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

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.

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.

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.

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.