Bait and Switch

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The bestselling author of Nickel and Dimed goes undercover to explore the challenges faced by America's middle class. In this work, Barbara Ehrenreich investigates the hidden world of the white-collar unemployed. Presenting herself as a professional "in transition," she navigates the job market through career coaching, personality tests, boot camps, job fairs, networking events, and job-search ministries. Despite her efforts to enhance her image and maintain a positive attitude, she encounters scams, lectures, and repeated rejections. The narrative shines a light on individuals who have pursued education, honed skills, and built strong resumes yet find themselves vulnerable to financial instability—not just due to economic fluctuations. Ehrenreich reveals how today's corporations take pride in eliminating "surplus" employees, leaving many in prolonged periods of unemployment, where job searching becomes a full-time endeavor. She uncovers the scant social support available for these newly disposable workers and the insecurity faced even by those still employed. Like her previous work, this book is both humorous and tragic, serving as a powerful critique of economic cruelty in unexpected places.