Your opinion of the condition of the economy is probably influenced by your employment status.

[rgbecker]

So I do a little construction work and requests for my services have been way off during the last 5 years...though generally there seems to be a certain amount of work around. There always is, small jobs, nothing like before the 2008 crash however.

I ran into another carpenter, under the gun to finish a remodeling job and he was all smiles reporting his good job and saying there was plenty to do. I asked if had a job lined up after that and all I got was hedging.

How's your news?

[yeoman6987]

1. Not bad but I live in deep blue Maryland

Maryland is begging for people to work. So many help wanted signs everywhere. I feel for the red states that are going through rough times though....the people who did not vote for the administration of their state especially.

[NRaleighLiberal]

2. It is also influenced by what your offspring and friends are going through.

Our two daughters have been navigating through the economy for nearly a decade. Former co-workers who lost their jobs when I did are also having varied experiences.

My big take aways - wages have not at all kept up with the cost of things; companies really want people out by the time they get into their 50s so they can pay less, and provide fewer benefits (I lost my corporate job at 52 - decided to change directions, but friends are experiencing both ageism and sexism). Companies are avoiding putting people on full time for many of the same reasons.

we live in a fairly affluent area - when you head out shopping, it is crowded - one would think that things are going great....and they are, for those who are the haves. I suspect there is a huge chunk of our society struggling mightily and often invisible to those who can continue to spend.

[Jgarrick]

3. A recession is when your neighbor's out of work. A depression is when *you* are out if work.

[GoCubsGo]

4. Utterly dismal.

Last week, I heard a report that the long-term unemployed have only an 11% chance of ever having a job again. Well, I am one of those, and I am in my early 50s, to boot. Nobody is hiring people my age. What the fuck am I supposed to do for the rest of my life? I can't even touch the paltry retirement I do have save up for several years.

[RandoLoodie]

5. Depends on age too

seems like over mid 30's aged people don't have a place in the economy unless they have a track record or some sort or highly specialized training.

Even then, it can be a challenge.