Stupid Economy

on May 5, 2009

If you missed my review of Skinny Bitch, check it out here.

Today’s been kind of crazy. I’m experiencing that moment when workload is piling up faster than I can get it done. Ironically, starting next week, I’ll have zero work. Stupid economy.

My photo of breakfast is a bit blurry because Jamesy threw up on the floor right as I started to photograph. Eww!

I made Hodgson’s Mills InstaBake pancakes sprinkled with pecans. Plus, maple syrup for dipping and a side of blueberries and strawberries.

Lunch was SO delish.

I defrosted some of the Carrot Coconut Soup. Just as good as it was when I made it last month! 😉

Plus, a freaking awesome platter of fruits, veggies, and a whole wheat english muffin with crunchy PB.

And a date for dessert:

Tremendously satisfying! Something about platters just make me happy.

How has the economy affected your job? I’ve seen a drop in workload and several rounds of layoffs. Or… if you’re in a recession-proof industry, share your secrets!

{ 62 comments }

Mrs. LC May 5, 2009, 8:32 am
Starting next week you’ll have zero work?? Did you get laid off!?! Oh, I hope not!

The economy has affected my job because it took me half a year to find a job in a small town, and now the job that I don’t love keeps reducing hours. Blah.
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point May 5, 2009, 8:33 am
mrs lc – no no im still employed. i just have no billable work.
Brandi May 5, 2009, 8:33 am
beautiful eats! I hope James is feeling better – that’s never fun when your pet is sick.

Eh…I work at a university, so we’ve seen layoffs and budget cuts, but work is basically the same – for now. You never know what will happen.
Jennifer May 5, 2009, 8:34 am
Working for a real estate agent.. you can imagine how the economy effects me. Last week I was working late and had tons of work. This week I have been working about 3 hours a day. it just depends on who wants to buy a house, which stink because the I have to make the bills either way
Suzanne May 5, 2009, 8:36 am
My room mate, who’s had a job offer since August, just had her offer deferred a year. She doubts the company will still be there when she’s supposed to start, now. The economy BLOWS!
Jen Makes Office Supply Art May 5, 2009, 8:36 am
I’m self employed, and started my own business when the recession was going on, so I can’t tell if you if it’s being affected or not. I know people are less likely to spend money, period, but I’m doing okay 🙂
Rose May 5, 2009, 8:42 am
We’re taking furlough days – depending on your salary, you take 1-5 days off with no pay. The good news is that it’s spaced out throughout the year, so you’re only hit hard on one paycheck at a time.
iowagirleats May 5, 2009, 8:45 am
I’m lucky enough to work in an industry that is growing despite the bad economy. Knock on wood though!!!!!! Poor pup, by the way 🙁
happinessawaits May 5, 2009, 8:47 am
The economy I think is slowly killing me…via my job. I work as a project manager and have I worked SO hard over the past 6 months on the project I am on (the largest project my company has right now.) Putting in 60+ hours a week.

And then I took at 15% pay cut.

I now make less than I did 3 years ago when I was hired.

I have to admit, I am very angry. My company blames it all on the economy, I personally blame some of it on bad management.

You are motivating me to start eating platter-style. It would slow me down.

Happiness Awaits
Quinn May 5, 2009, 8:57 am
I’m in commercial real estate – hardly the beacon of light in this economy right now. We just had massive layoffs last week, and they’re going to be cleaning house every other month from now on as well. The hubby also works here – glad we don’t have all our eggs in one basket! Oh wait….we do.

Hope James is feeling better!
redheadedjournal May 5, 2009, 9:01 am
I hope the economy starts bouncing back soon!
Lindsay May 5, 2009, 9:09 am
I sub in the govt school, and teachers still get paid time off, so they still leave and I get work. I make sure I am highly involved here and am forming relationships with the teachers so they personally request me. Other subs to compete with! I also work in another govt job and those hours are set by me, if I want to work more or less one month that is my choice and I am not punished for choosing to work less one month. We are actually getting paid more right now because Hubby is deployed. Combat and seperation pay and all that. The economy looks the same to me here!
Sally May 5, 2009, 9:09 am
I work in a research lab at a university so while I haven’t been receiving union raises, job security is okay and we’re actually looking to expand because the current administration actually believes in funding science – imagine that!
angiemcgovern May 5, 2009, 9:11 am
Sorry about the sick puppy. Your work schedule sounds like mine every other week. I was laid off in June but found a job in October–same industry, different company in a different state. This company seems to be doing well, but I am bored a lot. Thank goodness there are no lay-offs coming in the foreseeable future.
Janessa May 5, 2009, 9:11 am
Yum! That carrot soup looks delicious.

My job is fairly recession-proof.

I manage a small brewpub, and even when people don’t go out to eat as frequently, they definitely still go out to drink.
RhodeyGirl/Sabrina May 5, 2009, 9:15 am
my job is recession proof, my salary isn’t.

we (be we i mean my family- family run business) are fighting hard to keep sales up during this time and holding on to every dollar until things turn around. so far, so good.
RhodeyGirl/Sabrina May 5, 2009, 9:18 am
and about the billable work… i hope it turns around for you and FAST. hopefully it is just a random slow week.
Dori May 5, 2009, 9:20 am
I am currently in a state of limbo. So many people who sat around me and worked with me are gone. I am still here, but it can end at any time and I have absolutely no idea how much longer I have. It is scary….
Kayla May 5, 2009, 9:25 am
I’ve made it through a couple rounds of layoffs (thankfully) but now whenever the bosses shut their doors or go into a meeting or we hear some whispering everyone gets really, really nervous. Totally sucks.
Amy May 5, 2009, 9:29 am
At my job we got cut to 32 hours a week. For me it’s not that hard to make adjustments since I’m living at home but I imagine that 8 hours deduction in pay each week makes it tight for a lot of people. I am going back to school this fall to become a Nurse Practitioner. I decided to do that before the economy started to get bad but now I’m glad that I’m heading into a more recession-proof industry.
Christina May 5, 2009, 9:35 am
The economy is affecting my job because I can’t find one! I just graduated though so I’m enjoying the free time for now.
Emily May 5, 2009, 9:39 am
My small company had a round of lay offs at the end of 2008 but luckily I was kept on.

My boyfriend is in the commercial real estate field and got laid off 2 weeks ago and just got hired for a new job today! I couldn’t believe the 2 week turnaround, he’s very fortunate 🙂
Shannon May 5, 2009, 9:44 am
I was laid off at the beginning of April, but I was so lucky to find another job within 3 days. 🙁

Your eats make me want PB, like NOW! 🙂
MyRunningJourney May 5, 2009, 9:49 am
I work in the mortgage industry, and believe it or not, have kept my job and seen volume go up like crazy. We’ve doubled our volume over the past 6 months. I credit this to the fact that we did not lend on sub-prime loans, and we investigate all loans for fraud (my job) before they go to closing. 80% of the wholesale lenders in Atlanta have closed up shop, but we’ve stuck around and thrived. I consider myself very blessed.
Claire May 5, 2009, 10:00 am
Well, I’ve been in school and now will start pediatric residency, so I really haven’t seen and don’t expect to see a change in my job, since kids will keep getting sick. I guess if you want to keep a job work in the medical field, though you can’t be too picky about where you work…there are jobs!
jenn May 5, 2009, 10:01 am
i was laid off last month along with a large group of others in my company. if i do not get a job within the next 2 months im screwed.
Beezus May 5, 2009, 10:18 am
Working at a state University, we experienced a large budget cut and are still in the process of lay-offs. I work in Annual Giving, so get to stick around but have taken on other responsibilities from those who unfortunately were let go.

Also, because of your blogs on the green monster, I couldn’t resist them….

http://betsylandofmilkandhoney.blogspot.com/2009/05/green-monster-and-professor-k.html
Amanda May 5, 2009, 10:19 am
I’m lucky enough to work for one of the big 4 accounting firms, and my company has said that we won’t be laying off at all. We don’t get lunch at our meetings anymore and our holiday party was cancelled, but I can deal. My boyfriend is in sales and was laid off in January and just started his new job last week. Blech economy
Eliza May 5, 2009, 10:24 am
I work for a tiny non-profit (domestic violence shelter) and we have seen a definite increase in hotline calls, although generally our shelter nnumbers have been down. Many women feel they can’t leave an abuser because they won’t be able to get a job or affordable housing on their own.
My job is pretty secure, we’re primarily grant funded and my position is nearly 100% grant funded, so even though the state is pulling some funding, my position is secure. Of course, I’m leaving in the fall for school, but thats another story.
Melissa @ For the Love of Health May 5, 2009, 10:27 am
I love meal platters too! Yours always look wonderful!

In terms of the bad economy, I have seen some firings and “forced retirements” in the banking industry. Outside of my work, I see it everywhere. It’s quite depressing. I hope things pick back up soon!
Holly May 5, 2009, 10:28 am
Well, I *just* graduated and can now work as a dietitian… BUT CANNOT FIND WORK!! This economy sucks!
Bi0nicw0man May 5, 2009, 10:39 am
I’m Canadian, but work for a US company. Thankfully we are in marketing and that seems to be somewhat recession-proof at this point…although we have seen a change in our clientele that we attribute partially to the economy.

FH is in the military which is about as recession-proof as it gets. The hours/time away suck, but the sense of comfort knowing we’ll always have his paycheque is really nice!

Hope James is OK and that work picks up for you soon!!
Aimee May 5, 2009, 10:45 am
I lost my job as an attorney in a corporate law firm and have been unemployed since march. I was going merger work, and well with the economy companies were not merging. I have been looking, but have only had one interview. I have been babysitting for a little extra money, which is a little depressing with a BA in economics, a BA in political science, and a JD.
Help Meghan Run May 5, 2009, 11:01 am
Hard to find a summer job! But mmm PB on an english muffin is enough to make your troubles disappear for a few minutes. 🙂

http://www.HelpMeghanRun.com
Katie May 5, 2009, 11:14 am
I am lucky enough to be going to grad school in the fall with my tuition paid for and a stipend each month! Few people I know who are graduating with me in 2 weeks have a job! More school is the way to go right now!
NYgirl@heart May 5, 2009, 11:21 am
I started out my career in the newspaper industry, which is dying, and five people just got laid off from the last paper I worked for. I moved into marketing to protect myself and have been laid off TWICE since. Once in December (right before Christmas!) and then got hired for another marketing position the end of January, only to get laid off again at the end of the quarter (April 1) Now I’m just trying to rethink how to continue using my writing/marketing skills to find a “recession proof” career. Ugh! All this education for nothing! 🙁

I hope your work picks up again soon!!! And I hope James is feeling better soon too 🙁
a May 5, 2009, 11:33 am
i have a question for you..
i have been running for about 5 years now, but only recently have started having trouble with my left knee. it feels similar to the pain you have described only a lot more mild. The day after a run my knee will be a little sore and I mostly feel it when I am walking up stairs. Here is my question..

I feel pain only in my left knee. If I were to buy a knee sleeve, would I need to wear them on both knees? Or would I be fine just wearing one on my left knee? It might sound silly, but I just don’t want to cause my right knee to start hurting also!
Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point May 5, 2009, 11:35 am
a – i would wear them on both knees so you feel balanced and to ward off any potential right knee problems, and i would not run if you are in pain. 🙂
Matt May 5, 2009, 11:38 am
It’s affected my job by me having trouble finding one!
Katherine May 5, 2009, 11:44 am
I have survived 3 rounds of lay-offs at my company. I work in real estate in Vancouver.

The energy in the office is lacking! It is hard to stay positive and happy when the economy is not doing well! So although I have not been laid off (yet) it has affected me for sure!

Less motivation to work when there is nothing to work towards (no ladder climbing!)
Tami May 5, 2009, 11:47 am
i’m a stay at home mom but my husband works at a local university-he loves his job, great pay and awesome benefits, he has been there for almost 16 years….unless the school closes he will always have a job, no one does the work that he does (i often worry if something happens to him what they will do without him at work, never mind here at home!)
Missy May 5, 2009, 11:52 am
I graduated with a marketing degree and have been a receptionist for 2 years since so one is hiring aaaah!
Lauren May 5, 2009, 11:59 am
Hodgson’s Mills InstaBake makes wonderful pancakes!

I’m currently applying for jobs as a school counselor, and hoping that more positions open up as the school year winds down, but a) districts are downsizing and b) people who were previously contemplating retirement are holding on to their jobs. Fingers crossed!
Paige May 5, 2009, 12:00 pm
I’m in a recession proof industry — the federal government 🙂
Olga May 5, 2009, 12:04 pm
I’m a student, bu there’s no way in hell I’m going to get a job after graduation 🙂 So I’m going into AmeriCorp
Bula May 5, 2009, 12:04 pm
My husband is a contract employee for a design firm while I work in a stable, recession-proof industry; I live daily pretending that he doesn’t have a job, because technically he could be unemployed later this afternoon. I’ve definitely cut back and have been living off of 1 paycheck so I can save for that “rainy day”.
Colleen May 5, 2009, 12:14 pm
I’m an analyst in the service industry…we closed a whole center in CA, but our center here in GA is hiring. I’m the only analyst for 400 people so I think my job is secure…well, at least no one else would know how to do it if I left! 🙂
Siobhan May 5, 2009, 1:18 pm
I’m graduating in a few weeks and none of my friends have jobs! Everyone is moving home to live with their parents and a lot of people (indluding myself) are going to grad school. I hope things pick up for you!
Meg C. May 5, 2009, 1:20 pm
I am guessing that I work for the same company as Amanda – the only big 4 accounting firm that is not laying people off. Yet.
Sarah May 5, 2009, 1:44 pm
funny you should ask – my company just had its second round of layoffs today – about 10% of our workforce. needless to say, it has NOT been a fun day, and I will definetly be getting a beer to celebrate cinco de mayo tonight!
Learning to Cope w/ Eating and College May 5, 2009, 1:50 pm
I have seen some of the effects of the economy, but as I am only a college student and do not have to work… it really hasnt effected me, but I do know that my parents are quite a quick to buy me new phones and purses. If I want these luxury items, I have had to babysit and help pay for half of things!! 🙁
Susan May 5, 2009, 1:51 pm
I graduated from nursing school in December, and I *just* got a job on Friday. It took me nearly six months and 125 jobs applied to get a job. Everyone talks about the nursing shortage, but hospitals are feeling the economic squeeze as well, so they don’t want to invest the money necessary to train new graduate nurses. With no experience, it is SO hard to get a job. I laugh when people tell me that nursing is recession proof!
RunningWithin May 5, 2009, 2:04 pm
I work for a bankruptcy attorney, luckily though the recession has not affected my job because one of the things we do if work for the U.S. Trustee’s is to recover the funds of the people who went into bankruptcy and committed large scale fraud. So we’re lucky to be pretty recession proof.

I’m studying for my personal trainer certification and hope to start personal training next year, hopefully that will be recession proof because I believe poeple always care about fitness regardless of the economy. Or so I hope.
Brooke (HomegirlCanEat) May 5, 2009, 3:30 pm
Yummmmy platta of food! Poor little James! I hope he gets better!

My momma got laid off in August..right before the market crashed. Then she tried soo hard to post her resume and she got hired in January! I was so proud of her!
K from ksgoodeats May 5, 2009, 3:30 pm
Aw, sorry you have a sick pupper on your hands 🙁 Hope he gets well soon!!
Kristen ladybugkd03@aol.com May 5, 2009, 3:47 pm
My first job was affected. I was a manager at Target. And we cut hours significantly. Now I am a Store Manager for Peets.

I also work for Jafra as a Direct Sales Consultant. I do this because I can save up all the money I earn for retirement while I am still young plus I also get my own products free. My income has actually gone up from this because my clients are people switching from department store because of the economy. They can’t afford the Mac, Lancome etc. so they are looking for the same quality cheaper. You guys can email me if you have more questions at Ladybugkd03@aol.com. There is probably a Jafra branch in your area if you need extra money.

I thank god every day that I still have a job.
Emily May 5, 2009, 4:36 pm
I like to think I’m in a pretty recesion-proof job. I work in insurance and EVERYONE needs some kind of insurance.

I hope your baby starts to feel better!
Lauren May 5, 2009, 6:18 pm
mmm, your soup looks delicious. Did you create this on your own. Geneious!

My work has actually cut back on big events, hiring new positions and other conferences and seminars that we usually take part in. It hasn’t really effected me directly and I do feel that it is good to be mindful in any company these days.

Hope you are having a wonderful day Caitlin. Good luck with your training.
Angie Eats Peace May 5, 2009, 6:40 pm
Sorry the economy has effected you 🙁

It has definitely effected me. I am a high school counselor in CA, and education will be taking some major hits next school year. I have been pink slipped, and still wont know till closer till June, if I have a job next year.
Megan May 5, 2009, 6:41 pm
ughh this economy is horrible.. Everyday there are more and more layoffs at my company and I keep worrying and hoping mine doesn’t come.. What do you do Caitlin? I always wondered since you get to work at home..

Also check of my blog.. today was my first official post and you are one of my inspiries..
kristin point May 5, 2009, 9:32 pm
I work at a non-profit mental health organization with emotionally disturbed kids at risk for out of home placement. we just hired a bunch of people… we’re government funded and though we’ve been asked to cut back on company flex spending for the kids and our reimbursements checks are always late, my job is kind of recession proof. There will always be bipolar kids running around in need of some therapy.
Jordan May 6, 2009, 5:38 am
Mmm that soup sounds amaaaaazing woman!

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