Is the recession making you depressed? Cranky?

[SWTXBelle]

http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=weblog&wlid=5&id=413&cn=5

My sister works retail, and has noticed a sharp uptick in cranky customers. Some of that may be the season (why does Christmas bring out the worst in so many?), but I've noticed an overall decline in the moods of friends and family. Heck, come to that, I'm much grumpier than usual.

Have y'all noticed a difference in your mood or that of those around you? Do you think it's the economy? It's tough to be upbeat when you are worried about your mortgage, or your job . . . what do you think?

[AKA_Monet]

http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=weblog&wlid=5&id=413&cn=5

My sister works retail, and has noticed a sharp uptick in cranky customers. Some of that may be the season (why does Christmas bring out the worst in so many?), but I've noticed an overall decline in the moods of friends and family. Heck, come to that, I'm much grumpier than usual.

Have y'all noticed a difference in your mood or that of those around you? Do you think it's the economy? It's tough to be upbeat when you are worried about your mortgage, or your job . . . what do you think?

It could also be Seasonal Affective Disorder for those who live in the Northern Hemisphere... IDK? :confused:

There is also an uptick in violent criminal activities perpetrated by first-time offenders...

Haven't noted too much drug abuse, yet. But I suspect that will occur, too. Don't know what the drug of choice will be because most top ones folks are too afraid of getting busted--i.e. crack, crank, smack and meth or glass...

I have seen plenty of crankiness going around... Somedays I deal with it, other days, I don't even deal with it.

[preciousjeni]

My crankiness is age.

[PeppyGPhiB]

I'm getting cranky and depressed from listening to my bf constantly drone on about how America is headed into a downward spiral that will be even worse than the great depression.

[texas*princess]

I wouldn't say I'm depressed... more like severely frustrated that no one is hiring so I'm stuck in this job that I have hated for years. My own company isn't even hiring or filling vacant positions either so it's not like I can just move around.

I do think that my frustration with everything has definitely affected my mood at work (that and having to deal with our idiot customers).

[AKA_Monet]

My crankiness is age.

You are NOT old... Old is my dad who is cantankerous and has 8 cars he cannot afford to drive and wants another one... :rolleyes:

I'm getting cranky and depressed from listening to my bf constantly drone on about how America is headed into a downward spiral that will be even worse than the great depression.

He needs an enema... Make him some Exlax-special chocolate holiday brownies... :)

[SWTXBelle]

The gift that keeps on giving . . . :eek:

[AGDee]

I'm seeing it a lot, but just about everybody I know has at least one bread earner working for one of the auto companies or a supplier and they are all feeling it. It's the talk of the day, every day, everywhere you go. It absolutely doesn't help that we're approaching the shortest day of the year and it's been really cloudy so we haven't seen much of the sun. That does affect people.

I'm cranky because my car has been in shops for over two weeks now, I'm paying for a rental in the meantime which is eating up my Christmas budget quickly. I have an appointment to test drive my Saturn Vue tomorrow though :)

[Munchkin03]

I'm tired of talking about the recession/economy. I haven't personally been affected, my company hasn't been doing much in the way of layoffs, and my parents aren't impacted negatively (yes, people can be impacted positively by this sort of thing). I have a few friends who did get laid off, but they got pretty sweet severance packages and they aren't really looking for a job now.

I feel like the media drives things almost to the point of hysteria about this, and I'm so tired of it.

[ISUKappa]

I'm tired of talking about the recession/economy. I haven't personally been affected, my company hasn't been doing much in the way of layoffs, and my parents aren't impacted negatively (yes, people can be impacted positively by this sort of thing). I have a few friends who did get laid off, but they got pretty sweet severance packages and they aren't really looking for a job now.

I feel like the media drives things almost to the point of hysteria about this, and I'm so tired of it.

This is pretty much us, too, only no one we know has been laid off. We're watching our budget more closely, sure, but that's due more to the addition of another kid rather than the economy.

[KSigkid]

Not really; luckily my wife and I haven't been hit hard by it at our workplaces. I will say that the atmosphere around the law school is definitely more depressed than usual. A lot of law firms, of all sizes (from the large top tier firms to the smaller firms) have been cutting summer associate/first year associate staffing levels, so there are people who thought they had a job offer and had it pulled. So, there are a lot more 3rd years (and 4th year evening students) looking for jobs around this time of year. Usually, most people know what they're doing by October or so.

ETA: To be honest, I'm a little concerned, so I've started staying later at work and taking on more work, essentially to make myself more "valuable" to the company. It gets a bit busy with law school on top of the 50-60 hour work weeks, but if anything comes down the line I don't want to be at the top of the firing list.

[srmom]

Yes, to be frankly honest, I am pretty darn depressed about it. MANY of our customers are in the automotive parts industry, and every sale we make to them has an aura of fear attached to it. If GM and Ford declare bankruptcy, are our customers next? And if so, are we next?

I've started dreaming about work at night - a sure fire way to get no restful sleep!!!

[SWTXBelle]

I'm tired of talking about the recession/economy. I haven't personally been affected, my company hasn't been doing much in the way of layoffs, and my parents aren't impacted negatively (yes, people can be impacted positively by this sort of thing). I have a few friends who did get laid off, but they got pretty sweet severance packages and they aren't really looking for a job now.

I feel like the media drives things almost to the point of hysteria about this, and I'm so tired of it.


I wish I could believe that it is all media hype - but in my case I know it is all too true. I have been personally affected, my friends and family have received no sweet severance packages, and the job hunt continues for me and many others. Count your blessings, Munchkin.

[Munchkin03]

I wish I could believe that it is all media hype - but in my case I know it is all too true. I have been personally affected, my friends and family have received no sweet severance packages, and the job hunt continues for me and many others. Count your blessings, Munchkin.


Apparently the recession IS making you cranky. Where did you see that I wasn't counting my blessings? I've lost 40% of my retirement savings. Good thing I don't retire for another 35 years, and I'm still on track to have over a million upon retirement!

I don't doubt that we're in a recession--everyone with the HOTT severance packages would still have jobs if the economy was good, remember? I do wonder how much the media hypes it up and makes the average Joe freak out a little too much.

Jaysis, woman. Stand down!

[SWTXBelle]

Don't over-react. I'm truly happy for those who are not affected. I wish I were one of your number. Perhaps I misunderstood your original post, but my take on it was you are tired of hearing about the recession, it has not really affected you or those you know, and you think it is media hype. Is that fair, or did I miss something subtle? It wasn't meant to be a snarky "Count your blessings" . . . it was a sincere "Boy howdy are you lucky".

If you are truly tired of talking about it, though, I do wonder why you even came to this thread. I began the thread because I did honestly wonder if it is just me, or if others are cranky, or depressed, or whatever. When you are dealing with your own personal crisis it is sometimes hard to gauge where your personal take on it ends and the overall reality begins. Yes, the media can overhype things - but sometimes there is some truth to the coverage, also.

eta - I guess you could say that it is affecting everyone's mood - some by their being affected by it, some by having to deal with the unrelenting media hype.

[33girl]

I wouldn't say I'm depressed... more like severely frustrated that no one is hiring so I'm stuck in this job that I have hated for years. My own company isn't even hiring or filling vacant positions either so it's not like I can just move around.

I do think that my frustration with everything has definitely affected my mood at work (that and having to deal with our idiot customers).

Amen to that, but I might just up and quit and get like 3 retail or food service jobs or something. Watch this space, kids.

AKA_Monet is on point saying a lot of it is due to Seasonal Affective Disorder. You have that plus a recession, you are not going to have shiny happy people about.

[ISUKappa]

Only speaking for myself, I read Munch's "media hype" statement as it seems like all the news is "OMG Recession! OMG it's another depression! OMG it's only days until we're all in Hoovervilles and standing in soup lines!"

I don't deny that yes, it is hard times out there and there are millions of people who are severely impacted by the current state of the US and World economies. Those who may not be as affected read/hear those news stories and think "well, if it's that bad, I better cut back on spending and start saving, etc..." thereby decreasing their personal stimulus on the economy and so on and so forth.

It's kind of like having a coworker who is always pessimistic about everything. If you hear them bitch and complain about everything all the time, eventually you start to get kind of pessimistic, too.

IDK, maybe that's just my overly simplistic way of thinking.

[Munchkin03]

If you are truly tired of talking about it, though, I do wonder why you even came to this thread.

Because I can.

I wondered if some of the crankiness related to the economy was people just being cranky about hearing it. Like how a lot of people got election overload, recession overload can happen too.

I know I'm probably less tired of hearing about it because I'm not that affected...if I were, then I'd hate even hearing about it. I just wonder if a lot of the stuff the media talks about is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Think about how things get after a hurricane: everyone talks about how there won't be any gas. Everyone gets hysterical about gas, and then there's no gas! If the news folks didn't talk about the imminent gas shortages, there might not be any.

[ThetaPrincess24]

http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=weblog&wlid=5&id=413&cn=5

My sister works retail, and has noticed a sharp uptick in cranky customers. Some of that may be the season (why does Christmas bring out the worst in so many?), but I've noticed an overall decline in the moods of friends and family. Heck, come to that, I'm much grumpier than usual.

Have y'all noticed a difference in your mood or that of those around you? Do you think it's the economy? It's tough to be upbeat when you are worried about your mortgage, or your job . . . what do you think?

It's not really making me depressed per say. I feel bad for many who are losing jobs, cant find work, etc. I am enjoying cheap gas and massive sales.

I am tired of hearing about how much my husband has lost in his 401K. That is getting irritating more than depressing.

[SWTXBelle]

Because I can. .


Well, of course you CAN - but my point is that coming on a thread talking about the recession and saying that you are tired of talking about the recession seems to indicate that you must not be tired of talking about it. Or why talk about it? Or read about it? Or subject yourself to others doing just that? :)

My fear - not media-driven - is simply that this is just the beginning. I know that here in Houston our economy has been sheltered from some of the effects of the recession by the energy industry. With gas prices dipping so low - which is a real relief for most of the country - our oil and gas industries will have to make cuts. That means our housing market, which has suffered but not as badly as other places - will start to feel it. All those unemployed energy employees won't be able to spend money and the effects will trickle down to every other business here in town.

[OneTimeSBX]

i am always a self-imposed Scrooge around this time of year. i dont go shop anywhere other than grocery stores, all my regular shopping is done online. i hate christmas crowds...

that said, this year i am in a particularly pissy mood. i havent worked since LAST NOVEMBER...so the little bit of holiday spirit i managed to scrape together is long gone...especially since i was let go after an unpaid maternity leave, so technically i havent had a paycheck since october 07. the recession, other than not being able to find a job ANYWHERE (not even a damn 7-11! MY DEGREE IS USELESS!), isnt really hitting me as much. its just general moodiness.

[SWTXBelle]

I'm tired of talking about the recession/economy. I haven't personally been affected, my company hasn't been doing much in the way of layoffs, and my parents aren't impacted negatively (yes, people can be impacted positively by this sort of thing). I have a few friends who did get laid off, but they got pretty sweet severance packages and they aren't really looking for a job now.

I feel like the media drives things almost to the point of hysteria about this, and I'm so tired of it.

This is pretty much us, too, only no one we know has been laid off. We're watching our budget more closely, sure, but that's due more to the addition of another kid rather than the economy.

It will be interesting to check back in 6 months and see if this is still the case for y'all. I sincerely hope that we are ALL doing great 6 months from now, and we can look back at this and LAUGH . . .

[LightBulb]

I'm more worried than cranky, though maybe a little depressed too. Finding a job is going to be hell.

[AKA_Monet]

Not to be all silver lining, but I have been through the late 1980's early 1990's recession when none of my friends found jobs, then the downsizings...

I started a business earlier this year. I don't know if it will be successful because I have not finalized my business plan. But, I have moved forward with the formal paperwork that "legitimizes" my business--i.e. EIN, master business license, certificate of formation, etc. Which means, I pay B&O taxes where I have zero income with large amount of expenses... But, I think this can happen... And I am passionate about my business.

Also, I am going back to a certification class different from my educational degrees.

The recession may be fearful for many of us because none of us know the future. But, I am faithful that something will work out and someday this sunshine. I guess you take the good and the bad and the ugly.

The word "depression" depresses people...
~Robert Reich

[awkward1]

Those who may not be as affected read/hear those news stories and think "well, if it's that bad, I better cut back on spending and start saving, etc..." thereby decreasing their personal stimulus on the economy and so on and so forth.


My husband says that I am doing a good job of stimulating the economy and wants to know if I can please slow down. I tell him it's my patriotic duty to shop hard.:D

Some of the techs at my doctors office commented on how cranky all the patients were that day. For me it had to do with not eating or drinking after midnight and having a 10:30 appt. made me really cranky. It wasn't the economy, it was my tummy!

But seriously, Christmas just isn't the usual cheery season for me this year. Although we have yet to be impacted severely by this downturn, it's the uncertainty of what the future holds that wears on me. It seems like at any point in time, any of us from any industry could loose our jobs in a mass layoff and that is frightening. And it doesn't make me cranky, but it does make me less cheery than usual.

[Zephyrus]

http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=weblog&wlid=5&id=413&cn=5

My sister works retail, and has noticed a sharp uptick in cranky customers. Some of that may be the season (why does Christmas bring out the worst in so many?), but I've noticed an overall decline in the moods of friends and family. Heck, come to that, I'm much grumpier than usual.

Have y'all noticed a difference in your mood or that of those around you? Do you think it's the economy? It's tough to be upbeat when you are worried about your mortgage, or your job . . . what do you think?
Yeah, I think the economy has made a lot of people grumpy. When money is slow, that would cause anyone to get a little ticked off.

[sunnyhibiscus]

I've seen on a report that kids are asking Santa for jobs, not toys.

That's heartbreaking.

[MTSUGURL]

I'm getting cranky and depressed from listening to my bf constantly drone on about how America is headed into a downward spiral that will be even worse than the great depression.

I know the feeling. Every date my boyfriend and I have been on in the past three months has consisted of that very thing.

[Honeykiss1974]

I'm cranky but I have a toothache. It is the same tooth that my dentist just worked on 2 weeks ago (which by the way, did not hurt until AFTER he worked on it).

He better not be trying to stimulate his economy through my mouth.

ok that sounded like a bad sex joke.

[epchick]

the recession, other than not being able to find a job ANYWHERE (not even a damn 7-11! MY DEGREE IS USELESS!), isnt really hitting me as much. its just general moodiness.

I agree with this sentiment. I can't blame the recession for me not getting a job, because there are plenty of places hiring. Why I haven't gotten a job yet, I have no idea. That is what contributes to my moody, that I can't get even a simple desk job (I agree, my degree seems pretty useless at the moment). I've been out of work since Dec. '07, so it just frustrates me.

[AGDee]

I haven't been able to find a link, but they said on our morning news today that Michigan's unemployment rate went from 8.8% in October to 14.6 in November (seasonally adjusted). All I can say is ... isht.

[UGAalum94]

There's something about being reminded that other people are worse off than you that actually can intensify routine crankiness. Yes, we should be appreciative of the things that we have absolutely, but it doesn't make your employer doing its typical morale destroying stuff any more fun. Feeling trapped by knowing that there's no place better to go doesn't improve the management you're getting.

[aggieAXO]

I am very depressed about the economy. We are starting to feel it here in Austin. It sucks when I have to euthanize an animal that is treatable due to finances (this is not new but lately it has been much worse). I have paid for some of the treatments myself and saved a couple of animals but I can't keep doing this. Sometimes I send the animal home with minimal treatment but I am always thinking about how that pet is doing and wondering-are they suffering?? We had 2 full grown cats dumped at our south location, they were so frightened and cold (a tech took them in thank goodness). More and more people have to give up their pets, the shelters are full. People get mad at me when I can't take payments even though I explian to them I do not own the clinic, I have no control over pricing. I had one lady say to me: "well I guess only rich people can have animals" in a vey nasty voice. It makes me hate my job and is very stressful.
All I can say is try and plan for the worse and hope for the best.
ok I am going to jump off a cliff :) J/K (maybe)

[AKA_Monet]

I am very depressed about the economy. We are starting to feel it here in Austin. It sucks when I have to euthanize an animal that is treatable due to finances (this is not new but lately it has been much worse). I have paid for some of the treatments myself and saved a couple of animals but I can't keep doing this. Sometimes I send the animal home with minimal treatment but I am always thinking about how that pet is doing and wondering-are they suffering?? We had 2 full grown cats dumped at our south location, they were so frightened and cold (a tech took them in thank goodness). More and more people have to give up their pets, the shelters are full. People get mad at me when I can't take payments even though I explian to them I do not own the clinic, I have no control over pricing. I had one lady say to me: "well I guess only rich people can have animals" in a vey nasty voice. It makes me hate my job and is very stressful.
All I can say is try and plan for the worse and hope for the best.
ok I am going to jump off a cliff :) J/K (maybe)

Thankfully, I was laid off from my lab position that demanded I euthanize 300 mice over 2 days. That was painful because all those experiments that "could have been done". Scientists need to plan their experiments better!!!

My husband said that when he had to put down a few large animals because they were too sick, that it takes 2-3 days to get over it. It took me 2 weeks to be "fine" with it...

I feel for you!

[Kevin]

I am very depressed about the economy. We are starting to feel it here in Austin. It sucks when I have to euthanize an animal that is treatable due to finances (this is not new but lately it has been much worse). I have paid for some of the treatments myself and saved a couple of animals but I can't keep doing this. Sometimes I send the animal home with minimal treatment but I am always thinking about how that pet is doing and wondering-are they suffering?? We had 2 full grown cats dumped at our south location, they were so frightened and cold (a tech took them in thank goodness). More and more people have to give up their pets, the shelters are full. People get mad at me when I can't take payments even though I explian to them I do not own the clinic, I have no control over pricing. I had one lady say to me: "well I guess only rich people can have animals" in a vey nasty voice. It makes me hate my job and is very stressful.
All I can say is try and plan for the worse and hope for the best.
ok I am going to jump off a cliff :) J/K (maybe)

Do y'all do the CareCredit thing? We recently got one of our cats a P.U. (for non-vet-folk, it's basically taking your anatomically male cat and buying him a $2,000 vagina so he [now it, I guess] can pass bladder stones). The surgery wasn't that expensive, but we had a few post-op complications which resulted in about 2-3 weeks of hospitalization.

There's a 10% financing fee and it's zero % for 1 year (which we'll easily pay off). It's a decent deal though, I guess.

[SWTXBelle]

It's time to get more heartworm medication for my dog. I can't afford it, but I can't afford to NOT get it and have him get sick. I need my doggie more than ever now! ARRRGGGHHH. And it is a weekly debate at the grocery store - get the cheap yucky food for him, and save a few dollars, or bite the bullet, get the good stuff, and try to keep him healthy. So far, I get the good stuff. (Not the old at the vet good stuff, but the grocery store good stuff.) I never thought I would be in this situation . . .sigh.

[Benzgirl]

Am I depressed? No
Am I bummed out? Yup.

Due to the economy, my employer cut a total of 700 jobs this year and I am a victim of their quest to become profitable. Things that I never thought twice about buying and not even considered because the severance pay/package isn't that great and it will run out in mid February. My focus is on paying my mortgage, lease and utilities.

Others are taking it much worse than I. I'm keeping a positive attitude that I will have a job before February (ok, it doesn't hurt that I have a 2nd interview with a nearby company lined up for Tuesday), and I'm also not sitting in the house worrying about it. My focus is finding a job in a recession-proof industry.

My gym membership is paid through summer, so I am getting "my money's worth" right now. Christmas will be thin, but everyone understands including my nieces.

Our region is awaiting news on the auto industry, as well. Ford is the largest employer in my town and GM is the largest in my parent's city. That doesn't even count the number of ancillary businesses dependent upon the Big 3.

The UAW will hate me, but I think it's time for concessions. When sitting in my outplacement class last week, our coach, who is a labor-relations expert, outlined UAW wages plus benefits: it costs the companies over $70 per hour, per employee.:eek:

[gee_ess]

I live with a banker...I am constantly having conversations about the financial situation, and, yes, it is depressing!

We also were around for the early 80's and, in my opinion, this is much worse because the effects seem to be so far reaching. That said, I do feel the media perpetuates a lot of the doom and gloom. Our feeling is that the situation is very real and can easily go very wrong in a matter of days (if the local plant shuts down, people can't pay their bills, then default on loans, etc) and so that makes the future very hard to "bank" on.

We, as are almost everyone we know, pulling in our spending, erring on the side of caution, preparing for the worst but hoping for the best! Did I mention I will have two kids in college next year?! aagh!

[Munchkin03]

There's something about being reminded that other people are worse off than you that actually can intensify routine crankiness.

YES! This is so true...I have a friend who does this ALL THE TIME. Anything, from "I'm tired," to "I haven't dated anyone in a while," to "This is going to be a tight month..." he always tells me that he has it worse. Grrrrr!

[AGDee]

The UAW will hate me, but I think it's time for concessions. When sitting in my outplacement class last week, our coach, who is a labor-relations expert, outlined UAW wages plus benefits: it costs the companies over $70 per hour, per employee.:eek:

I agree that the UAW needs to make some concessions. I was floored when he said that they would not cut pay until the next contract. However, the $70/hr is misleading. That is taking all benefit/pension/payroll costs and dividing by the current number of workers. Older employees make $20-24/hr straight time. New employees make $14.98/hr. The older employees actual cost with benefits is about $43/hr. Few people actually know how much their employers are spending on their total package. Mine sends out a letter each year with the actual cost of our total benefits and pay. It's shocking how much the bennies cost. The $70/hr is inflated because of retiree pension and benefits. With fewer workers, that number goes up and up.

On the good news front, my next door neighbor who is losing her house because of her husband's death and her loss of seniority and full time status due to an extended medical leave (breast cancer) has found a house that she can afford to buy and is buying on land contract. I'm very sad that they will be moving because they are the best neighbors in the world, but I'm so relieved that she found a good place to live. Her laid off son (mechanical engineer) has found a job in Pittsburgh and her laid off daughter (single mom of two kids) started a job two weeks ago and found a condo to rent that she can afford. Her youngest son is graduating from college this month with a degree in advertising. He may not find a job in his major but he is currently working two other jobs (music store, teaching percussion and working with the school marching band teaching percussion) so he can cover his expenses for a while. Things seem to be falling in place for them. They are like my second family so it's a relief to me too.

[KSigkid]

YES! This is so true...I have a friend who does this ALL THE TIME. Anything, from "I'm tired," to "I haven't dated anyone in a while," to "This is going to be a tight month..." he always tells me that he has it worse. Grrrrr!

It sounds a whole lot like the "There are starving kids in (insert country here)" line that parents always give...

[texas*princess]

Hmmmm

I'm thinking this might be worse than I thought it would be in the beginning.

Several months ago (August/Sept-ish) I figured it was going to get crappy for a little bit longer and all would be better once '09 rolled around...

but it's not really looking that way.

[aggieAXO]

Do y'all do the CareCredit thing? We recently got one of our cats a P.U. (for non-vet-folk, it's basically taking your anatomically male cat and buying him a $2,000 vagina so he [now it, I guess] can pass bladder stones). The surgery wasn't that expensive, but we had a few post-op complications which resulted in about 2-3 weeks of hospitalization.

There's a 10% financing fee and it's zero % for 1 year (which we'll easily pay off). It's a decent deal though, I guess.


yes we have CC. I remember about 2 months ago on one Sunday all of my clients had to apply for CC (8 of them that day) and no one was approved!! That is when the credit market was tightened. It has been better lately. I had a client today get 4400 on CC thank goodness. Still probably about 50% get declined for CC and then what do you do??? My boss is very generous for the most part and will let us give some injections for free (we make clients sign a promise to pay but only about 1% actually end up paying). Luckily all my clients could pay today.

[aggieAXO]

It's time to get more heartworm medication for my dog. I can't afford it, but I can't afford to NOT get it and have him get sick. I need my doggie more than ever now! ARRRGGGHHH. And it is a weekly debate at the grocery store - get the cheap yucky food for him, and save a few dollars, or bite the bullet, get the good stuff, and try to keep him healthy. So far, I get the good stuff. (Not the old at the vet good stuff, but the grocery store good stuff.) I never thought I would be in this situation . . .sigh.

there is nothing wrong with grocery store food. Purina makes a good product. My cats love fancy feast and we feed that all the time to the patients at the clinic(it is sometimes the only food patients are willing to eat).
Yes- don't skimp on the HWPrevention. Heartworm treatment will easily run you 400-600$ if not more plus the risk of death.

[KSUViolet06]

It's sad that some people cannot afford to keep their animals right now. Thankfully, my cat is in pretty good health right now and doesn't really cost me alot of extra (besides food, litter, and other essentials).

As far as me personally, I wouldn't say that I'm depressed or cranky because of the economy. I just live the best way I can. There's no use in getting upset over it.

[AGDee]

60 Minutes totally depressed me tonight. They were talking about two new types of mortgages that were given out a lot that are just now starting to skyrocket with their interest rates. The expert said he didn't see an end to this any time soon.

[AGDee]

The Detroit Media Partnership (a joint operating agreement between The Detroit News, an afternoon paper and The Detroit Free Press, a morning paper) announced significant changes today... another sign of the times: http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081216/METRO/812160419

...home delivery of The News and Free Press will end Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Delivery will continue on Thursdays and Fridays at both papers and Sundays at the Free Press. Both will still be available at the regular price at 20,000 stores and boxes throughout Michigan and through an electronic "e-edition" that allows readers to view replicas of the printed papers online.

[AGDee]

So we got a memo near the end of the work day yesterday outlining what my health system is doing to keep their heads above water in these "challenging economic times". I'm not happy, not happy at all. Here's the plan:
1) no raises this year (I was expecting this, not surprised, no big deal, can live without a raise)
2) Selective layoffs (probably not too many, probably an excuse to get rid of some people who are slackers anyway but tough to fire, I'm not worried about my position)
3) Hiring freeze (Could very definitely affect me because my partner/co-worker in computer support is leaving in May and they may not be able to replace her which is going to double my work if that happens, but I'm not going to freak out until it's for sure, our management could possibly justify the new hire)
4) Revocation of our two "floating holidays".. two days that they gave us to make up for taking away the Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve holidays. They are days off that we can take any time during the year. Ok, take two days off, that's ok, but I used mine already this year! Since I used mine this year, they are going to take 16 hours from my Time Off bank. I accrue my time off at a rate of 9.23 hours per pay period all year round. Are they just going to reduce how much I accrue? No. They are going to take the 16 hours in a lump sum out of what is already accrued. I only have 35 hours accrued right now due to two illnesses that made me use 3 days each time in the last two months. That will leave me 19 hours in my bank and I don't know if I'll have enough for the vacations I already have planned this summer, which sucks totally. If they just had me accrue at a slower rate for the rest of the year, this impact would not be felt, really. However, doing it this way, it's going to hurt. I guess the logic is that they want to make sure they don't have to pay people for those days if they are the ones being laid off (see #2). They didn't tell us when those hours will be taken from our bank or what will happen if you don't have 16 hours in your bank right now. My manager is trying to find out.
5) The one that really ticks me off: They are reducing the matching retirement from 2 1/2% to .25%. So, if they put in $50 per pay now, they will now put in $5. The way the retirement plan was set up, we contribute 2% and they contributed 2.5%.We had to choose to opt in or opt out ON HIRE. Saturday is my 15 year anniversary with this health system. I opted in on hire, 15 years ago. I cannot opt out yet, the way the funds are going, with them only contributing .25% I will be losing money way faster than I'm putting it in and I have no way to get out of it. It seems to me that if we can't opt out, they shouldn't be able to change the terms so drastically. If they have to change the terms so drastically, then we should get a one time chance to opt out. I might as well take my money and flush it down the toilet. Nobody said, when we had to choose whether to opt in or not, that the terms could change. This just isn't sitting right with me. I understand having to cut the contribution, but give us the frickin' option to get out of the plan! On top of it all, they changed which funds are available to us back in September so we had to move all of our stuff to new funds right when things started to tank. The new funds are doing MUCH worse than the old ones. We are able to change which funds we invest in and I did move all of mine to a bond fund, which is losing money less quickly than the "retirement age" funds (like 2030 fund, if you're planning on retiring around 2030). I'm not sure I'm ever going to be able to retire. I don't think social security will be around and my retirement fund is dwindling daily, although not as fast as if I'd left it in the 2030 fund! I'm feeling so screwed. I want my money back and I want to put it in an FDIC money market. <sigh> I'm not as furious about this as I was yesterday, but yesterday, before I worked out, I was ready to bite someone's head off.

Yet, everybody says "Be happy you have a job" and I am happy that I have a job. It's a decent job and my immediate management has been incredibly good to me. However, I'm mourning my summer plans and my retirement fund. I think grad school has now become a necessity rather than a choice I was trying to make. It's the only way I'm ever going to get ahead and be able to put more into retirement.

[RaggedyAnn]

My friend's company decided to remove a weeks vacation from everyone's compensation package. She is the Director of Human Resources, so was in the meeting when the President said "if they don't like it, let them quit. I'll have their position filled in a day." The sad thing is, the President is right. Unemployment numbers are just that high.

[moe.ron]

I've been grinding my teeth at night and I wake up with really bad headache. It all started when the market tanked.

[PM_Mama00]

Amen to that, but I might just up and quit and get like 3 retail or food service jobs or something. Watch this space, kids.

AKA_Monet is on point saying a lot of it is due to Seasonal Affective Disorder. You have that plus a recession, you are not going to have shiny happy people about.

What's sad is that retail isn't even hiring. And if they are, they want you to have experience. Another thing is that the crime rate here is starting to rise. An 86 year old woman got carjacked down the road from me at a meat market that my mom frequents, and it's across the street from the mall. I'm not sure I want to be walking out of the mall after a night shift. Too dangerous.


My fear - not media-driven - is simply that this is just the beginning. I know that here in Houston our economy has been sheltered from some of the effects of the recession by the energy industry. With gas prices dipping so low - which is a real relief for most of the country - our oil and gas industries will have to make cuts. That means our housing market, which has suffered but not as badly as other places - will start to feel it. All those unemployed energy employees won't be able to spend money and the effects will trickle down to every other business here in town.

Gas prices have risen a good 40cents in the last month. Back to $2 a gallon.

I agree with this sentiment. I can't blame the recession for me not getting a job, because there are plenty of places hiring. Why I haven't gotten a job yet, I have no idea. That is what contributes to my moody, that I can't get even a simple desk job (I agree, my degree seems pretty useless at the moment). I've been out of work since Dec. '07, so it just frustrates me.

I'm in the same boat. There are SO MANY jobs out there hiring. I've sent out over 100 resumes to the companies that I'm actually eligible for. I haven't gotten one phone call. My friends told me that I may be over qualified for the jobs I'm applying for. I'm thinking about lying on my resume to say that I did NOT graduate college. I'm sick of seeing people who haven't stepped foot on a college campus, or those without even a high school diploma, getting these jobs over those of us who have worked our asses off to get where we should be.



The UAW will hate me, but I think it's time for concessions. When sitting in my outplacement class last week, our coach, who is a labor-relations expert, outlined UAW wages plus benefits: it costs the companies over $70 per hour, per employee.:eek:

I used to be one of those people who stuck up for the UAW but after really thinking about it and seeing numerous things on the news where they just don't want to give anything up and are STILL fighting for more benefits, I'm just disgusted and can't help but think they are to blame. I know someone who got a LARGE buyout package and they hadn't even been there a year. When I say large, I mean pushing towards $100,000.

[AGDee]

A big part of the problem, PM_Mama, is that companies that have one open position get inundated with so many resumes that they can't even look at all of them. There was a position posted on our website for a job in purchasing and they got over 200 resumes the first day, took the posting down and only kept the first 100 resumes that came in.

Interestingly, I just found a PDF on our retirement savings plan website that says your election to participate in our RSP is irrevocable UNLESS HFHS reduces the employer contribution to the Plan. "If that happens, you may change your original election." Therefore, I should be able to opt out. My manager is going to ask HR about it and I don't expect the answer to be good, but I feel better having raised the question.

[PM_Mama00]

A big part of the problem, PM_Mama, is that companies that have one open position get inundated with so many resumes that they can't even look at all of them. There was a position posted on our website for a job in purchasing and they got over 200 resumes the first day, took the posting down and only kept the first 100 resumes that came in.

Interestingly, I just found a PDF on our retirement savings plan website that says your election to participate in our RSP is irrevocable UNLESS HFHS reduces the employer contribution to the Plan. "If that happens, you may change your original election." Therefore, I should be able to opt out. My manager is going to ask HR about it and I don't expect the answer to be good, but I feel better having raised the question.

UMD was having a career fair today. I planned on going until I saw the employer list. I'm only qualified for one of the 28 jobs... that being a promotions assistant at Radio Disney Detroit. Would have been a cool job but I'm sure there would have been hundreds of alumni there and I wouldn't have had a chance.

[DaemonSeid]

Man robs store with daughter in tow (http://wjz.com/watercooler/man.robs.store.2.973525.html)

[PhoenixAzul]

Yes, it is depressing and I am depressed. I think it is more depressing for me because it is combined with a number of big life changes (moving back from Scotland sorta-kinda against my will, getting married, graduating again, etc). The lack of jobs is very. very. stressful. I'm not even getting rejection e-mails, just nothing. Sending applications every.single.day. and not getting a single word back.

I've been compensating for it by volunteering and interning in my field,hoping to network that way...but I'd be lying if I didn't think of the money every minute of every hour of every day (OMG, I need insulin, do we have money for that? How many more days til my student loans go into repayment? I'll just not eat lunch today...etc).

[AGDee]

I'm taking my good friend, who was laid off from my work place last week, out for drinks tonight. She's also a single mom of two teenagers who works hard just to keep things going. She got 12 weeks severance pay. She has a very optimistic attitude.

[KSigkid]

The attitude on the law school campus is down, to put it mildly. People either have had offers withdrawn, are having trouble finding any work, or have had their start dates moved back from September to January. The legal market is looking rough.

[Munchkin03]

The attitude on the law school campus is down, to put it mildly. People either have had offers withdrawn, are having trouble finding any work, or have had their start dates moved back from September to January. The legal market is looking rough.

My private-sector attorney friends are, by far, having the worst time of anyone I know. One buddy was actively getting new clients for his firm, and they laid him off. :mad: Another person, one of my best friends, is HR at a big firm. It really sucks to be her now.

Do you read abovethelaw?

[Kappamd]

I graduate in 35 days, have not been able to find a job, have graduate school acceptances that I can't afford without massive loans (if I could even get a loan right now), and have no other ideas whatsoever. I don't know what I'm going to do and it is REALLY starting to stress me out. I seem to be in the same boat as a lot of other people in my graduating class.

[OtterXO]

The attitude on the law school campus is down, to put it mildly. People either have had offers withdrawn, are having trouble finding any work, or have had their start dates moved back from September to January. The legal market is looking rough.

That's putting it mildly. I can't even imagine starting out right now. I've had several friends my experience level (in our 4th year of practice) get laid off recently. Some from large firms, some smaller. The trouble with hiring first year attorneys is that they generally don't know what the heck they're doing...but you spend the money to train them. Unfortunately, even the more marketable (3rd-5th year) attorneys are having trouble finding jobs right now though. First year attorneys are getting shut out of the game. I have a friend who has been licensed for over a year with no job.

While I'm definitely happy to have a job, but I don't feel like any legal job is stable right now. If one of our big clients goes out of business then who knows what would happen.

[AKA_Monet]

While I could allow myself to get more depressed with the loss of jobs, I refuse to be saddened because for every downfall, there is an opportunity--according to the entrepreneurs.

Since I am in a healthcare related field, I am embarking on a totally different course with health and wellness--which is coaching. I am almost finished with my training program and working with several practice clients, looking for more. Of course this is a free service because I do not have my certificate, yet. But, what is nice about this program vs. a "life coach" is that is solely for "health and wellness"--i.e. weight loss, fitness, nutrition, whole health lifestyle changes...

The thing is it doesn't matter how many new treatment options or healthcare needs we have, when one chooses not to take the prescribed treatment. Think smoking cessation... Someone, usually NOT the physician or nurse, has to walk the patient through the process or patient navigate.

What is interesting is social media is a viable possibility in learning about health option, however it cannot be used for diagnosis. A collaborative is being developed and there is a huge meeting in Boston in 2 weeks about Health 2.0 with the Google folks presenting their Health Informative platforms. All it is a linked API's, while nice, may not increase diagnoses, but does track some health changes...

Anyhow, I am cautiously hopeful because things are not rosy for me either after all the education I have received... I just want to make a positive difference in people's lives.

[justabeachbrat]

Please, have a real recovery start soon......
--In the past week, I received an email and a letter from two companies saying positions they intended to fill have been frozen.
--business at the resort where my sister works is way, way off. It has a small staff, two workers have been let go since mid-March. My sister has learned about every job there, is one of the senior staff and works double shifts often.
--My sister's best friend, a nursing supervisor, had her job cut as did several others at a Rhode Island hospital. So much for health care being a safer job, in terms of cuts.
---One brother, a solo practice attorney, has seen his business drop, in hard times people don't have money to sue, and stay married, divorce costs money. He is looking at moving his practice out of CA, but can't decide where, and is limited to which states accept CA license.
--My younger brother is set with his teaching job, but alot of the new teachers in his distrct have received notices, and are on standby to see if money magically appears from the federal government.
--my mom has taken her condo off the market, she came down in price. Several condos in her community have been up for sale for months.
--One friend lost her job when a paper closed, and another thinks it's just a matter of time until the paper he works for folds, and is sending out his resume.
:(

[SWTXBelle]

The newspaper for which I write stopped being able to pay me in February. I continue to write my column, because 1.) I'd just as soon have 2004 - present follow that particular line on my resume and 2.) I teach writing - I figure being a professional (albeit one who is currently not paid) writer can only help, and might help me distinguish myself as I look for a full-time teaching gig.

I'm really tired of barely scraping by - sigh.

[TexasWSP]

Nope, not at all. Promotion a couple weeks ago and our company is doing excellent, all things considered.

[SWTXBelle]

Some industries are doing well, no doubt. My brother is director of marketing for a gun manufacturer - they are having to work round the clock to try and fill all the orders being sent in by those afraid of an Obama gun ban. On the negative side, he's still having trouble selling his house.

[ADqtPiMel]

Living in DC has mostly cushioned me from the recession, since the federal government is the big game in town. I'm a journalist, which is a terrible thing to be right now, but my company is actually doing really well (our publications focus on Congress and most of our clients are Congressional offices and government agencies).

Unfortunately, my company is getting sold in a few months. Our parent company is falling apart and is selling us off in a desperate money grab. There are several companies I know of that have been trying to purchase us for years, so I'm certain the sale will go through. I hope whoever buys us decides to keep operating they way we do now. I love my job, and beyond any financial hardships, I would really be devastated to leave it. I'm not super-worried, but I guess you never know.

My husband is also having a hell of a time finding a job. He's graduating law school in May and still doesn't have anything. He's at the top of his class but attends a lower-tier school -- so all of the jobs that he previously would have had a strong shot at are going to the graduates from better schools who had their big firm offers rescinded and are now going after government jobs.

We have enough in savings to live until December with him not working, but all bets are off if I end up getting laid off. Stupid economy.

[Munchkin03]

I feel the same way about NYC. Even though several sectors of the financial industry collapsed, most of my friends in that field (except the investment bankers) still have jobs. Of those who don't, they got handsome severance packages spanning from 3 months to a year. We still have a ton of tourists coming in, and hotels are still booked. The situation with my lawyer friends is less stable, but I think they'll be okay.

My industry isn't doing that well, but my firm is doing very well. Part of that is that the housing crisis didn't impact NYC as much because we have more co-ops that require down payments and standard mortgages. Also, we don't do design for high-end homes--we do much more practical things that people won't skimp on regardless of the economy. There's a law in NYC indicating that every building over 6 floors has to be inspected and/or repaired every 5 years. That cycle starts next year, so we have a lot of people trying to finish up repairs this year.

Still, I'm trying not to be cocky or gloat too hard, because as I said before, a lot of people who worked very hard for companies are getting released.

[oncegreek]

I am a teacher in a small suburban district near Los Angeles. Teachers who were hired as back as 2003 received pink slips on March 13th. LA Unified will be laying off many teachers, too. I just had a student teacher complete her student teaching in my classroom. She will be an outstanding teacher, but she cannot even get hired as a substitute. Unemployment in CA is at 10.5 percent. Factoring in discouraged workers, and those who can only find part time work, the real rate of unemployment is closer to 15 percent.

[amanda6035]

Have you guys heard about this (http://www.townhallforhope.com/)?

Are any of you going? I am, my church is sponsoring it, and I'm really excited about it.....

[KSigkid]

My private-sector attorney friends are, by far, having the worst time of anyone I know. One buddy was actively getting new clients for his firm, and they laid him off. :mad: Another person, one of my best friends, is HR at a big firm. It really sucks to be her now.

Do you read abovethelaw?

I do read abovethelaw, although I'm considering going cold turkey on it for a few months. Every day there are reports of firms laying people off and it's gotten really depressing. Apparently the NYC market has been hit the hardest, and they're putting severe limitations on who they're recruting in the fall.

One of my professors is a well-regarded appellate attorney in the area, and his firm laid off a bunch of attorneys. He's been in practice around 20 years, and he said this is the toughest market he's ever seen for the profession.

That's putting it mildly. I can't even imagine starting out right now. I've had several friends my experience level (in our 4th year of practice) get laid off recently. Some from large firms, some smaller. The trouble with hiring first year attorneys is that they generally don't know what the heck they're doing...but you spend the money to train them. Unfortunately, even the more marketable (3rd-5th year) attorneys are having trouble finding jobs right now though. First year attorneys are getting shut out of the game. I have a friend who has been licensed for over a year with no job.

While I'm definitely happy to have a job, but I don't feel like any legal job is stable right now. If one of our big clients goes out of business then who knows what would happen.

True. I feel like in most years I would be fairly marketable, especially for a new attorney. I get good grades (at a fairly good law school, lower first tier), I'm on a journal, I'm on moot court board (which at my school is extremely selective), and I already have good experience arguing in court on a number of occasions and prevailing on some dispositive motions. Even still, the market is limited, and I've had to completely re-shape my job searching strategy.

I feel really bad for the mid-level associates who are getting laid off from their firms. I can't imagine putting that time into a place and having them cut you loose like that. At the end of the day I'm pretty lucky; I have a good job as a legal intern, for decent pay, and the economy (in a backwards kind of way) has allowed me to do a lot of assignments that normally would have been assigned to an attorney. The question is, though, what happens when I graduate in January?

My husband is also having a hell of a time finding a job. He's graduating law school in May and still doesn't have anything. He's at the top of his class but attends a lower-tier school -- so all of the jobs that he previously would have had a strong shot at are going to the graduates from better schools who had their big firm offers rescinded and are now going after government jobs.

I may have said this before, but good luck to your husband. It's rough out there, no doubt, and it sounds like he's done as much as he can to make himself marketable.

[AGDee]

I'm taking my good friend, who was laid off from my work place last week, out for drinks tonight. She's also a single mom of two teenagers who works hard just to keep things going. She got 12 weeks severance pay. She has a very optimistic attitude.

My friend called me on Friday and cancelled. She didn't sound good. She said it all suddenly hit her and she just wasn't feeling up to going out. I'm worried about her.

Some industries are doing well, no doubt. My brother is director of marketing for a gun manufacturer - they are having to work round the clock to try and fill all the orders being sent in by those afraid of an Obama gun ban. On the negative side, he's still having trouble selling his house.
I think the gun thing will die down soon.

Alpha Gam celebrates their Founder's Day with what we call International Reunion Day where we have regional/chapter luncheons. Because we have a lot of chapters in Michigan, we do a statewide IRD with all the collegiate chapters and any alumnae who want to attend present. So, it's a great chance to catch up with alumnae from other areas. The question of the day was "Are you still working?" I heard it so many times that I ended up saying to my table..

When we went through rush (because we had all gone through rush, not recruitment), the question of the day was "What's your major?" When we graduated, it became "What do you do? Who do you work for?" It's sad that now, the question is "Are you still working?"

One of my sisters said "Yeah, and we're the ones who did the right thing, got an education, stayed in our careers, but an education is no guarantee anymore"

But, all of Michigan has a bright spot at the moment. Thanks MSU for making it to the dance on your home turf. We needed that. We needed a bright spot among all the bleak news. And, for this weekend, we have the press and many visitors in Detroit for the Final Four. Hopefully it will help carry our downtown businesses for a little bit longer. In a way too though, it's sad, because this is our last big event. In the past few years, we hosted the All Star Game, the Super Bowl and now the Final Four. These events really helped our downtown restaurants and bars keep going. But, this is the last of these huge events. I don't know how they're going to survive after this.

[oncegreek]

Many of the moms at my sons school stay at home, and a few are bit vocal about it. They are able to volunteer in the classrooms, etcetera. Which is fine. As a working mom, I can't do that, and instead donate supplies to my sons class. Recently, a stay at mom of one of my sons friends asked me if I was still working. I replied, "of course," and thought gee, what planet is she living on? Some one else asked me that a few days later, and I began to realize that, with so many imminent layoffs in education, the questions about whether or not I am working have to do with the lousy economy, not the work vs. stay home issue.

[PM_Mama00]

One of my sisters said "Yeah, and we're the ones who did the right thing, got an education, stayed in our careers, but an education is no guarantee anymore".

Dee I'm so sick of people with no college education getting jobs over those with degrees. I busted my butt to get through and here I am, 4 months jobless with hundreds of resumes out there, and I've gotten ONE interview. At a hair salon. I've got the experience they want, I'm available 24/7, I put my salary requirement at $8 (min wage is $7.40)... tell me why I have a feeling that someone less educated got the job? To top it off, I went to a few Greek events in the last few weeks and apparently I'm the ONLY alumni (tiny Greek system) who is jobless. It's so embarrassing. My mom keeps telling me that there are thousands of others out there just like me but when I went to the unemployment office, it looked like a bunch of lazy trash. I was so glad that I didn't dress up and just threw on jeans and a hoodie and I was STILL dressed nicer than the people in there.

Must be nice to be those union autoworkers now getting hefty packages. THOSE are the people who are going to find jobs when they leave. We won't.

[KSUViolet06]

I suppose I'm blessed. None of my family members have been laid off. I have a few friends who have lost their jobs, but they always seem to find something after maybe a month of looking.

I am a grad student right now, so the recession has not affected me (I don't work while in school). I try not to get caught up in the "OMG recession" hype that is all over the news. I hate it and all it does is make people WORRY.

My best advice is to just live.

[epchick]

Dee I'm so sick of people with no college education getting jobs over those with degrees. I busted my butt to get through and here I am, 4 months jobless with hundreds of resumes out there, and I've gotten ONE interview.

It's been almost a year since I graduated from college (will be a year May 10th) and have yet to find a job. It sucks! I've also only had one interview---for a job that ended up being part time, and they claimed i was the frontrunner yet i didn't get the job :(

[PM_Mama00]

I suppose I'm blessed. None of my family members have been laid off. I have a few friends who have lost their jobs, but they always seem to find something after maybe a month of looking.

I am a grad student right now, so the recession has not affected me (I don't work while in school). I try not to get caught up in the "OMG recession" hype that is all over the news. I hate it and all it does is make people WORRY.

My best advice is to just live.

Hmm. Good for you.

I hope that you never have to experience it, because you'll be eating your words. People have REASON to worry right now. Unemployment and backup money only lasts for so long especially when you have a family to support. It's kind of hard to "just live" if you have nothing and fear that you will be homeless in a few months.

[KSUViolet06]

Hmm. Good for you.

I hope that you never have to experience it, because you'll be eating your words. People have REASON to worry right now. Unemployment and backup money only lasts for so long especially when you have a family to support. It's kind of hard to "just live" if you have nothing and fear that you will be homeless in a few months.

I actually wasn't responding to you in particular. Sorry if you feel like I was mocking you or something. I really wasn't. Just adding my perspective to the thread. I honestly do feel badly for every person I know who has lost his/her job and pray that they can find something soon.

[AGDee]

Well, and we're obviously feeling it more in Michigan since our unemployment is 4% higher than the rest of the country. Last month it was 12% and the cuts are nowhere near done yet. When 1 out of 8 people have lost their jobs, you know an awful lot of people who are out.

PM_Mama: It's the old issue of being overqualified for the jobs that you're applying for. They know that you'd be gone as soon as you got something better. What was your major?

One thing I'm finding humorous is the personal ads. I keep seeing ads for men in the mid-40's where the profession says "Retired from GM". Ummm, you may have taken a voluntary buyout, but do you really think you're never working again? You're unemployed dudes, totally unemployed.

[Munchkin03]

My mom keeps telling me that there are thousands of others out there just like me but when I went to the unemployment office, it looked like a bunch of lazy trash. I was so glad that I didn't dress up and just threw on jeans and a hoodie and I was STILL dressed nicer than the people in there.



Wow.

Also, a lot of the young professionals may not have filed for unemployment because they have savings or a healthy severance package. So, they're still out there, just not at the unemployment office. Of my friends who aren't working, I don't think any of them have taken unemployment yet.

[KSigkid]

I actually wasn't responding to you in particular. Sorry if you feel like I was mocking you or something. I really wasn't. Just adding my perspective to the thread. I honestly do feel badly for every person I know who has lost his/her job and pray that they can find something soon.

It didn't seem like you were mocking anyone or responding to any one specific post in the thread. This is a big issue and each person has their own perspectives; no one is "right" or "wrong."

Wow.

Also, a lot of the young professionals may not have filed for unemployment because they have savings or a healthy severance package. So, they're still out there, just not at the unemployment office. Of my friends who aren't working, I don't think any of them have taken unemployment yet.

That's been my experience as well. I know a bunch of people (both attorneys and staff) at law firms who took pretty solid severance packages, or spent their last month mostly job hunting (because they weren't having clients' matters taken away from them). For some sectors, I think it's going to take longer for people to hit the unemployment line, if they do at all.

[Munchkin03]

That's been my experience as well. I know a bunch of people (both attorneys and staff) at law firms who took pretty solid severance packages, or spent their last month mostly job hunting (because they weren't having clients' matters taken away from them). For some sectors, I think it's going to take longer for people to hit the unemployment line, if they do at all.

Is it a pretty standard thing with law firms to let someone know when their official last day is, even if it's a month or so in advance? One of my friends was laid off in February, but his last day in his office was last Tuesday. He was able to use his office and slowly move everything out.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/05/nyregion/05unemployed.html?scp=1&sq=educated&st=cse

This article mentions that the rate of job loss for this recession is much higher among those who hold college degrees.

[KSigkid]

Is it a pretty standard thing with law firms to let someone know when their official last day is, even if it's a month or so in advance? One of my friends was laid off in February, but his last day in his office was last Tuesday. He was able to use his office and slowly move everything out.

I think that's the standard, but there are exceptions. I know of a couple of places that gave their attorneys a week or less notice. It also seems like the outgoing attorneys get more notice than outgoing staff (secretaries, paralegals, etc.).

I think part of it in the law firm environment is that they want, as much as possible, to give attorneys time to notify clients of their departure, and to bring other attorneys up to speed on files. Plus, there's a recognition of how difficult it can be to make a lateral move in the legal field, especially at certain points in your career.

I would expect job loss to be higher for those with a college degree, and especially those in the 1-3 years experience category. You're kind of stuck in the middle; you have too much experience for some positions (and are thus too expensive), but not enough for the next level of positions.

ETA: The attorneys on the site may have better insights than myself into it, but the above is my understanding, from talking to people I know at different levels (experienced partners down to new associates).

[AGDee]

The people who work in finance here get escorted to their desk, are given boxes while security stand nearby and are escorted to their cars by security... no notice at all. It depends on where you work and what you do here though. Others get a couple weeks notice. But in finance, I guess the temptation and opportunity to embezzle or something would be very high. Whenever my ex-husband (an accountant) has given two weeks notice himself, the company has had him leave immediately with two weeks paid time just because of the increased risk of being in the books, I guess.

[KSigkid]

The people who work in finance here get escorted to their desk, are given boxes while security stand nearby and are escorted to their cars by security... no notice at all. It depends on where you work and what you do here though. Others get a couple weeks notice. But in finance, I guess the temptation and opportunity to embezzle or something would be very high. Whenever my ex-husband (an accountant) has given two weeks notice himself, the company has had him leave immediately with two weeks paid time just because of the increased risk of being in the books, I guess.

That sounds like what I've heard from others in the finance field. I was only addressing Munchkin regarding those who work at law firms.

[sigmadiva]

Dee I'm so sick of people with no college education getting jobs over those with degrees. I busted my butt to get through and here I am, 4 months jobless with hundreds of resumes out there, and I've gotten ONE interview.


You actually have more skills than you realize. Use what you learned in college to your advantage.

I know of someone who is in a similar situation as yours. To help herself get over the hump, she has started tutoring at her church for a small fee. You could do that.

Also, if you got good at filling out college applications and financial aid forms you can offer those services to help first time parents / students going through that process.

And, if all else fails, you could market yourself as a sorority recruitment consultant. You know, you could offer tips on how to dress, fill out the application, perfect conversation topics, or, hey! Write a book! At least it will come from an actual sorority member!:p;)

[Munchkin03]

The people who work in finance here get escorted to their desk, are given boxes while security stand nearby and are escorted to their cars by security... no notice at all. It depends on where you work and what you do here though. Others get a couple weeks notice. But in finance, I guess the temptation and opportunity to embezzle or something would be very high. Whenever my ex-husband (an accountant) has given two weeks notice himself, the company has had him leave immediately with two weeks paid time just because of the increased risk of being in the books, I guess.

I think that's pretty standard for financial services for layoffs or resignation, especially if you're going to a competing company.

My question, as Ksigkid noted, was more about law firms, where in some cases you're dealing with the same clients for years.

[UGAalum94]

There were some recent layoff as the advertising company my husband works for. (Fortunately/selfishly for us, he wasn't one of them.) The people laid off were called to meetings, and then they were sent home after handing in their security cards. (They scheduled times to come back later and pick up their personal stuff.) My husband noted how weird the little details were, like one guy's coffee was still sitting on his desk where he put it before he went to his meeting.

In teaching, you'd know for months if you didn't get a contract for next year, and you'd still be expected to carry on teaching. Since most people want to get the best possible recommendation out of the job and many if not most are simply pretty professional, this works out okay, but sometimes I can see how one might fantasize about the completely unfiltered parent conference.

[PeppyGPhiB]

There were some recent layoff as the advertising company my husband works for. (Fortunately/selfishly for us, he wasn't one of them.) The people laid off were called to meetings, and then they were sent home after handing in their security cards. (They scheduled times to come back later and pick up their personal stuff.) My husband noted how weird the little details were, like one guy's coffee was still sitting on his desk where he put it before he went to his meeting

I've worked in several PR and ad agencies (work in one right now, actually), and this has been my experience. Usually it is sudden, sometimes they lay off people that are very busy with work, and coworkers take it very hard since we work together in teams. It is especially hard for those of us in account management, because when other account managers leave, we have to take over their accounts/clients. And as someone who was on the receiving end of one of those "hard conversations" just one year out of college, I can say that it's very hard to leave your coworkers/friends and leaves you feeling pretty stunned - like you've been hit by a truck. The good thing is that you get to leave right away and don't have to "transition" people into your work, which really sucks. The nonprofit I worked for several years ago let me go when they had to slash budgets (thanks to redistributed giving post-9/11), and they did it in the form of two weeks notice and no severance. It sucked royally - because I had to go to work instead of look for a job - and I ended up quitting after a week of it because I was tired of being treated like dirt. These days, I've come realize that layoffs are a part of the marketing/advertising/PR business, and that sooner or later I'll probably do a stint with every agency in town.

[AGDee]

I think that's pretty standard for financial services for layoffs or resignation, especially if you're going to a competing company.

My question, as Ksigkid noted, was more about law firms, where in some cases you're dealing with the same clients for years.

Yes, I understand. I find the differences interesting. In my own department, people have been given about a month notice and are able to continue on the job if they choose or they can leave. They have been able to use resources at work to job hunt and aren't made to take vacation time or anything for interviews. They work hard to try to find them other jobs within our system, for the most part. But, the people who have been laid off in my department didn't have any real power or access to much that they could sabotage. I don't know what would happen if it were me. I suspect I'd be escorted out because of my IT access. The amount of work when one of us leaves voluntarily is huge because so many passwords have to be changed. It's a royal pain!