40% of CEOs Expect to Cut Jobs

That's right - 40% of US CEOs expect to cut jobs in the next 6 months.

I don't have much else to say about that. With the economy back on the uptick (fingers crossed anyway) we'll just hope that those 40% don't actually have to cut jobs.

Click here to read the article on Reuters

10,000 pages and counting

This may or may not come as a newsflash to all of you but I'm a pretty big book nerd. I just really like reading. I know... I know...

That said, one of my 2008 goals was to read 10,000 pages over the course of the year. Sadly, I fell short by 12 pages. 12 pages!! It was horrendous. Granted, for the pages to count I had to have finished the book so... I probably did hit the 10,000 pages but, this is a rules game my friends.

Good news? This morning I pushed my 2009 tally over 10,000 pages (to 10,037 to be exact)! I know I haven't officially announced this goal to the blogosphere but I feel the nerdy victory needs to be celebrated nonetheless. I'm pretty jazzed about the whole thing - especially because I've accomplished a yearly goal an entire quarter early!

Alright, enough of my self important smugness, on to the list!

Animal Vegetable Miracle - Barbara Kingsolver (400)
The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold (328)
Magical Thinking - Augusten Burroughs (268)
In the Forest - Edna O'Brien (273)
Kept: A Comedy of Sex and Manners - Y. Euny Hong (268)
The Memory Keeper's Daughter - Kim Edwards (401)
The Abstinence Teacher - Tom Perotta (368)
A Star Called Henry - Roddy Doyle (342)
Maynard & Jennica - Rudolph Delson (296)
Blindness - Jose Saramago (326)
Pride & Prejudice & Zombies - Seth Grahame-Smith and Jane Austen (320)
On Chesil Beach - Ian McEwan (176)
Everything You Know - Zoe Heller (198)
Bridge of Sighs - Richard Russo (642)
Forever in Blue - Fourth Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants - Anne Brashares (416)
The Mermaid Chair - Sue Monk Kidd (332)
Taft - Ann Patchett (246)
Third Summer of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants - Anne Brashares (338)
The Magician's Assistant - Ann Patchett (357)
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao - Junot Diaz (337)
Q & A - Vikas Swarup (336)
In Defense of Food - Michael Pollan (206)
Second Summer of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants - Anne Brashares (373)
White Tiger - Aravind Adiga (276)
Joe College - Joe Perotta (306)
Epileptic - David B. (166)
This Common Secret - Susan Wicklund (268)
A Good and Happy Child - Justin Evans (322)
My Century - Gunter Grass (276)
This is Your Brain on Music - Daniel Levitin (261)
Txtng: the gr8 db8 - David Crystal (232)
boy meets girl - Meg Cabot (383)

What have you read this year? Any suggestions?

Reversing Pay Cuts - Sign of the Times

I know I've said it before but the "recession is very nearly almost completely sort of over". Don't believe me? I don't blame you.

That said, CNN Money ran a piece on Friday about employers re-instating pre-economic-meltdown salaries. You heard me right. Companies are actually going back to their employees and saying 'Thanks! We're giving you some money back."

Don't get me wrong. I think it's great that some companies are stepping up and doing the right thing. Yes, in some cases employees pulled together and took pay cuts for the whole of the company, but I think in many cases, employees felt like they had no choice. While I don't know too many people who were out of work due to the economic failings of 2009, nearly everyone I know either took a pay cut or had to do without an increase - even the mediocre "cost of living" increase. I can tell you that the "cost of living" definitely did not go down because of the economy. Nearly everyone I know was, in effect, taking a pay cut without it even being official.

Again, I think it's great that some companies are stepping up and giving back to their employees but it would be even better to see companies really manning up on this. Give those employees a raise, give them back the salary they lost during that year of cutbacks. Hell, buy them a few beers at the very least. And to all of you companies who used the economy as an excuse (because I know you're out there) - Shame on you! We all know you're not giving anything back, you're holding on to every extra percent with your grubby little paws.

On a personal note, money isn't everything. I took a pay cut for the job I'm in now but clearly, pay wasn't my #1 motivating factor (if you recall the whole quitting without a new job situation). And I don't think this is really about the money either. 2009 is not the 60s, I get it. We're not staying with one company our whole lives or devoting ourselves to the corporate overlord or developing pension plans... but that doesn't mean that a familial atmosphere doesn't lend itself to a more productive workplace. Personally speaking, I am far more productive when I am happy and I feel valued and respected. You can't put a dollar sign on that.

Read the entire article on CNN Money

Unemployment Extension

You might already know that the House voted this week to extend unemployment benefits for some Americans. It doesn't apply to everyone but slightly more than 50% of these, our united states, have an unemployment rate over 8.5% - the cutoff for 13 more weeks of unemployment benefits.

Yes, Fed Chairman said the recession is very likely nearly sort of over or something - but it seems to be pretty well excepted that unemployment is going to remain a problem for quite awhile. I keep reading that there are nearly 6 unemployed for every available job. I wonder if this number comes only from those claiming unemployment (and thus, does NOT take into account the folks whose benefits have already run out or who are not eligible - a reminder, that would have been me) or if it's everyone over 18 without a job (a number that is shockingly wrong the other way) or if it's a truly believable number that should terrify me.

Does anyone know?

Read about the Benefits Extension on The Consumerist

Innovate or Die

Some of you might know that my new job is at a company that is practically nonexistent. Not in terms of passion or output or even relevance but in terms of actual, physical employees. Seriously, I could fit all of the full timers in my car and drive them to the company meeting. If we had such things.

I've had a handful of jobs in my life - most of which have been at smallish companies. (I believe we covered this a little in the post Corporate America is Missing the Trust.) I've found that my personality and skill set just does not mesh well with staid bureaucracy and status quo ideas of production, job description, and worth. Okay, that was a little harsh but you get the point.

We all know that years ago it was the norm to put in your whole career with one (or a few) companies. Dedication and loyalty was rewarded and there were actual, honest to god pension plans! It's just not that way now - for most of us. The average job length is something ridiculous like 18 months and some people think nothing of flitting from one position to another. I don't quite fall into the new job every year mindset obviously but I do understand that I am not expecting to stay where I am forever.

I was talking to my Dad about my new job last night - he works for an unnamed giant company - and about how small companies can be a risk (I'm currently trying to decide whether or not to purchase the stock options from my old small company). The thing is, the big companies aren't any safer. Companies of all sizes and shapes have folded, experienced lay offs, frozen salaries, etc. In fact, one might argue that working for a small company - where you know everyone and people are truly more willing to pull together for the good of the all - might even be more secure in times of economic uncertainty. It certainly increases the chances for mind-blowing success!

Click here to read an article about Obama's love of the entrepreneur

(Slightly) Valid Blog Alert!

Okay, I know what you're going to say. This blog isn't exactly relevant to employment/unemployment/recession news but it is relevant to those who are unemployed and, let's face it, could use a chuckle.

I admit I haven't read through the entire blog so I'm not sure of all of the posts but here's an impromptu list of the things I liked when I was unemployed (in the past) and things I looked forward to when I thought I was going to be unemployed again:

- Hours upon hours of anxiety attacks (woo!)
- Daytime TV!
- Shopping when everyone else was at work
- Honestly, doing all errands when everyone else was at work
- Reading all day
- Working out when the gym was not crowded (in theory)
- Never changing out of pajamas
- Walking to the dog park and watching the dogs without judgment
- Finding ways to not spend any money for days at a time
- Convincing friends and loved ones to pay for things (sad)

Take some time and walk through Stuff Unemployed People Like

And, what did you/do you like when you're unemployed?

Wrap-Up of Almost News

Hello dear readers. I apologize for the lack of posts in the past few days. You already know that weekends are hard for me - in terms of posting. I've been running around like a crazy person the past few days and honestly, nothing has really tickled my fancy enough to comment.

In lieu of a full on post, I've decided to give you a quick wrap-up of some of the things I've read. Articles that warrant one or two sentences of comment but not an entire post, as it were.

1. California is the most jobless it's been in 70 years. This seems shocking. 70 years?! Is this really a reflection of the recession in California or are more people moving to the big C-A to be unemployed in the sun? I'm not saying that's a bad plan, I'm just asking is all.
Click here to read the entire article in The New York Times

2. Maryland is the country's top earning state (over $70k btw). Really? Maryland? And yes, I know, Maryland is more expensive to live in than say, oh Mississippi (quoted in the piece) but let's be frank. Is it more expensive than oh, California (see above), New York? Massachusetts? I'm guessing no but maybe I'm wrong.
Click here to read the entire article on CNNMoney

3. Turns out California isn't the only state that's hurting. The United States lost fewer jobs in August than we did in July (by about 60k) but 27 states (+ DC) saw their unemployment rates rise.
Read the entire article on USA Today

Valid Blog Alert!

I came across Well Heeled, With a Mission today. I feel an affinity for this blogger - focused on saving for the future but also on enjoying the moment. I'll be watching her upcoming posts but for today wanted to link you to her ABOUT page.

Click here to read About Well Heeled, With a Mission

I dig her format too. Maybe I'll reach out and we'll become Blog friends.

Her post today - about how to make the most of a Job Fair would be useful to those who are looking. Like everything, figure out what your top priorities are and focus on those. I wholeheartedly agree that we are more likely to succeed with a Top 3 than when trying to do each and every thing.

That said, I know you're still waiting for Goals #2 and #3... sweet suspense.

Goal #1 - The Road to the Record

Some of you already know that I have been toying with this idea for awhile now but I kept going back and forth on whether or not this was appropriate for Quitsville. In the end, it's too much fun to not share.

The back story:
A few months ago I was approached to play Dr. Mario. Sadly for my opponent, I spent roughly a million hours playing this game as a kid and I'm pretty good. Apparently, I'm good enough that a few of my nearest and dearest have decided I could be the world champ.

Ridiculous no?

After weeks of discussion and practice, I've begun to believe them.



So, Goal #1 - Claim the title for highest score on Dr. Mario (either on the original Nintendo or in the actual arcade). To officially get on the list you have to either videotape it or have a referee watch the entire game. Yikes!

Click here to view the high scores on Twin Galaxies website

The Recession is Over!

Alright, maybe that is a more strongly worded statement than the "recession is very likely over" comment we received earlier this week but I'm pretty sure that my title is closer to what we were actually supposed to think. Contrary to whatever the Federal Reserve Chairman might think, many people are not lining up on this topic. According to a Slate piece run today (by my much beloved Emily Bazelon), a lot of people just don't think the recession is very likely over.

To be fair, Bernanke didn't stop at that comment. He did admit that the economy will still feel very weak for awhile and that economic growth in 2010 will only be "moderate."

Don't put your party hats away just yet. It may not be a bacchanale inducing victory but I think we all admit we have to start somewhere.

For me, the biggest, loudest, most obvious sign of the recession was my job search. I admit, I am not currently looking (I've got to give the new position a few weeks at least!) and as such, I feel pretty insulated from the whole economic downturn. All of my friends who lost jobs in the last year are employed again (as far as I know) and I'm not trying to sell my house, find a new job, etc. etc.

What do you all think? Is the recession waning?

Click here to read the piece on Slate

Click here to read the MarketWatch coverage of Bernanke's speech

Quitsville becoming Goalville?

As some of you know, I've really been struggling with what is going to happen to Quitsville now that I'm well... not quitting anymore. And I'm gainfully employed. And not broke (relatively). And, the whole point of trying to survive without a real life job is gone.

So... what now? I love writing in here regularly and am attached to the voice I've created. I don't want to switch names so Quitsville is sticking around - even if it doesn't make sense.

In thinking through this I've struck upon an idea. Yes, Quitsville was about quitting my job and about quitting the negative situation I was in. But more than that, it was about taking action to change the things I wanted to change. In a way, it was about taking control of the situation and not being the victim... essentially, my goal was to leave my job and quitting was the means of achieving that goal.

I know, it's a stretch. But honestly, I've been wracking my brain trying to think of things I want to quit. And there are things yes. I want to quit eating like a savage on the weekends. I want to quit avoiding the gym. Etc. But I'm certainly not going to write a blog about my quest to eat more carrot sticks on Saturday. Because, really, who cares?

What does this all mean? Quitsville will keep its name (and I will do my best to write in quitting lingo - as well as maintain the commentary on the wacky world of employment) but we're switching gears folks. Starting this week, I'm going to focus on what I want to START not what I want to STOP (or okay, what I want to quit not doing - happy?).

I'm saving the unveiling of the goals for another day but stay tuned, they're coming. Ridiculous, fulfilling, for the maintenance of health or sanity - no rock unturned.

All quiet...

I have to admit to you all that I'm feeling pretty uninspired for blog posts today. I've read a number of relevant articles - including one on what ugly people should do to be hired and the fact that the American workforce is increasing in age - but nothing is stimulating my blogging creativity.

I have a theory that my focus is being held elsewhere as we watch the country duke it out (metaphorically and literally) over universal health care. I'll try not to let this get partisan but there is something in my patriotic blood (this is only partially sarcastic) that gets pretty rankled when someone blatantly attacks the president.

Yes, we should have an open discourse on policy and yes, everyone has a say and even yes, I have entirely, 100% openly disagreed with past presidents. However, I'm not an elected official and the scope of the folks listening while I dissented? Pretty tiny overall.

I, of course, have my own very strident opinions on what should or should not happen with Universal Health Care and who should or should not be covered, but I'll keep those to myself until this turns into a political blog. For now, I'll just mention the obvious. A bad day at my job doesn't compare.

Unemployment Sucks... Duh?

I know that my title is a little bratty but bear with me.

Yesterday I read an article with this title:
Study: unemployed feel 'traumatized' by recession.

I didn't blog about it yesterday because at first blush, the article seemed fairly obvious and irrelevant. That was my mistake. Overnight, I kept thinking about this article and getting more frustrated with the whole idea of this.

When I was unemployed (roughly 4 years ago for 4 months) I wasn't in danger of losing my house (I rented) or going bankrupt or hurting my family (I was flying nearly solo at that point) but the experience was incredibly stressful. I had unemployment and savings and as much stability as one can find without knowing when they'll find another job. And yet, I was a mess. Sure, the first month or so was great - it was summer, I wasn't working, etc. But as the days grew shorter and my calendar remained devoid of interview appointments, I started suffering from what I can only assume were anxiety attacks.

For those of you who have been unemployed for any amount of time (especially those who, like me, suffer from a certain tendency to overachieve) will understand this anxiety - my father was out of work for 18 months while I was in college and I know he remains changed by the experience - but more and more it's looking like this is not as common sense as we might think.

When I was unemployed, a "friend" of mine basically told me to quit my whining, that I was lucky to not be working. Admittedly, she wasn't the most sensitive person I've ever met but beyond that, I think there is a stress from being unemployed (even when your circumstances remain fairly stable) that we don't quite understand until we're in the thick of it.

Trouble sleeping... strained relations with family members... increased dependency on alcohol... Check. Check. And check. Been there.

Beyond the worries about money and security, there's a general unease that comes with unemployment. In a society so based around what we do and how "successful" we are at work, who are you when you don't have a job?

Click here to read the entire article

Corporate America is Missing the Trust

Hello dear readers! Today is the last day of my first week at the new job - say that three times fast - and it feels like the perfect day to say shame on you to corporate America for the lack of trust they seem to show their workers. Now, I have to admit that the caveat to this is I've never really worked for corporate America. I've only spent 6 months at a company that had more than 75 employees and yes, it was the worst.

However, generalization isn't always wrong.

I'm sure you're all familiar with the first week at a new job phenomenon wherein you don't check your facebook page or your personal email or anything else online in order to appear the fastidious, hardworking employee you promised them you were. I admit, I started the week that way myself but then I experienced something unexpected. My new company actually said to me "we find it helps if you have gmail up all day."

Whaaa?

I mean, okay. If they want gmail up all day, I will have gmail up all day. Has it significantly distracted me from work? No. Has it prevented me from learning and absorbing all week? No. If anything, it's helped me to relax. I don't have to panic and hide my email each time a coworker comes near. I don't have to strategically plan my email checking. I actually get facebook updates from coworkers during the day!

So corporate America, listen up. Maybe instead of obsessively watching your employees internet usage and scanning their emails for "inappropriate" words and generally making them feel like bad people for not being automatons during the work day, loosen up. Instill a little trust in your employees and vice versa. It might even turn out that by acknowledging the fact that folks have a life outside of work (especially when you're asking them to work upwards of 40 hours each week) might even make people want to spend more time at work.

We can dream anyway.

Workplace Suicides Up

This is a pretty morbid post but I thought this was fascinating. In 2008, workplace suicides was the highest it has been since tracking started in 1992 but deaths at work are down.

What does that mean!?

Read the entire article on Boston.com

I'm also sort of disappointed. I would like more information on this report. Who? Where? Etc.

I'm sorry that folks are this despondent at their jobs.