You can’t help but stumble across links to articles about the economy these days. I’ve probably read more than would be considered healthy. Here are a few that I found interesting:
The New Survivor Guilt. I’ve found myself feeling bogged down and less enthusiastic at work as the work piles up and there is no relief in sight. Like the article says, I haven’t complained because I’m grateful to have a job. Luckily I haven’t turned to drinking by myself or popping pills but I bet I’ve eaten a bit more than I should to cope.
http://www.newsweek.com/id/193099
I can’t imagine graduating from college this year in the middle of one of the worst job markets in history. I’m guessing there will be a lot of underemployed people out there. This article points out that anything you need a credential to do is where the most jobs are.
http://www.businessweek.com/bschools/content/apr2009/bs2009048_818137.htm
Wells Fargo reported very strong earnings, well above what analysts expected. I wonder if we, the taxpayers, can expect a loan payment this quarter…..
Here is a great article on consumerism. My college minor is in sociology and I’ve always been fascinated with macro level social changes. I’m going to be very interested to see how the shopping and saving patterns change due to this downturn. My initial reaction is that it won’t be very drastic because the level of suffering hasn’t approached anywhere near depression levels for most people. It usually requires a drastic shock to change behavior for the long term, in my experience. Anyway, this article talks about how a few different people have started to trade down when they shop. One person went from Nordstrom to JC Penney, while another went from TJ Maxx and Ross to thrift stores. It’s all relative, I guess.
http://www.mercurynews.com/topstories/ci_12101929