Friend lost his job today

i agree with the silver lining. DH always wanted to go to college, but we kinda thought that would happen after i had income and benefits. not so! when he lost his job and couldn't find another that didn't require heavy lifting or wasn't 3 counties away (12+ hour days plus 2+ hours of commute plus gas prices, impossible), he decided it was time for a career change. we had just enough time for him to do a degree in the time i had left to spend on mine. it's been hard, but in the spring we will jump to 2 real incomes. meanwhile, of the people he used to work with, the vast majority of them also lost their jobs, had to find work elsewhere, and are having a rough time with the economy's impact on the industry. times aren't too much harder for us than they are for the folks who stayed on the job.

 

I would like to point out a counterpoint to being laid off. It's that when mid to large companies hire, they usually do so in batches. As a result, the really smart individuals keep close track of what "transitions" are occuring in industry. For example: Auto/Auto parts industry=> Avoid, Large rechargeable battery industry => Seek out the companies, whose names you have never heard before. (Another example; What are the power plants of the future in your area?)

 

It's fear of increased taxes. I believe that is why the oil people have lowered the price of gas because of thier fear that the new President-elect will tax them to the max on their profits. Only time will tell.

 

The President doesn't tax anyone. Legislation has to be passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate and signed by the President. Whatever comes out doesn't look like what went in as 535 people get a chance to add & subtract to accomodate their special interests. IMO I don't see enough people growing backbones to stand up to the industries that contribute millions of dollars to their campaigns. I will be very surprised if corporate taxes are increased any time soon.