I thought I’d get to this topic, simply because every other news broadcast talks about it – the bad economy. I’m not saying it is not important – in fact, I’m saying it is really important, which is why I am covering it. I’m going to discuss how the economy has affected my family and I, and then I hope to get some responses from my fellow readers!
Housing
Alright, I’m not one too complain at all – both of my parents (thank god) are still holding their jobs. I hear about layoffs from both of their companies often, and it is quite scary. But for now, neither have been laid off – so I can’t complain. Well, the economy has still affected us in a sense. We lived in a much bigger house in Canada, and ever since moving to California we have been living in a small two bedroom apartment. Of course California is more expensive than any part of Canada (real estate), but we did not ever expect to go from a 3000 square foot home to an apartment. For a family of four, this is obviously not sufficient space. I’ve taken the initiative and sleep in the family room on the couch – the man of the family I guess. My parents tell me to take the room, but I’d feel bad doing that. Plus, sleeping on the couch isn’t all that bad – kind of comfortable actually!
Leisure
I really do not spend as much for leisure purposes. My parents are really kind, and are not hesitant is giving money to go do what I want, but I always feel some sort of guilt in doing so. Thus, I try to avoid spending much for leisure purposes, and save where I can. I know my parents like to see me have fun, but I’m contempt as things are. Life isn’t always perfect, right? They sacrifice by going to work for 10+ hours a day – I can sacrifice some fun in order to help my family financially.
Mentally
Maybe I just grew up a bit too fast, but the economy has affected me mentally. I can constantly think about it, and hope my family will not be hit hard. I watch many of the teenagers around me continue to spend their parents money like they did before the economy went down – like they don’t care at all. I don’t understand how they can do it, and I feel that these teenagers need to think about their parents a bit more.
For the most part, these are the ways the economy has affected my family and I. I could probably think of some more ways, but these seem to be the main ones that come to thought immediately.
How has the economy affected you and/or your family? Are you doing worse than before? Are you dong better? How so?
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Our family is definitely making a lot less money that we were same time last year. One company (that I do not want to mention) was one of my long-term income sources since 2000 changed their policies at the end of last year and decided to get rid of the middlemen (one of them being me) and deal directly to the customer. That made them a lot more money, but definitely took a shot to our wallet. Also, my wife is a hair colorist in a high-end salon, and her business definitely has slowed down.
Fortunately for me, losing that one source of income has motivated me to build my business even stronger and to not depend as much on other businesses for my success. As over the years several companies I have been associated with have either changed their policies, sold their business or gone out of business, and each time taken a good income source with them.
The economy has not affected me, yet. At least not directly. When I look around a see a lot of people who have been affected. For example at my full-time job we have received more application over the past couple of months than we did for the previous 12 months. A lot of them over qualified and under qualified. People applying just for a chance of getting a job. Let’s hope it gets better.
oh man I was one of the luck people that maintained his job! I was doing well in sales and things are good within our company. It’s surprised too seeing all our sales are from the United States.
Thoughtfully I was ok and held me job. I think I’m good on all three levels!
Wow! 8 websites — that’s amazing. I’m way behind you!
Yes, I did receive your email. Moved the post. And I’m all logged into BlogEngage now. Thanks
We have a bad economy here on the Philippines even before the recession. So, there is no much effect on it in myself and my family.
Still okay with my company in Malaysia. Sales started to pick up. But still weak in earning.
Doug,
I’m sorry to hear that. Sometimes I wish humans would keep their morals, instead of taking actions that cause grief for other humans (as that company that changed their policies did to you). Sure, it made them a lot more money, but morally, I feel it was wrong. Then again, business isn’t always about morality — we all know what money does to humans.
I’m glad to see that you are motivated, and continue to grow more motivated. Your blog is doing quite well, and it is easy for me to see you’re a good businessman.
Jason,
Glad to hear you haven’t been hit by the bad economy, directly at least. I agree — many people applying, but little getting hired. Sad thing is, many of these people (like you said) are over qualified, yet they can’t get the job.
Brian,
I’m glad to see you held your job, and are doing good financially!
oh wait I’m wrong! I have felt it financially on my websites! I have about 8 in total. Less income these days from ads!
ok good stuff!
Vic,
I’m sorry to hear that. Some of the countries around the Philippines have had bad economies for years and years. It seems a bit unfair for us Americans to complain, when there are people out there who have it much worse. I’m originally from Iran, so I can relate to how bad some people have it (in Iran). I also have a few friends who were born in Philippines, and have told me a lot of stories about the place.
Keep focused on your blog, and you can rise above everyone, and better your family!
Good to see sales are picking up!