Overcoming . . .

There’s some pretty challenging news this week on the US economy. Unemployment has reached 7 1/2 % and massive layoffs will continue in most sectors as the recession deepens. Life as we know it has hit a chaotic cycle.

At my worksite, we’re having all day meetings tomorrow to announce the 4th round of layoffs. Already this year, we’ve sold off three sectors of the business. Our contract has remained unsigned since last February, and we’ve experienced serious workload declines and three staff layoffs. The meetings will announce even further layoffs and changes. People are on edge. My guess would be that a sell-off or total withdrawal from the sector is closing in on us. The company is losing money, and that’s a sure sign of impending changes.

The only sectors prospering are healthcare and government.  (Surprise surprise!) Healthcare costs are about to escalate, as baby boomers hit retirement, pension benefits vanish, and COBRA costs rise. At a minimum $300+ a month for singles, few retirees or unemployed workers are going to be able to afford maintenance care–which will significantly increase healthcare costs for critical care needs.