Real Estate in Northeast Florida and Around the World

I'm hearing report after report from various national and notable sources that the recession is technically over.  I also hear a lot of cynicism about this statement, primarily because the person making the comment doesn't feel like the recession is over - or is going to be over any time soon.  How do I respond?

Well, history has taught us that it is always darkest before the dawn with economic downturns.  Employers reduce their workstaff as a last resort - not as the first one, and that is the biggest impact that is being felt at this point in time.  Unemployment, and the lack of new jobs, and the fallout from that.  More bankruptcies, more foreclosures, more store closings, etc.  But guess what?  The rate in which employers are reducing jobs is slowing.  Yes, jobs are still being lost, but for the last several months, the rate is slowing.  And temporary jobs are on the move.  Employers will first bring in temporary workers, until they see a positive trend in business.  Those temporary workers will most often be converted to permanent employees.  It is also a way for a company to "test drive" an employee, to make sure that employee will be a good investment in training time, benefits and other costs that are associated with permanent hires.

How long will it take us to "feel" better about economy?  Well, it depends on how deeply you are impacted.  We didn't get into this mess overnight, and it will not recover overnight.  For most people under the age of 40, this is the only recession they have ever "felt".  Those that lived through the never ending recessions of the 80's understand it just takes a little time.  In West Virginia, where I am from, the state was in recession almost for the whole 1980's it seemed.  The 80's recession(s) were deep and long, but once the engines got humming, the country got back on its feet in an great way.  We are not a nation of patience - we are a nation that wants what we want - and now.  This time - we just have to wait a little bit. 

So - don't give up, hang in there.  If you are looking for a job - keep at it!  If you haven't turned yet to temporary agencies to look for work, do that.  If you've done all of that and still nothing, go out and volunteer in your community.  Find a group that can benefit from your skills, whether it be in an office or out in the field somewhere.  You will make new contacts, and feel good at the end of the day. 

In the meantime, we will as a nation, pull together and one shovel at a time, dig ourselves out of this mess.

I'll be out and about in the neighborhood, keeping a close eye on things - so if there's something I can do for you, just let me know!

See ya around the neighborhood!