You see panhandlers every day, walking along Market Street...some of them come up to the entrance of our building and collect discarded cigarettes. Or, they'll sit out at the entrances to the El. I generally don't give them change, though every now and then, I'll feel my heart strings being tugged. What they're using the money for...who knows? I can't believe that they're all out there just trying to cobble some money together for alcohol. I read about a study done once where this college student went out and panhandled for change in New York City. They wound up making something like $300 in one day. Some students at Georgetown University in Washington, DC did a similar experiment last year...and also seemed to clean up. So, this got me thinking. Let's say I make, oh...$100-200 a day. I would only really need to work 4 or 5 days a week. And if I have a really good day, maybe 1 or 2. I can look bummy if need be. And I know all the hot spots to panhandle in this town. Plus, I studied the concept in college...and I think I could maximize my money-making potential. Center City is becoming aggressive in its efforts to curb panhandling. I have noticed myself that the panhandlers have been getting increasingly nasty over the past couple of years...I saw one almost get into a fight with our building's security guard a few months back. But that's okay...I don't need Center City. I have a treasure trove in my own backyard. Franklin Mills Mall is a mammoth outlet mall, located just up the street from our apartment. Now I don't know how true this is, but I heard recently that Franklin Mills is the second most popular tourist destination in the Philadelphia area, after Independence Mall. So, you have 150 stores, a lot of shoppers, and a very safe area. And there's only one guy that I would have to compete against... There is this guy that stands out along one of the entrances to Franklin Mills on Knights Road...I've rode the 84 bus with him from Frankford Terminal before. He's out there all the time, carrying a little sign saying that he's feeding his family, and seems to suffer from Parkinson's (as he trembles while standing in the traffic divider). I think I could take him on easily. Just give him a few menacing looks and shoves, and that divider is all mine. And I'd be justified--after all, I'm trying to feed my family too...I'm the only one employed at the moment.* So, let's look at the benefits: --$100-200 a day --Short work week: Less than 40 hours a week --Safe area...close to home --Good weather for the next couple of months --No taxes --Easily beatable competition And the drawbacks: --Harrassment by passersby and the police --Tax evasion --Bad weather --Income not necessarily guaranteed --Another competitor that could possibly whip my ass --No benefits I don't think it's the right line of work for me, but it's always an option to keep in mind. --DISCLAIMER*: The Sycamore would NEVER hurt this guy or take his divider away from him. He never bothers anybody or directly asks anybody for money. And I am incredibly certain that he is much worse off than myself.