My next job will be the lowest pay I've had in years...

but I am glad to have a job. I was out of work more than 6 months in 2008 and have only been working again (at a contract assignment) since early November. When my current assignment ends in January I will start something that is closer but pays less than I've been paid in years. No benefits at all.

The good news is that its a contract position which could lead to a permanent job and the company does have a lot of opportunities. Its a telecommunications company that is doing very well. So I have a chance at being continuously employed with benefits and a decent salary.

Compared to what I'd like to be doing it sucks. In the context of the current economy, I feel fortunate to have work at all.

I hope it will turn into better opportunities very soon. :pals:

reality. If we go into a depression the dividing line between the more-fortunate and the less-fortunate will simply be having an income or not. Best of luck to you.

The friend is 44, and has 4 more unemployment checks left to collect.. He made the fatal error of trying to earn a living in construction:(.. The job he'll be getting, only pays about $15 an hour, but it does have benefits and weekends off, so he's looking forward to taking a "step back"..

Hopefully things will pick up in 2009 and there will be more jobs and a plan for all of us to have health care. I spent $300 on monthly medications today.

brutal..I am hoping that we get a universal health benefit.. That is something none of us can do without..

some work. I haven't been able to find a job in thirteen months. That was okay when hubby was working, but he's been out of a job since early December without another one yet and our insurance ended this week. And we're at least educated, with college and law degrees between us and it's difficult enough. I can imagine it's that much more difficult for those without degrees or much education/experience.

Now I'm working as a janitor for the school system, and making about 50% of what I was earning before. But I'm really lucky to be working, with good benefits, in a position that's not exactly recession proof, but a lot more stable than just about anything in the private sector. And I enjoy the work.

and seeing the positive. Hopefully you will get back into your chosen field in 2009.

STARVE!