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Are you worried about the economy? How do you think it might affect your job?”

Asked by Work It, Mom! Team on 11th January 2008 | 13 replies

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This is so interesting in my line of work. As a voice talent I have found that, no matter what is happening in the economy, people need my services. Commercials are still being made, webinars still need audio, phone systems need to be updated, etc. It is a strange but comforting feeling. On the other hand, we are going to be putting our house on the market with the hopes of making a big move and buying a new house as soon as this one sells. Will it sell? Will we get the same great mortgage rate we got almost 6 years ago? Who knows but I'm determined to just be positive about it and not fret.

I do see the economy really effecting my friends who have small businesses that sell a non crucial commodity though, like jewelry and make up. I know that if things are tight I certainly won't be buying these things.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Mandy Nelson - Dandysound on 24th January 2008
My job is pretty secure. . .my company had a record year and has a good backlog of work and a strong management team. I have a fixed rate mortgage that is not too much. My husband's business has not slowed down, instead it's picked up. Still, I am worried about the economy in general, and all the people who are not in as fortunate situation as me. If this had happened 4 years ago when we had an adjustable-rate home equity loan that we used to finance our first business, we would have been s-c-r-e-w-e-d. . .knowing that I was young and naive and believed the mortgage broker that it would stay affordable since it had for the past 10 years, I can see how people fell into the trap while just trying to make their lives better.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by on 23rd January 2008
It stresses me out completely...

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Katie on 23rd January 2008
YES. Considering that I work for a public institution of higher education and rely heavily on corporate donations, I am worried that it will affect my budget. It already has. One donor had to reduce their annual gift by a 1/3.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Veronica on 23rd January 2008
Not to the point where I'm losing sleep over it, but yes. Our housing is fairly safe - if you don't own, you don't have to worry about your mortgage - but no one can ever be too complacent about their jobs these days. I work in nonprofit, and my agency's main funding comes through local government social-welfare departments; if their budgets get cut, it trickles down. Private donations slow down too, since people just don't have as much money to give.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Florinda Pendley Vasquez on 23rd January 2008
Yes I am very worried. With every news report I see about the DOW I cringe.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Jess on 23rd January 2008
Oh yes! Who couldn't help but worry. Since the warning signs have been happening for awhile the big (R) word. "Recession" But according to Mr. Bush our economy is strong (in his bubble world) You know that long after the dust settles on the elections and promises are made. Will they finally do something...to end the war, keep businesses from leaving the US , lower the interest rates, take on the Healthcare Business?? Or will they still be setting in DC having trouble picking out health insurance when we have none. We will still be worrying about putting food on the table, paying the mortgages and heating the house and having enough money to put gas in the car to get to a job that may or may not be there.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Kim Begnaud on 17th January 2008
Heck yeah-but working in the gov't sector, my salary is basically protected from that.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Uhura on 16th January 2008
i am not really worried about it anymore than i was before. the overall 'economy' hasnt changed for my day to day life from before or after the mortgage craziness or gas prices. ok gas prices are annoying, but i can make up the difference by not going to starbucks (a gallon of gas is still cheaper than a latte!)

in the big picture YES i want our country out of debt/war! But how do my spending habits help that? will it help the federal gov't if i save $0.50 on soup? no...

however, when i do spend money, i will try to spend it on more environmentall friendly products and support valid causes/people/initiatives that will positively impact my community and my country.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Kate on 15th January 2008
Yes. How can families work so hard, and yet still struggle to pay bills and keep their mortgages? Gas, food, everything is so expensive. How are people, and families expected to survive and not lose evrything?

Flag as inappropriate Posted by jules on 15th January 2008
Yes, I am most especially worried about the mortgage crisis because I myself have 2 mortgages (not my choice). One of my own and one of my late mother's. We moved out of one home tried putting it on the market, but it didn't sell. We moved out of another home to renovate it and it is currently being leased. However, the one that we moved into has foundation problems. We need to move out of it and move back to the other home, but we're worried that the other home won't sell. Confusing? Try living it! Wish me luck.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by PiaPulido on 15th January 2008
Very. I agree, Victoria. The impact will be felt by everyone. Okay, I'm glad the housing market is not insane anymore. But we'll all feel the shockwaves in the form of decreased returns on investments, whether home-owner or renter. Then when you add in a war, a lame duck president, and a looming election with good chance of the Dems winning...well, I hope the Dems win, but it's all bad for us financially. We are planning to be as frugal as possible through 2008...

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Diane on 15th January 2008