Exposing Greed at the Top, Struggle at the Bottom, and the Vanishing Middle Class
“It’s called the American Dream because you have to be asleep to believe it.” —George Carlin
A robber baron is a pejorative term used to describe powerful American industrialists and financiers in the 19th century who amassed wealth through unethical business practices, monopolization, and exploitation of workers. These individuals often engaged in corrupt political influence and operated with little regulation, leading to significant economic disparities during the Gilded Age. Notable examples include John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie, who built vast fortunes while employing aggressive and often ruthless tactics in their industries.
Once upon a time, the American Dream was simple: work hard, earn fair pay, buy a home, raise a family, and retire with dignity. That dream has been mutilated—not by accident, but by design. What we now live under isn’t capitalism. It’s corporate cannibalism disguised as capitalism.
We don’t condemn wealth. We condemn unchecked greed. We don’t condone violence. We understand why people are angry. And it’s long past time we called it what it is: a system that rewards exploitation, silences dissent, and sacrifices the working class at the altar of shareholder profits.
This post will explore the difference between honest capitalism and modern-day robber baronism, break down how CEO pay dwarfs worker wages, and show how even death can’t quiet the rage when injustice is systemic.
Workers support the pyramid. Yet they’re the most expendable, least paid, and the first to be blamed when “profits dip.”
📰 Real-World Example: UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson (Murdered)
On December 4, 2024, Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was gunned down in Manhattan. The shooter, a disgruntled former client, claimed the company denied coverage, leading to devastating health consequences for his family.
While this was an isolated act of violence—and we do not condone it—what followed was striking:
Instead of public mourning, online outrage erupted.
Why?
Because people saw Thompson as a symbol of corporate greed.
🧾 Thompson’s Compensation
Annual Salary: ~$10.2 million (2023)
Hourly Breakdown (based on 2,080 hours/year):~$4,900/hour
UnitedHealthcare Pay Comparison
Position
Annual Pay
Hourly Rate
CEO (Brian Thompson)
$10.2 million
~$4,900/hour
Senior VP / Execs
$300K–$600K
~$144–$288/hour
Customer Service & Claims Staff
$40K–$50K
~$18–$25/hour
🧮 A worker earning $20/hour would need to work 232 hours (nearly six full weeks) to earn what Thompson made in just one hour.
🔺 UnitedHealthcare’s Pyramid Snapshot
CEO Brian Thompson — $4,900/hour
▲ Execs & VPs — $144–$288/hour
▲ Managers/Admin — $40–$70/hour
▲ Claims & Support Workers — $18–$25/hour
Despite being the ones who speak with suffering patients daily, support staff are often the most underpaid and overworked in the system.
🧠 Why It Matters
🔥 This is bigger than one man.
Thompson’s death ignited rage because it touched a collective nerve:
Millions are denied coverage.
Billions are made in profits.
And workers and patients are left holding the bag.
When CEOs get rich while everyday people are left bankrupt from medical bills or denied life-saving treatments, the system is not flawed—it is functioning exactly as designed.
🛑 DISCLAIMER:
This article does not condone violence in any form. It seeks to highlight economic injustice and foster awareness around extreme wage gaps, health care denial practices, and the consequences of institutionalized greed.
We mourn all loss of life. But we will not remain silent about the brutal systems that strip dignity from workers and humanity from patients in pursuit of profits.
✅ Final Takeaway
When CEOs make more before lunch than their employees make all year, When health care is driven by profit margins, not patient care, And when the working class has to beg for crumbs while corporations thrive— We must question if we’re truly living in a free market or a modern aristocracy.
Honest capitalism rewards innovation, fairness, and hard work. Robber baron capitalism hoards wealth, exploits labor, and devours dreams.
Tired of chasing dead-end side hustles? Ready to finally find real companies that actually pay?
The Ultimate Field Inspection Directory is your no-fluff, no-gatekeeping roadmap to earning real money with field inspections—whether you’re a notary, freelancer, gig worker, or someone with a smartphone and a reliable ride.
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Stop guessing. Start inspecting. Your next income stream is just a click away.
Disclaimer: The information provided in The Ultimate Field Inspection Directory: 100+ Companies That Hire Notaries, Freelancers, and Side Hustlers is intended for educational and informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the content, results may vary based on individual effort, experience, market conditions, and other external factors.
This book does not guarantee income or financial success. It is not a substitute for professional legal, financial, or business advice. Readers are encouraged to do their own research, consult with appropriate professionals, and exercise due diligence before engaging in any business venture or side hustle listed in this guide.
The author, A.L. Childers, shares personal experiences and resources that have worked for her and others; however, no liability will be assumed for any losses or damages incurred directly or indirectly from the use of this book.
All company names, platforms, and websites referenced belong to their respective owners and do not constitute endorsements.
🚨🔥 It’s Here! 🔥🚨 THE HUSTLE HIT LIST 📚 Now Available on Amazon!
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Disclaimer: The information provided in The Hustle Hit List is intended for educational and informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the content, results may vary based on individual effort, experience, market conditions, and other external factors.
This book does not guarantee income or financial success. It is not a substitute for professional legal, financial, or business advice. Readers are encouraged to do their own research, consult with appropriate professionals, and exercise due diligence before engaging in any business venture or side hustle listed in this guide.
The author, A.L. Childers, shares personal experiences and resources that have worked for her and others; however, no liability will be assumed for any losses or damages incurred directly or indirectly from the use of this book.
All company names, platforms, and websites referenced belong to their respective owners and do not constitute endorsements.
“Hustle Hit List: One Book. 100+ Hustles. Zero Fluff.” Your Ultimate No-BS Guide to Making Real Money in a Real World By A.L. Childers 📚 Now Available on Amazon!
Are you tired of the same old “get rich quick” garbage online? Sick of empty promises, shady gurus, and side hustles that suck more time than they pay? Then this is the book you’ve been waiting for.
This isn’t just another “how to make money” guide — it’s a punchy, straight-talking, brutally honest roadmap to help you ditch the excuses, cash in on your skills, and finally take control of your income.
Written by A.L. Childers, a no-fluff author who’s been living the hustle life (not just writing about it), this book gives you:
✅ 100+ hustle ideas — online & offline ✅ Step-by-step guides for each hustle ✅ Real-life tools, websites, and resources ✅ Tips for scaling, automating, and building real freedom ✅ Zero hype. All action.
🔥 What’s Inside:
How to identify your Hustle Personality
Secrets to earning your first $500 fast
Avoiding scams & spotting BS before it costs you
Building a hustle empire — without burnout
How to juggle your 9-to-5, kids, and side gigs like a pro
🎯 Who’s This Book For?
Moms and dads with mouths to feed
9-to-5ers dying for an exit plan
Gen Xers tired of being overlooked
Creatives, writers, builders, dreamers
Anyone who’s done waiting and ready to build their own money machine
👑 About the Author: A.L. Childers
A.L. Childers is a fierce truth-teller, serial hustler, and author of over 50 titles including books on health, financial survival, and uncovering hidden truths. She’s also the creator of the blog TheHypothyroidismChick.com, where she shares real talk, healing tips, and business advice for people ready to break the matrix.
🎥 Follow her on TikTok: @BreakTheMatrixAudrey 📚 Browse all books on Amazon: Just search “A.L. Childers”
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This isn’t theory. This is a blueprint. This isn’t fluff. This is your freedom.
⚠️ Disclaimer:
The content in Hustle Hit List and on this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, results are never guaranteed. Success in any hustle or business endeavor depends on a variety of factors, including but not limited to your effort, skill, location, and consistency.
A.L. Childers and TheHypothyroidismChick.com are not responsible for any financial loss, business outcome, or legal issues that may arise from following the strategies or links provided. Please do your own research and consult professionals where necessary — especially when it comes to taxes, business licenses, or health and legal matters.
This is real talk, not financial advice. Hustle wisely.
Florida just passed a law that may sound like it’s about protecting businesses—but for high-paid employees, it’s more like a velvet chokehold. Under the new Florida non-compete legislation, some workers can be legally blocked from working in their own profession for up to four years.
And if that sounds like a modern-day form of career imprisonment? It kind of is.
🧾 What Florida Just Did—and Why You Should Care
As of July 1, 2025, Florida expanded its support of non-compete agreements, particularly targeting workers making about $140,000+ per year. This new law allows employers to enforce non-compete clauses with longer durations and broader scope—up to four years of job restrictions for highly paid workers.
This isn’t just about executive roles. It affects professionals, tech experts, healthcare workers, and anyone with specialized skills who may want to switch jobs, freelance, or even start their own company. Now, many of them legally can’t—at least not without risking a lawsuit.
So if you thought Florida was a “right to work” state, think again. It might be more accurate to say: “You have the right to work… unless your last boss says otherwise.”
⚖️ But Wait—Other States Are Doing the Opposite
While Florida is clamping down on mobility, other states are fighting back against non-compete clauses:
🚫 States That Ban Non-Competes Entirely:
California
Minnesota
North Dakota
Oklahoma
Washington, D.C.
In these places, you can quit your job and take your skills anywhere without being sued. Period.
⚠️ States With Restrictions or Salary Thresholds:
Illinois: Banned for anyone making less than $75,000.
Colorado: Only allowed to protect trade secrets.
Massachusetts: Must pay 50% of the employee’s salary during the restriction period.
Washington, Oregon, Virginia, Maryland, Rhode Island: All have income-based limits or short-duration rules.
Meanwhile, the FTC proposed a national ban on non-competes in 2024—but corporations lawyered up fast. The ban is currently on hold, tied up in legal battles, with no set date for enforcement.
💼 What This Means for Employees
Whether you’re in sales, healthcare, tech, or marketing—check your employment contract. That little clause buried in the fine print could block you from working in your field for years if you leave.
Florida’s law allows companies to:
Prevent you from working anywhere in the same industry
Restrict your employment for up to 4 years
Enforce it even if they terminate you
And no—you don’t always have to “sign it to keep the job.” Many workers feel forced to sign, unaware of their rights or state’s stance.
🛑 What You Can Do
Know your rights. Research your state’s non-compete laws or visit Nolo.com or your state’s Department of Labor website.
Negotiate upfront. If a non-compete is in your contract, ask for modifications or removal—especially if you’re not in a high-level role.
Consult a lawyer. If you’re under a non-compete now, don’t make a move without legal advice.
Support legislative change. Many states are pushing for freedom to work. Be part of the conversation.
📣 Final Thoughts: Who Really Owns Your Time?
Non-compete clauses are being sold as “pro-business,” but here’s the question:
At what point does protecting a business become silencing a worker?
When you can’t take your talent somewhere else, when you can’t launch your dream, when your past employer controls your future—that’s not capitalism. That’s corporate bondage.
Florida just handed that leash to employers—and it won’t stop there unless people speak up.
🔖 Share this blog if you know someone in Florida or any other state who’s ever signed a job contract without reading the fine print.
Wait—did you know you or someone you love could go on a cruise for FREE?
Yep. Free.
If you’re a veteran, active military, nurse, teacher, police officer, firefighter, or first responder, Margaritaville at Sea’s Heroes Sail Free program might be the best-kept travel secret in America.
🏝️ What Is the Heroes Sail Free Program?
Margaritaville at Sea offers 2-night and extended cruises to the Bahamas or Gulf Coast—and eligible heroes cruise for FREE. The base fare is fully waived. You just pay the taxes, port fees, and gratuities (usually around $150–$200 total for 2 people).
This isn’t a gimmick. It’s a thank-you.
I found out because my husband is a veteran—and yes, we’re planning our anniversary cruise using this exact deal!
✨ Who Qualifies?
Active-duty military
Veterans (yes, even if you’re no longer active!)
Nurses
Teachers
First responders
Police & Firefighters
All you need to do is verify your status through GOVX.com, and then you can book a qualifying cruise through Margaritaville’s website.
🍾 Want the Drink Package?
You can still upgrade! I plan to get the alcohol drink package while my husband sticks with soda—and even with the add-ons, the trip still costs way less than a weekend hotel stay.
And yes, this is perfect for:
Birthdays (like mine in November!)
Anniversaries (hello, August 21!)
Girl trips, mom getaways, or burnout recovery
🌊 What’s the Catch?
There isn’t one—except that cabins book up FAST. You’ll still have to cover:
Port fees & gratuities
Add-ons like drinks, excursions, Wi-Fi, etc.
But if you play it right, you’ll get a full cruise for under $200. For two.
The Affordable Care Act Agent: Your Guide to Accessing Affordable Healthcare
Reset Your Thyroid: 21-Day Meal Plan to Reset Your Thyroid
A Women’s Holistic Holy Grail Handbook for Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s
📓 About the Author:
Audrey Childers is a licensed health insurance expert, thyroid warrior, and bold voice for women over 40 who are reclaiming their health, their finances, and their freedom. She writes books, blogs, and goes live weekly on TikTok to help you make smarter choices when it comes to wellness and survival in a broken system.
⚠️ Disclaimer:
This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, insurance, or medical advice. Always verify cruise terms, eligibility, and costs directly with the provider. Cruise programs and qualifications are subject to change.
They left 100s of bison in the desert… and didn’t check back for 10 years.
What happened next was something no government agency, profit-hungry developer, or short-sighted planner ever expected: the land healed. The buffalo brought life back.
And yes, this really happened.
🦬 A Herd That Changed Everything
In one of the most surprising rewilding experiments, 100s of bison were reintroduced into a desert environment and left to survive on their own. The terrain was brutal. The conditions, unforgiving. But the results?
Insane.
The bison created wallows—shallow dips in the earth that trapped rainwater. Their hooves tilled the soil naturally. Their droppings seeded the land with nutrients. What looked like barren desert began to sprout wild grasses, insects, birds, and eventually… a thriving ecosystem.
The desert didn’t just survive the bison—it needed them.
🌵 A Lesson in Nature’s Balance
This story isn’t just about wildlife—it’s about what happens when we get out of the way.
Man nearly wiped bison off the map during the 1800s. Tens of millions were slaughtered, not just for profit—but for power. Killing off the buffalo meant starving out Indigenous tribes and conquering the land without resistance.
And now? The bison are taking it back. Silently. Slowly. Powerfully.
🔥 Why This Needs to Be Heard (Yes, HERD!)
This isn’t just a feel-good wildlife story—it’s a revelation about how colonization, corporate greed, and environmental exploitation continue to harm us. We’ve watched forests get replaced by strip malls. Rivers polluted by industry. And deserts drained by agriculture.
But when nature is given even the smallest chance to recover—it will. And it’ll do it better than any human-designed solution ever could.
🌎 What You Can Do
Support rewilding and conservation projects
Share this story—let it inspire people to believe in nature again
Rethink what “progress” really means
Because if a herd of bison can heal a desert, maybe we still have a chance too.
About the Author
Audrey Childers is a wellness advocate, licensed Medicare agent, and passionate truth-seeker behind TheHypothyroidismChick.com. With a bold voice, a journalist’s heart, and an unshakable belief in natural healing and justice, she writes to expose the systems that fail us—and highlight the miracles that still work when we let them. Audrey uses her platforms to inspire women to reclaim their health, protect the planet, and break free from outdated thinking.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This blog is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It reflects personal opinions and interpretations of publicly available information and viral videos. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research, consult environmental professionals when necessary, and remain curious and critical in all matters related to health, history, and nature.
By Audrey Childers Founder of TheHypothyroidismChick.com | Licensed Medicare Agent | Author & Wellness Advocate
If you’re approaching 65 and still working, you might be asking: “Do I need to enroll in Medicare if I still have health insurance through my job?”
Short answer? Maybe.
Long answer? It depends on the size of your employer, your coverage type, and your future health needs. And if you’re a woman navigating thyroid issues, hormone shifts, or chronic illness—you really can’t afford to get this wrong.
Let’s make it simple.
📊 Do I Have to Enroll in Medicare at 65 If I’m Still Working?
If your employer has fewer than 20 employees, YES. Medicare becomes your primary insurance, and you must enroll in Part A and Part B to avoid penalties and coverage gaps.
If your employer has 20+ employees, you may be able to delay enrolling in Part B (and D) without penaltyif your group coverage is considered “creditable” (meaning it meets Medicare’s standards).
🏋️ What If I Have Thyroid or Autoimmune Issues?
Here’s where it gets real: most employer plans don’t prioritize ongoing hormone care, comprehensive thyroid panels, or specialist access like endocrinologists or functional medicine doctors.
💡 Audrey’s Tip: Medicare often offers broader access to specialists and lower out-of-pocket costs on certain prescriptions if you choose the right plan.
If your thyroid meds aren’t covered well under your employer plan, it might be time to do a side-by-side comparison.
📕 How to Know When It’s Time to Switch
Ask yourself:
Are your prescriptions getting more expensive?
Are you being denied referrals or labs you need?
Is your coverage making you jump through hoops just to see the right provider?
Are you planning to retire in the next 6-12 months?
If the answer is yes to any of these, it might be time to transition into Medicare now—or at least create a plan for a smooth switch.
🚑 My Health Isn’t “Average”. What Should I Do?
You need a Medicare plan that reflects your reality:
Thyroid dysfunction
Autoimmune triggers
Hormonal shifts
Mental health ups and downs
Not all plans are created equal—and none are built specifically for women 50+ with complex wellness needs.
A checklist to help you transition with confidence
Join my email list and get access to future freebies, books, and guides just for women like you!
🚀 Want More?
📬 Check out my article on TheHypothyroidismChick.com 🔎 Search Audrey Childers Medicare blog 📖 Find my book on Amazon by searching ‘Audrey Childers Medicare’ 🔍 Google ‘Medicare for thyroid disease + The Hypothyroidism Chick’
📌 Disclaimer:
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized advice from a licensed agent or healthcare provider. Coverage options vary by state, employer size, and plan availability. Audrey Childers is not affiliated with Medicare or any government agency.
“For more, visit TheHypothyroidismChick.com
Let’s make Medicare make sense—even while you’re still working. 👩🎓 Audrey Childers
The Thyroid & Insurance Survival Guide If you’re navigating Medicare, ACA, or thyroid issues—you need this. ✅ Key lab tests to ask for ✅ What questions to ask your doctor & insurance agent ✅ Compare Medicare plans easily ✅ Transition smoothly from ACA to Medicare
💌 Download it FREE and get ongoing wellness + Medicare tips from Audrey Childers. 👉 TheHypothyroidismChick.com
By Audrey Childers Founder of TheHypothyroidismChick.com | Licensed Medicare Agent | Wellness Advocate | Author
Turning 65 soon? Or just trying to prepare before the paperwork avalanche hits you?
If you’re a woman over 50, especially one navigating thyroid issues, autoimmune disorders, or hormonal shifts, Medicare enrollment can feel like decoding ancient hieroglyphics.
Here’s what you really need to know—without the confusion, fear tactics, or endless government PDFs.
🌿 1. You Need to Know Your Enrollment Timeline
Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) starts 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and lasts 3 months after.
That’s a 7-month window.
Miss it, and you may face penalties that follow you for life, especially for Part B (outpatient care) and Part D (prescription drugs).
🏋️♀️ 2. You Need a Plan That Understands Hormones & Autoimmunity
Most plans are designed for general care, not specialized care. But many women 50+ are dealing with:
Hypothyroidism / Hashimoto’s
Menopause and hormonal shifts
Chronic inflammation or adrenal fatigue
Mental health shifts related to aging
Your Medicare plan needs to reflect that.
Look for plans that:
Cover labs beyond just TSH (Free T3, T4, Reverse T3)
Include access to endocrinologists or functional medicine providers
Have drug formularies that include your thyroid or hormone meds
Don’t restrict you to limited networks or referrals
🚨 3. Medicare Advantage Is Not One-Size-Fits-All
Advantage plans (Part C) often look shiny with “extra benefits” like dental and gym memberships. But:
You may lose access to specialists if they’re not in-network
They may require referrals or prior authorizations
They can change their formularies and benefits every year
💡 Audrey’s Tip: If your health is more complex than the average annual check-up, you may want to consider Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D instead.
🏖️ 4. Women Are Often Caregivers—But Who Cares for You?
Many of my clients have spent decades taking care of their parents, kids, or partners. When it comes time to care for yourself, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or put your needs last.
But this is the season to:
Protect your energy
Advocate for your body
Choose care that supports your long-term wellness
This is why I created TheHypothyroidismChick.com: to make sure no woman over 50 has to go through this maze alone.
📚 5. My Books Can Help You Prepare
Want to dive deeper into thyroid-friendly living and insurance survival?
Check out my books:
Reset Your Thyroid: 21-Day Meal Plan to Reset Your Thyroid
Hashimoto’s Crock-Pot Recipes
A Women’s Holistic Holy Grail Handbook for Hypothyroidism
Fresh & Fabulous Hypothyroidism Body Balance
And more on Amazon (Search: Author A.L. Childers )
🌟 Download Your Free Gift: Thyroid & Insurance Survival Guide
I created a free, printable guide just for women like you. It includes:
You’ll also be added to my free email newsletter, where I send:
Enrollment deadline alerts
Wellness tips
Printable cheat sheets
Special updates on my newest content & books
🚀 Want More?
✉️ Check out my article on TheHypothyroidismChick.com 🔎 Search Audrey Childers Medicare blog 📖 Find my book on Amazon by searching ‘Audrey Childers Medicare’ 🔍 Google ‘Medicare for thyroid disease + The Hypothyroidism Chick’
📌 Disclaimer:
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace personalized advice from a licensed insurance agent or medical provider. Plans, pricing, and coverage vary by location. Audrey Childers is not affiliated with Medicare or the U.S. government.
“For more, visit TheHypothyroidismChick.com, or search ‘Audrey Childers Medicare blog’.”
Let’s rewrite the future of women’s healthcare—together. —Audrey Childers
