Has the economy affected you?

[lidarkside]

My brother-in-law is also unemployed and he is a carpenter. This all sounds great but until I see it I don't put much stock in what the government says and I bet a lot of jobs will go to illegals. I just know that there is no guarantee when it comes to any job.

These aren't government stats, and "construction worker" covers a vast many jobs not just building. You can pass on the link I posted to your brother-in-law. There's just way too many listings for me to look past the first page. There will always be a constant need for plumbers, electricians, heating and air, etc., workers not to mention many other jobs that are just necessities. There's no getting around that.

My father is a builder with his own company. During the last recession when new construction homes went down the tubes, he did alterations, additions, and decks in the interim. He was always able to find someone who needed work on their house.

During that time, he also had to sit on a 5,000 sq. ft. house for two years and continue to pay taxes and loans on it.

 

[jpdeadhead]

It has affected us in lots of ways. Everything is more expensive...electricity, groceries, services, health insurance etc. We've lost 40% of our pensions. My daughter's college fund will not cover one year of college now and she is a junior this year. I had to find a full-time job instead of working part-time. That also caused my 7 year old son to have to go to after-school daycare cause I don't get home from work until 5pm. Basically, I had to go back to work full-time for benefits and the extra money to cover the higher prices. I miss the extra time with my family. BUT...I am extremely thankful that I was able to find a wonderful new job. I feel really blessed!