Comments on: This Recession Obsession

By: 2nd Chance

2nd Chance — Fri, 16 May 2008 04:44:50 +0000

Great post!! I’ve been reading your blog for years but have not commented in awhile…Your information is so much common sense but some, like me, need things spelled out…

By: Ginger

Ginger — Thu, 15 May 2008 13:32:35 +0000

Preach!!! @ your last comment and the post!!

But why you gotta put the iPhone in there ?? I luuuuurve it long time! LOL

By: Mary

Mary — Wed, 14 May 2008 19:09:57 +0000

As usual, I agree with you, except on the one point -
“Maintain my marketable skills and make sure they are current AND competitive”

I have many friends and a few family members with excellent resumes, good experience, education, networking, contacts, etc - who have done everything “the right way” in their job searches who are just plain stuck. That does seem one area that is truly being impacted by this recession right now - or at least that is what employers are using as the excuse for hiring freezes and layoffs. It’s not so bad if you already have a job right now and can sit tight until things improve, but for those who are unemployed it is painful out there, especially in the lower and middle management areas. I’d love to hear what advice you’d have, as someone who just found a great job during this recession!

Current marketable skills are just one piece of the puzzle. They do not GUARANTEE success and that was not the intent of my statement. I can write a book on how I’ve excelled in my career, but that doesn’t mean the same would work for everyone. My success has been a combination of education, career choice, career related skills, people skills, assertiveness, determination, networking, and a little luck. I’d also venture to add, perspective and having a “can do” mentality.

For example, I have a problem with your statement “…who have done everything “the right way” in their job searches who are just plain stuck.” Those words are not a part of my vocabulary because I never, and I mean NEVER, feel STUCK. I’m also flexible and a risk taker, so I do what I have to do to work around any given constraint. I do not allow external limitations to control my destiny. Further, there is no “right way.” I do what works for ME based on MY vision, MY circumstances, and MY goals.

Perhaps it’s my perspective and my way of thinking that sets me apart, I don’t know. The same goes for poor vs. wealthy mentality. If you want to be wealthy, you make choices that will lead to a path of wealth. If you want career success, you make choices that will keep you on the fast track. However, if you always feel broke, then you’re broke. If you want to live paycheck to paycheck, then you will. If you want to blame the economy, the government, or someone else for your problems, then do so. Or per your statement, if you feel stuck, then you’re stuck. But I don’t believe it, so I call BS. It’s all about perspective and changing the way you think.

I’ve done many things in my career that the average person wouldn’t want to do. I make financial choices in my everyday life that the average person would frown upon. I can respect individual choice because what works for me may not work for everyone. However, regardless of individual choices (or circumstances), current marketable skills are necessary to survive in ANY career field during ANY economic environment. They may not guarantee success, but without them, you are guaranteed to fail. [-SM]

By: Sentient Money

Sentient Money — Wed, 14 May 2008 12:32:08 +0000

That’s a good list for good times or bad. You could probably even shorten it more to just one of your items: Live beneath your means. Keep it up.

By: Future Millionaire

Future Millionaire — Wed, 14 May 2008 00:57:36 +0000

With all of the media coverage on the recession, I can’t help but ask myself if the “recession” is getting worse because of the coverage and causes people to panic.

By: tiredofbeingbroke

tiredofbeingbroke — Wed, 14 May 2008 00:01:15 +0000

The recession is all you hear about. It has only affected me in the price of gas and groceries. However, the amount I spend is entirely up to me. I take public transportation to work, driving only on the weekends to the part-time gig. At the grocery stores I am not very brand conscious. Whatever items I need I buy the cheapeat ones, except for Velveeta Shells and Cheese, LOL.

I will continue to do as before. Pay down my debt, while increasing my income and no incur any new debt.

By: Sistah Ant

Sistah Ant — Tue, 13 May 2008 23:59:05 +0000

Like you, not much is changing about my strategy. I’m doing better now than I ever have, and I know from my student years how to do more with less, so there’s no fear here…

By: caryn

caryn — Tue, 13 May 2008 20:22:41 +0000

jon stewart had a funny segment on his daily show about the media coverage of this recession. it’s definitely gotten out of hand (as has many of things that the mainstream media covers nowadays-in my opinion). i think the most important lesson to be learned from this bad economy is to not be so greedy! that goes for banks and lenders trying to make money without using common sense and good judgement and to the consumers that wanted to buy huge homes knowing darn well they couldn’t afford them. good thing most of them bought big SUVs to go with their big houses. maybe they can sleep in them when their homes get foreclosed on. i know that’s a little harsh but i have very little compassion for people that don’t hold themselves accountable for their actions. ignorance (of mortgage lending rules/regulations, budgets, etc.) is not an excuse.

By: moneytalksdebtwalks

moneytalksdebtwalks — Tue, 13 May 2008 19:50:22 +0000

Great attitude to have! I’ve been reading your blog for little over a week now. I think its very inspiring!

By: MonetTalksDebtWalks

MonetTalksDebtWalks — Tue, 13 May 2008 19:47:34 +0000

Great Advice! I enjoy reading your blog. I just started last week, and find it very inspiring. Thanks!