Has economy affected you?

[ErSwnn]

So far so good for us. My field actually increases during times such as these. A drug rehab. But the facility itself is hurting because of the state budget freeze.

Cheryl works at a hospital and their stable at this time and have expansion on the books for the near future. My oldest daughter has two jobs, both steady and seem to be stable, the other two daughters one is fulltime and stable, the other two part time of which one is iffy.

But I sure do understand economic hard times, as if raising four daughters isn't economically tough, 3 are college age right now. In 1993 I became seriously ill and it was long term...chemo, weird drugs, etc. Lost everything, home, job....everything. Short of losing a child, I can't think of anything worse.

We pray for the best for those of you experiencing hard times. Both of us had them before becoming a couple so we understand what your going through.

[Tootie]

Effected us as far back as last fall. We lost 2 big contracts because of what was going on, one is dribbling back in but I'm pretty sure the really big one is lost forever.

I also lost one of my clients, it was a steady income every month that is now non existent. They still owe me for the last month I did work for them, August and this is a big record label that can't pay their bills.

Things are looking up right now, new jobs coming in, I hope it keeps up and we can get back on the track we want to be on.

[Paradigm]

I got caught up in the second wave of job eliminations (not layoffs). That was back in mid-July. Since then I've only found 20 jobs within a one-hour radius. Normally, I'd find 5-10 each week.

Also, GE Transportation (train engines) in Erie and Grove City have laid off 2000 workers. Many are anxiously awaiting (and expecting) the next round.

[Karma8541]

Company i worked for in another state closed up late last yr. Could not find another job. So i moved back to PA and spent 6 months looking for work. Found a job but it is only part time better then nothing thou.\

Semper Fi,

[Keystone.45]

It sure has. I've had only 10 billable hours this month. Fortunately the whole year hasn't been like that, but all in all business is way off. I'm going down to Coatesville tomorrow to meet a new client, so hopefully something comes of that.

[Azzy]

The unfortunate reality of my position is the more our federal government spends, the more work I have, as we have many gov contracts. On the plus side, we are improving how veterans can use services at VA facilities.

Personally, it has effected my family as my wife was laid off earlier this year, but that has been somewhat of a blessing in disguise with getting to retool and find some new opportunities.

[StraussiE WousiE]

I don't think I can say im directly affected by the bad economy. Where I work probably is, but as of now, that hasn't trickeld down to me. I'm sure I would be jsut as poor if the economy was great. But, if the economy was great, I'd prolly make more money. So.. Inderectly affected.

[ReconLdr]

My 401k is in the crapper because of the economy. My wife has been reduced to 35 scheduled hours per week down from an average of 50 hours/weel the previous 2 years.

Now that I am back to my civilian job (DoD Contractor), I have more work than I can possibly do in the timeline I have been given. I am still waiting for decisions to be made at levels above me so I can turn in some work products. We were planning to hire 2-4 guys when the project got to this point. Now that the economy is in the crapper, I have to make due with out help, they don't want to hire anyone incase the program gets cut or reduced.

[schmol]

The economy has and hasnt really affected me, my company has suspended all pay increases and took our quarterly bonus away, plus cut waaayyy back on anyone getting overtime.

I can honestly say we are still very busy, thank goodness electronics always break, and hopefully this shit economy recovers so I can get my OT back. And as long as people keep using their cell phones, I will have a job

[WVBob]

I've lost all OT and had to shift to another work center 15 miles farther from home. No cost of living raise for the wife or me. The cost of everything is going up. The good is, wife and I still have jobs that will not be cut to less than 40 hours a week.