economy?

[jeffberry]

So how are we all doing during this downturn?  Are there any bright spots or glimmers of hope?  I know I had take a step back from some training that I really wanted to do this year! :'(  So how about the rest of you.  Its been really quiet here for a while.
  Jeff

[jasondbaker]

My technology business is feeling the impact.  We haven't laid anyone off but people aren't expecting raises this year.  New sales have dropped significantly.  We will probably finish the year flat -- which is better than most businesses.

My wife and I just went on a vacation to Punta Cana a couple weeks ago.  The airplane and the resort were packed.  When we go out to dinner in the cities the restaurants are packed.  We keep asking the question: "what recession?".

My sense is that people are trading down.  Meaning that instead of going to an expensive steakhouse they go to a moderately priced sports bar.  Instead of taking a dream vacation they go to a family friendly all-inclusive.  People are delaying purchases on luxury items -- including necessities like cars.  Many people are saving for a rainy day or pumping cash into 401k's (great time to get in the market if you retire in 20-30 years!). 

I believe the economy is going to get worse.  The recent stimulus bill may help this year.  But in the near future it will spur inflation and tax increases. 

I don't know how all of the diveshops in our region are surviving.  Some of them might be in bad shape right now.  I'll probably learn more next week at the GLSPS show. 

[jmohns]

I work for the DOE and we are still on continuing resolution, meaning we still do not have this years budget. Last year they went into furlows so that we didn't have to lay off anyone. This year is much worse in the real world, but the new prez thinks there is hope on the horizon and I guess we have no choice at this point but to just hope and pray that he is right. God Bless America and we will survive, but I think this one is really going to hurt alot of good people. I too think I am going to scale back my classes some, I wanted to take some tech classes but now I am reconsidering it. I also agree with the last post, 890trillion is alot to pump into the markets, and such, and will bring large inflation that our children will have to cope with. But I do not have a degree in anything other than Firefighting, soo I might just not understand the situation much. Good luck to all, and keep diving to keep the LDS in business.

[jeffberry]

I am a welder in a construction field!  We have had customers cancel orders due to no money.  Could be part of the reason they have laid off over 300 good employees.    I am just waiting for my time.  An yes I might have to put some tech training on hold for this year.
Jeff

[matt t.]

I started my current job last August, leaving a company I'd been at for 20 years. Everyone there thought I was crazy to go after 20 years and made sure to let me know that. Since I left, there there have been 2 mass layoffs totaling almost 1/2 the company. At my new shop I've been layed off a total of 2 weeks, with plans for 2 more 1 week layoffs over the next 8 weeks. I guess I'm not happy about it, but if it helps the company stay afloat it has to happen. I/we haven't really been holding back on our spending, and I don't know many that are. Time will tell I guess.

[MytMyt]

I worked for GM in Janesville. I lost my job last July. I had been enrolled in Tech School prior to lay off, so now I am a full time student. My wife and I had seen the writing on the wall a couple of years ago, and had kept our finances in check. That being said, less money being made, means less money for new equipment, classes and trips. It may take a while before things turn around for the better, but they will.
Tom

[matt t.]

What did you do at GM, and what are you going to school for? For the last few years I've had the itch to change professions, but I'm leery of starting over especially now.

[MNDiveLady]

If you have the heart for it, here is a safe bet for the current economy!

Health Care/ Nursing with a specialization in Geriatrics.....The Baby Boom Generation is getting older!

My Sister-in-Law got fired from one Nursing home a week and a half ago.  She just landed a new job!  What other industry can you get that kind of turn around?!?!

[MytMyt]

I worked on the line,all over the plant. I changed positions a lot to keep from getting worn out physically from doing the same thing over and over. I spent time in just about every dept. there, paint, body shop, engine line, frame and brake line, inspection, and trim (where the interior is put in).  I originally started taking general education classes just to get used to being in school again. I had been out of school for over 20 years, and wasn't the best student while I was there. I am now in the IT Network Specialist Program. It is a lot of work, but I am enjoying it. If you are thinking of going back, just take a class or two and see how you like it.

Note: behind the health field, computer technology is projected to hire the most people over the next 5 years.

[matt t.]

MytMyt, it sounds like you have a solid plan and I'm sure it will pay off for you. On a different note MN DiveLady , my wife is an RN administrator and manages an assisted living facility and senior apartment complex. They are BOOMING! Unfortunately I don't have the patience she does and wouldn't last 2 days.