I thought things were supposed to be improving?

[C.Ann]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101203/ap_on_bi_go_ec_fi/us_economy


The unemployment rate unexpectedly jumped to 9.8% in November - a 7-month high..

There are currently 15.1 million people unemployed..

If you, your spouse, your SO, or anyone else close to you is in this group, I hope and pray that things will turn around for you soon..

 

[Jennasis]

One of my clients just got a job yesterday after MONTHS of searching. Ironic, the offer came the day after she moved out of her apartment and back into her parents house (because she couldn't afford rent without a job).

Don't lose hope gang!

 

[momof1princess]

i've been looking for months, and there's just nothing out there. the help wanted classified section in my local newspaper is EMPTY-no job ads at all. i had ONE serious job offer, but it was 2.5 hours from my home.

 

[Carly_Roach]

I'll believe things are improving when I start to see positive changes in what I see going on around me every day in real life. So far I haven't seen any economic improvement dispite what the news wants people to believe. I was hoping to see a better 2011, but based on everything I've been witnessing as this year closes, I'm thinking 2011 will be as bad, if not worse, than 2010 was. Maybe it'll be 2013 or 2014 before things start to get better.

Hey, it takes a long time to recover from 10 years of bad decisions and wasteful spending. I just hope we can all hold on until things get better.

 

[wvjules]

Its strange how different parts of the country are affected. For instance, where I live you'd never be able to tell there is a recession/depression/whatever you want to call it. Things here seem just fine.

 

[pixiewings71]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101203/ap_on_bi_go_ec_fi/us_economy


The unemployment rate unexpectedly jumped to 9.8% in November - a 7-month high..

There are currently 15.1 million people unemployed..

If you, your spouse, your SO, or anyone else close to you is in this group, I hope and pray that things will turn around for you soon..

Thanks C.Ann, your thoughts are appreciated.

One of my clients just got a job yesterday after MONTHS of searching. Ironic, the offer came the day after she moved out of her apartment and back into her parents house (because she couldn't afford rent without a job).

Don't lose hope gang!

If something doesn't change soon we will have to do this......and my parents live in Idaho so we will have to move the entire household and let the bank have the house. It is NOT what we want to do but I cannot find a job that wants to hire me. Of course now that I've updated my resume maybe that will change......

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Well we live in the metro NY area. My ds has an internship that is suppose to last another 2 weeks. He is talking about them possibly hiring him full time. I did mention that he should tell them he does not need helath ins. so that might help with the decision.

My cousin in NJ unemployment benefits just ran out. He did accept a job but its half of what he made before and it does not even cover his mortgage. He only did it for the medical insurance. I think his wife needs to work too but she is being difficult as usual.

 

[C.Ann]

I'll believe things are improving when I start to see positive changes in what I see going on around me every day in real life. So far I haven't seen any economic improvement dispite what the news wants people to believe. I was hoping to see a better 2011, but based on everything I've been witnessing as this year closes, I'm thinking 2011 will be as bad, if not worse, than 2010 was. Maybe it'll be 2013 or 2014 before things start to get better.

Hey, it takes a long time to recover from 10 years of bad decisions and wasteful spending. I just hope we can all hold on until things get better.

I agree.. Every time I hear those new reports I just look around, shrug my shoulders, and think - "Where?"

Our state budget is a disaster - jobs and services being slashed to ribbons (with more to come in 2011) - food prices climbing higher and higher every week - gas prices on the rise again - food pantries not having enough to provide food for all of those in need - etc..

I wish my mom still had her memory.. (She has severe Alzheimer's and has been in a nursing home for several years now - for her own safety..) I remember her telling me bits and pieces about the Great Depression, showing me the ration coupons, etc. - but I was very young and didn't really understand how hard it was for people.. I wonder what kind of comparison she would make in terms of what it was like then and what's happening now..

I sure hope we don't have to wait until 2013 or 14 for things to improve - as you stated in your post.. I just don't see how people will be able to hang on that long..

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

... I just don't see how people will be able to hang on that long..[/B]

Like my father used to say, we will do what we must. But life is what you make of it. If we sit around worrying about it, we allow it to pull us down. Instead, focus on positive things.

 

[princesspiglet]

Its strange how different parts of the country are affected. For instance, where I live you'd never be able to tell there is a recession/depression/whatever you want to call it. Things here seem just fine.

Same here in Hershey, PA. I don't know a single person that doesn't have a job. The stores, resturants and especially Hersheypark, are still packed to the brim every weekend.

 

[ozarkmom]

I was an office manager of a small company for 15 years. We shut down last December. I have a part-time job and unemployment. My unemployment will run out this month. There's not alot of jobs in our area. I've been called for a few interviews it gets really depressing. I kept hearing oh with your skills and work record you'll find something. I also realize I'll be making half of what I was earning when I do finally find something. I live in a small town jobs similar to what I was doing are far and few between and people don't quit them.

 

[charming23]

I have been unemployed for almost two years now and without the help of my mom and the fact that I saved, saved, saved, when I did work I do not know where I would be. I have put in thousands of job applications and had 4 interviews in that time period. I have gone back to school to complete my degree but even with that I am afraid I will still not find anything.

 

[Pakey]

Our unemployment rate is much higher than the national average but the company I work for has just finished the best year they've had in 30 years. I'm currently interviewing people for a new position and every one I've interviewed has been out of work for at least 18 months. At least I will be able to offer one of them a job.

 

[Carly_Roach]

Our state budget is a disaster - jobs and services being slashed to ribbons (with more to come in 2011) - food prices climbing higher and higher every week - gas prices on the rise again - food pantries not having enough to provide food for all of those in need - etc..

I wish my mom still had her memory.. (She has severe Alzheimer's and has been in a nursing home for several years now - for her own safety..) I remember her telling me bits and pieces about the Great Depression, showing me the ration coupons, etc. - but I was very young and didn't really understand how hard it was for people.. I wonder what kind of comparison she would make in terms of what it was like then and what's happening now..

I sure hope we don't have to wait until 2013 or 14 for things to improve - as you stated in your post.. I just don't see how people will be able to hang on that long..

I hear ya. MI had a 1.5 billion (yes, billion) dollar deficit for FY 2011 and they're projecting an even bigger one for FY 2012.

I'm fortunate that my parents were born during the Depression and have brought with them all the tips and tricks that their parents used to get through it. They've passed those ideas along to me and I've used them quite successfully. The biggest tip is a tie between two:

#1 - You don't need to keep up with the Joneses unless the Joneses are running away with your livestock.

and (when considering buying something)

#2 - Will this item feed, clothe or shelter you? (IE: is it absolutely necessary?)

It's mostly about internalizing who you really are and turning off what the consumerist world wants you to be. Would I like to replace my 10 y/o winter boots? Of course! What woman doesn't want a new pair of shoes? But the old boots still get me through the snow and ice and there's nothing wrong with them (no holes, rips, etc).

I repair my clothes now instead of buying new.

I sweat every single purchase. Do we need it? Can we get along just a little bit longer without it? Can we make do?

Like someone else here said about being able to hold out for 2 or 3 more years - you'll do it if you have to. I came of age during the 80's and became an adult pre-programmed with all the greed-is-good, money-hungry, gotta-have-it-now, club-hopping generation. But that was 20 years ago and times have changed.

I'm grateful that our parents are still around to help us remember how things used to be and help us live that way now that things have gotten so bad here.

 

[apirateslifeforme]

I'm trying to stay positive, but it's quite difficult. I've been "mostly unemployed" for a year and 10 months now. I went back to school and obtained an accounting certificate, thinking it would help. I took on a temporary position that ended up lasting 9 months; however, they cut my hours from 40 to 20 after 4 months. I figured, hey, at least I have something! They let me go 3 weeks ago.

I apply for 4-5 jobs per week; I literally have a box full of copies of my cover letters and rejections. It seems I'm either overqualified or don't have enough experience. Now I've got the accounting education, but no experience, so they don't want me. I have a degree in criminal justice and I've worked for 13 years in offices - I applied for a lawyer that was looking for office help, but I was rejected because I had no experience working in a law office. I've even tried applying for cashier jobs at the mall - I've been told that they are probably not bothering with me because "you'll leave when something better comes along."

Honestly...I'm to the point where I'm starting to think I'll never work again.

 

[beaucoup]

It doesn't feel like things are improving. I'm thankful for DH's job, but prices on everything just continue to rise and even we are feeling it. Can't imagine being unemployed with rising prices.

Lately, I just feel like we are bleeding money left and right. Just want to know that it's going to stop.

 

[C.Ann]

But life is what you make of it. If we sit around worrying about it, we allow it to pull us down. Instead, focus on positive things.

This is very true.. My dad used to say, "The first hundred years are the hardest - after that it's all downhill.." LOL

I'm not concerned for myself - it's wasted energy - but I do worry for others.. I help in whatever ways I can, but I always find myself wishing I could do more - and more - and more.. Living here in the northeast - with the long, cold, snowy winter setting in - I'm very, very concerned about the homeless - sleeping outside on the cold, hard ground - in frigid temperatures.. We just don't have enough shelters and once they reach their capacity for the night, that's it - the rest of the people are left out in the cold..

I got very lucky though - right here on the DIS! I mentioned it in another thread and someone picked up on my concern and desire to help that happens to work with the homeless.. This person contacted me via PM and directed me to the people I needed to contact for Street Outreach Programs - vans that drive around at night and give those who are left outside blankets; coats; hats; gloves; scarves; food; hot beverages; etc.. I've donated items I've made myself (afghans and such) to the shelters last year, but this year I wanted to reach the people that aren't able to get inside for the night (or even day, for that matter).. I've got a bunch of stuff ready to go - just waiting for the contact person to get back to me.. I may live on a shoestring budget, but if I can help, I'm more than willing to do so..

A positive attitude - when faced with difficult times is a must.. If nothing else, one can always "Fake it till they make it.." Do it long enough and one day that person realizes that they're no longer "faking it" - the positive attitude is there to stay!

I was an office manager of a small company for 15 years. We shut down last December. I have a part-time job and unemployment. My unemployment will run out this month. There's not alot of jobs in our area. I've been called for a few interviews it gets really depressing. I kept hearing oh with your skills and work record you'll find something. I also realize I'll be making half of what I was earning when I do finally find something. I live in a small town jobs similar to what I was doing are far and few between and people don't quit them.

I'm sorry to hear this.. So many facing the same types of situations.. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers..

I have been unemployed for almost two years now and without the help of my mom and the fact that I saved, saved, saved, when I did work I do not know where I would be. I have put in thousands of job applications and had 4 interviews in that time period. I have gone back to school to complete my degree but even with that I am afraid I will still not find anything.

(Underlining above is mine..) I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers as well.. Sounds like you're doing everything right..

Our unemployment rate is much higher than the national average but the company I work for has just finished the best year they've had in 30 years. I'm currently interviewing people for a new position and every one I've interviewed has been out of work for at least 18 months. At least I will be able to offer one of them a job.

Even hiring just one person makes a difference! Hopefully - at some point - you will be able to hire more.. I'm sure that whoever ends up getting the position is going to be very, very appreciative..

I'm fortunate that my parents were born during the Depression and have brought with them all the tips and tricks that their parents used to get through it. They've passed those ideas along to me and I've used them quite successfully. The biggest tip is a tie between two:

#1 - You don't need to keep up with the Joneses unless the Joneses are running away with your livestock.

and (when considering buying something)

#2 - Will this item feed, clothe or shelter you? (IE: is it absolutely necessary?)

It's mostly about internalizing who you really are and turning off what the consumerist world wants you to be. Would I like to replace my 10 y/o winter boots? Of course! What woman doesn't want a new pair of shoes? But the old boots still get me through the snow and ice and there's nothing wrong with them (no holes, rips, etc).

I repair my clothes now instead of buying new.

I sweat every single purchase. Do we need it? Can we get along just a little bit longer without it? Can we make do?

Oh yes - my parents definitely passed all the "tips" on to us.. One of my dad's favorite sayings was - "Pay as you go - unless you're going for good.." LOL.. They always paid cash for everything - never had a credit card - my dad built all of the homes they lived in over the years (with his own bare hands and no mortgages - ever) - and all vehicles/boats/tractors/etc., were purchased with cash.. And no - my dad wasn't an exec - he was a blue collar worker (steamfitter most of his life) - and at one point was even out of work for 8 years after he broke his back..

My own income - since my DH passed away - is extremely low, but I'm able to live what I consider a very good life because I learned early on how to be very thrifty from my parents - and have always been able to make the distinction between "wants" and "needs".. Throw in the ability to prioritize, and I do just fine..

Still - I'm concerned about others - and just wish that there was more that I could do to help - KWIM?

 

[MarkBarbieri]

I think that they'll start getting better next year. It's crazy right now with all of the economic uncertainty. I'm staggered that we are this close to 2011 and we still don't know if they'll put the AMT "fix" in place for 2010. Tax rates for 2011, especially for dividends and capital gains, are very unclear. There are all sorts of regulations in the process of being written. I'm hoping that once we stabilize things, a more reasonable level of growth will resume.

 

[Bilberry]

I thought this article asked a good question, why was the jump in unemployment reported as "unexpected?"

Jobless Rate Jumps (altogether now) ‘Unexpectedly’
http://michellemalkin.com/2010/12/03/jobless-rate-jumps-altogether-now-unexpectedly/

I wish I could be optimistic about future job growth, but believe we are in for a ruff patch in the near future. I enjoy the free Weiss news letter, which I believe is good at telling it as is.

http://www.moneyandmarkets.com/defi...dublin-and-athens-lisbon-burns-41629?FIELD9=2

 

[Planogirl]

I still think that outsourcing has contributed to this plus I worry that some companies discovered that they can do well with less now. Many of those who have jobs seem to be working much harder than before and I wonder if companies will continue to push people even more.

It's a muddle.