The Economy and Loss of Jobs in America

In these most difficult of economic times, many people are on the hunt for the perfect job; the job that will keep their family out of crisis, pay their house payment and buy the groceries and gas with ever-changing and growing prices. That new, exciting job could allow them to pay for vacations, nights out with friends and the peace of mind that, yes, life will go on, even though the world around them seems to be crumbling around them.

So many individuals are on the hunt because their previous company down-sized, or their position was "temporarily" laid off. The fear that many have, including myself, is the fact that the next position to come along could have the exact same end result. That's just the direction America is headed. Companies are running with as little hired help as possible, and small businesses are being laid to rest.

A friend of mine was laid off indefinitely earlier this year. He was a deputy sheriff. Nine of his co-workers were also laid off, all deputies. This sent quite a message to the middle to high class county they patrolled. The community was accustomed to regular house watches conducted by the officers, friendly visits just to make sure community members felt safe, and regular arrests of drunk drivers and drug carriers. This was in Union County, Ohio.

When law enforcement is taken off the streets because of budget cuts, and companies are letting go of excellent employees because they can no longer offer full-time hours, communities suffer; individuals suffer and families suffer. Those who were once in relatively safe positions are now out of work. The hunt is not easy. It's tedious and trying.

Those seriously in search of a new position spend hours a day hunting. Career Builder, Hot Jobs, Monster and even Craig's List are being scrolled through constantly. Because of my current position being cut to 30 hours a week, I am currently on the hunt myself. I have applied for well over 80 jobs in the past two weeks, and am thankful for my experience. Those with no previous job training or skills are suffering more than those who have had careers. When I checked Career Builder today for an administrative position I had applied for, the detailed report stated that 25-100 job-seekers had applied for this position. This job was posted yesterday. The competition is fierce, even for seasoned workers.

It's difficult to say when or if this will turn around. People are searching for jobs that may not be there a year from now. We are all going on blind faith. Good luck to us all.