Is the bad economy affecting your life? And it what ways?

Question

Just curious because its a big topic these days, but not all people are feeling the strain just yet. I know I am!

Answer 1

Yes! My job consists of imports/exports. There are 3 levels (A/B/C) to my job and I'm currently at the bottom - level C. Good news is that I'm at the front door to get to level B. However, the bad news is that the economy is holding me back. There are way too many  people at level B and not enough jobs available to accommodate them, which are leaving the level C's with not much  jobs available for us to get and no hope for advancement anytime soon.

Answer 2

The slowdown in economic activity is so far not as severe as it was in the early 90s. What did you do then? A little historical perspective will help you deal with your anxiety.

Answer 3

I've become so cheap I squeak when I walk.  I'm saving more money because I don't want to spend it in case prices continue to go up.  In my area, I have seen milk go up by 35% since the beginning of the year, eggs about a third higher, they increased our water and electricity since January and are asking for severe cutbacks.  Gas is almost 5 dollars a gallon where I live and there aren't any signs that it will go down any time soon.  I stack trips as efficiently as possible, work from home as often as I can and don't make unnecessary trips at all.  I remember the inflationary period in the 80's when interest rates were in the double digits.  I take a hard look at everything I have on my grocery list and decide whether I really need it or whether I can substitute something else or simply go without.  I've delayed purchases of big ticket items, home improvement projects and replacing items opting to put the money into savings in case it gets worse before it gets better.  Finally, I reuse, repurpose and recycle every where I can.

Answer 4

My employer makes parts for cars, which of course nobbody is buying.

So today is our 4th mandatory lay-off day in 5 weeks because the orders are just not there.

Answer 5

well for me, I saw all of this coming back in 2005. so I got rid of my suv and bought a regular car which is more efficient. My car payment is 140/month, my lease payment back then was 350/month..so I cut back in that aspect too. the job i had back then was 5 days a week sometimes 6 and it was salaried so I was not gettign extra pay if my boss said come in on saturday. the job I have now is 3 days a week..12 hour shifts. so I really only drive 3 days per week and carpool  1 day a week on my day off to do errands like grocery shop, visit family etc. Before I used to shop at the bigger dsupermarkets in the area. Now even though I am making more money and have reduced my expenses in transportation... I have also started shoping more at discount grocery stores like aldi or save alot or superwalmart.

Answer 6

The small company (~30 ppl) I work at laid off three people in one day, and one of them was a partner.  I now sit at my desk wondering when it will be me, and I'm freaked out.  If I lose my job, I will never be able to afford my expensive rent, even if I tried waitressing again. It's very scary because there's so much competition for jobs here in NYC.