The statistics on unemployment and underemployment are dire data that remind us of how things can be so bad in the current economic climate. However, the statistics assume a deeper meaning when those numbers affect not just others but rather those directly connected, such as friends, cousins, or worse, even ourselves.

What is interesting is that over the spectrum, those on the extremes of age (ie, the young and the older workers) have experienced relatively the worse of the situation. When they search for jobs, younger workers who lose jobs find out that prospective employers prefer more experienced persons. On the other hand, older workers, who usually have more training and are thus paid more, are also impacted since there are younger workers to be hired at a lesser salary rate. Obviously, these are symptoms of an unhealthy state of affairs which can only improve as the general economy makes a rebound.

But in the meantime, no matter what phase one is in this challenging economic environment, there is always a silver lining or two. For those still with their jobs, productivity is the word and it is hoped that their selfless sacrifice (ie, doing the work of what used to be done by more than one person) would eventually be recognized and acknowledged. For those who are retrenched, cost-cutting (belt-tightening, austerity, frugality) is the first order of the day plus a strong reservoir of hope, discipline, and inner strength. Perhaps these times may also represent a redirection and re-assessment of priorities and also may spur spurts of innovation and creativity. Money is important but timeless values can and will pull us through. Hopefully, the recession of 2009 will end sooner than later and with lessons learned, we will all turn out for the better.