How is the economy treating you?

[Amaris]

I lost my job of 7 years in December of 2008, started a new job exactly 60 days later. It doubled my salary but I had to move halfway across the country for it, and my family didn't come with me. So, it kinda sucks from that angle, but at least I have a good job with a stable company. And they gave me a raise about a month ago.

I'm still aware that the economy really sucks for a lot of people, though. I have very few friends and family members who have weathered this without losing a job, and many are still unemployed with no prospects. It is a very bad time to be coming straight out of school and into the workforce--nobody wants to train you, they want an experienced person they can contract for 6 months and then kick you to the curb.

Agreed. One of my friends just graduated from college after two years. For her, the time and money invested was exorbitant, but she wanted a better future, and I think, eventually, she'll get it. As of now, though, her general reaction is "So, what now?", because she can't get a job anywhere around here. She has no experience, and so she's overlooked. It's almost a catch-22 the way it works anymore.

 

[Lord Garth]

Like crap. I'm trying to switch jobs and change careers before I get laid off.

I've been at my job for three years, I work at a TV studio in a community college. The first year was great, the second year was okay, then came the third year. Now I hate my job and want to quit. Doesn't pay enough (and that's an understatement), there are no opportunities for advancement, and my boss is an idiot who everyone has some sort of problem with. He also loves to brown-nose anyone above him and doesn't care about anyone below him, and has even said so and then tried to make it look like he didn't when I caught it. The ridiculous and needless red tape of the college, lack of ambition, and unwillingness to adapt to the times make it even worse. Lay-offs may be forthcoming. The worst part is, I'm actually looking forward to it. How messed up is that? That's not the way it's supposed to be.

Now that the school year is over, I feel free to take a replacement job. It's unfortunate that I can't quit until someone else says "you're hired". Though if I'm laid off the decision will have been made for me and I can collect unemployment while I go back to doing temp work and continue to find something permanent (with proper pay).

Ironically, I wanted my current job so badly three years ago. Live and learn.

 

[Robert Maxwell]

I lost my job of 7 years in December of 2008, started a new job exactly 60 days later. It doubled my salary but I had to move halfway across the country for it, and my family didn't come with me. So, it kinda sucks from that angle, but at least I have a good job with a stable company. And they gave me a raise about a month ago.

I'm still aware that the economy really sucks for a lot of people, though. I have very few friends and family members who have weathered this without losing a job, and many are still unemployed with no prospects. It is a very bad time to be coming straight out of school and into the workforce--nobody wants to train you, they want an experienced person they can contract for 6 months and then kick you to the curb.

Agreed. One of my friends just graduated from college after two years. For her, the time and money invested was exorbitant, but she wanted a better future, and I think, eventually, she'll get it. As of now, though, her general reaction is "So, what now?", because she can't get a job anywhere around here. She has no experience, and so she's overlooked. It's almost a catch-22 the way it works anymore.

Anyone I know that's a full-time student, I tell them to just stay there. There are no jobs out here. Unless you have secured a position to start right after you graduate, don't even bother.

I have one friend who came out of college, got a job, and lost it after 3 months due to conflicts with her boss. This was right as the economy was starting to tank. She was then out of work for over a year because she really had no experience. Now, she gets occasional work as a substitute teacher, but there's not too much of that during the summer, so she's taking odd jobs. Those are few and far between, too.

 

[Deckerd]

wow! Holdfast. Good luck!

Thanks!

Right now, I do have a little bit of trepidation about it, but a whole heap more excitement. I'm pretty hopeful!

And hell, if it all goes horribly wrong, I can always return to a similar job to what I do now, in 5 or 10 years time or whatever. At least I'll have tried to be free!

We're selling our boat just now, reluctantly, because the other owners want to sell and we can't afford to buy them out. Whilst down at the marina at the weekend to show it to a buyer, we walked around and found the beauty we're going to buy when we've had enough and sell up, take to the ocean, and become salty sea dogs.

Meanwhile, I'm ok this year but fully expect to be made redundant in March.

 

[trampledamage]

That yacht looks beautiful, Deckerd!

 

[Deckerd]

Not sure the existing owners are interested in parting with it, mind

 

[trampledamage]

There's always a hitch!

 

[Yeoman Randi]

<snip>
We're selling our boat just now, reluctantly, because the other owners want to sell and we can't afford to buy them out. Whilst down at the marina at the weekend to show it to a buyer, we walked around and found the beauty we're going to buy when we've had enough and sell up, take to the ocean, and become salty sea dogs.

.

Whoa. That's a beauty! That is my husband's dream. Mine too, since i don't sail.

 

[propita]

<snip>
We're selling our boat just now, reluctantly, because the other owners want to sell and we can't afford to buy them out. Whilst down at the marina at the weekend to show it to a buyer, we walked around and found the beauty we're going to buy when we've had enough and sell up, take to the ocean, and become salty sea dogs.

Whoa. That's a beauty! That is my husband's dream. Mine too, since i don't sail.

Beautiful boat! Definitely not a dream of mine. I don't get nauseous, just a killer migraine and light-headed to the point of not being able to walk. An overly-sensitive middle ear I guess. It's always been that way--swings on the playground, roller-coasters, isolation tables at work. If I'm moving like that, it bothers me.

 

[John Picard]

wow! Holdfast. Good luck!

Thanks!

Right now, I do have a little bit of trepidation about it, but a whole heap more excitement. I'm pretty hopeful!

And hell, if it all goes horribly wrong, I can always return to a similar job to what I do now, in 5 or 10 years time or whatever. At least I'll have tried to be free!

We're selling our boat just now, reluctantly, because the other owners want to sell and we can't afford to buy them out. Whilst down at the marina at the weekend to show it to a buyer, we walked around and found the beauty we're going to buy when we've had enough and sell up, take to the ocean, and become salty sea dogs.

Meanwhile, I'm ok this year but fully expect to be made redundant in March.

I would love to take off a couple of years and just go sailing on a boat like that.

 

[TheBrew]

I lost my job of 7 years in December of 2008, started a new job exactly 60 days later. It doubled my salary but I had to move halfway across the country for it, and my family didn't come with me. So, it kinda sucks from that angle, but at least I have a good job with a stable company. And they gave me a raise about a month ago.

I'm still aware that the economy really sucks for a lot of people, though. I have very few friends and family members who have weathered this without losing a job, and many are still unemployed with no prospects. It is a very bad time to be coming straight out of school and into the workforce--nobody wants to train you, they want an experienced person they can contract for 6 months and then kick you to the curb.

Agreed. One of my friends just graduated from college after two years. For her, the time and money invested was exorbitant, but she wanted a better future, and I think, eventually, she'll get it. As of now, though, her general reaction is "So, what now?", because she can't get a job anywhere around here. She has no experience, and so she's overlooked. It's almost a catch-22 the way it works anymore.

Anyone I know that's a full-time student, I tell them to just stay there. There are no jobs out here. Unless you have secured a position to start right after you graduate, don't even bother.

I have one friend who came out of college, got a job, and lost it after 3 months due to conflicts with her boss. This was right as the economy was starting to tank. She was then out of work for over a year because she really had no experience. Now, she gets occasional work as a substitute teacher, but there's not too much of that during the summer, so she's taking odd jobs. Those are few and far between, too.

I almost feel bad for all of my friends graduating law school.

Almost.

My best friend went into the peace corps after college and when he got back two years ago, he couldn't find a job to save his life. I was able to get him a job with my company because of my strong recommendation of him (it was an honest recommendation, this guy is great here) for an open position. But the open positions are rare.

Getting your foot into that "first job" is really tough unless you fall backwards into it.

 

[Holdfast]

wow! Holdfast. Good luck!

Thanks!

Right now, I do have a little bit of trepidation about it, but a whole heap more excitement. I'm pretty hopeful!

And hell, if it all goes horribly wrong, I can always return to a similar job to what I do now, in 5 or 10 years time or whatever. At least I'll have tried to be free!

We're selling our boat just now, reluctantly, because the other owners want to sell and we can't afford to buy them out. Whilst down at the marina at the weekend to show it to a buyer, we walked around and found the beauty we're going to buy when we've had enough and sell up, take to the ocean, and become salty sea dogs.

Awesome.

I mean, I'd get horribly queasy myself. But the idea of a large yacht? Yeah, AWESOME.

 

[RevDMV]

It's been a good news bad news kind of year.

My software company lost most of it's business due to the closing of the NUMMI plant this year. I had been working to diversify over the last few years and had some success, but still most of my business was concentrated and concerned with NUMMI and it's suppliers.

On the plus side I had the chance to network with some other people who were serving the same suppliers and plot out some future possibilities.

Unfortunately, with everything going downhill we weren't able to get any traction with our ideas, I think they're good ideas but financing those plans isn't happening right now.

Fortunately though, the latest and greatest green tech manufacturing is happening all over the Silicon Valley. I've just signed on to a solar company and the future looks bright.

The downside here is I've taken a big hit in pay, as the compensation is heavily back loaded into stock and other bonuses. Future possibilities, but it's really hard on the house payment front. (We're making contingency plans)

Overall the family is healthy, my technology skills and long time experience made it possible to move quickly into a new position, and finances are holding steady.

Like the boom of the 90's this too will pass, so plan and prepare for the next twist and turn.

 

[Deckerd]

There's a trick to not getting seasick. I suffer from car sickness so I thought I wouldn't be able to sail but it's easy peasy if you follow the tricks of the trade. The OH doesn't have the problems of ordinary mortals. He can make a curry in a force 9 and then eat it with gusto.

 

[The Boy Who Cried Worf]

Looks like some things are still not looking up for the currently unemployed.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Outofwork-job-applicants-told-cnnm-3498252371.html?x=0

 

[Marie1]

The economy beat me down, cut the brake lines on my car, stole my wallet and left me in a ditch.

I have a bat! Let's get him!!

 

[Capn Flukie]

The rent's getting paid, the utilities haven't been shut off in quite a while, haven't eaten a Raman Noodle in a few months, and starting Saturday I get to take my first paid vacation in 18 years.

 

[trampledamage]

The rent's getting paid, the utilities haven't been shut off in quite a while, haven't eaten a Raman Noodle in a few months, and starting Saturday I get to take my first paid vacation in 18 years.

Sounds good to me! Enjoy your vacation, Flukie

 

[Capn Flukie]

Danke! Not doing anything special, maybe a day trip to Saratoga.

 

[BolianAuthor]

How is the economy treating you?

Like a baby treats a diaper.