Even the cartoon world can’t hide from economic reality. The sluggish job market has drifted downward — all the way to the bottom of the ocean, to Bikini Bottom and the Krusty Krab burger shack, where SpongeBob SquarePants has flipped krabby patties for 14 years.
But on an upcoming episode, he’ll lose his job, The New York Post reported.
The sea sponge character will get fired by his money-loving boss, Mr. Krabs, after the lobster finds he can save a nickel by cutting out the cook.
SpongeBob loves his work so much he even offers to keep flipping burgers for free. But Mr. Krabs turns him down, citing labor law. The final slap in the face to SpongeBob comes when he realizes lazy coworker Squidward — who hates his job and complains endlessly about it — is nonetheless allowed to keep his position because he’s been there longer.
So SpongeBob, despondent and broke, heads off on a job-seeking adventure — the result of which won’t be released until the episode runs, Nov. 11 on Nickelodeon.
But company head Russell Hicks gives a hint, The Post reported: “As always, despite this momentary setback, SpongeBob’s eternal optimism prevails, which is always a great message for everyone.”
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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