What is going on here???

Since March, I've personally known 4 of my friends to have gotten laid off, each with jobs in totally different fields. When I was younger, my family experienced the "hard times" that come with lay offs: the budget cuts, the sacrifices, and most importantly the prayers that help us to endure the harsh reality. Back then, it was our parents who got laid off, the older ones in the work place because they could easily be replaced by a younger, smarter and essentially "cheaper" staff.

Now fast forward 10 years and that younger generation, who is STILL part of that "young crowd", is getting laid off! What the heck is going on here?? Fresh out of college, we are expected to jump into our careers and start a foundation for ourselves. Now, fresh out of college, no one wants to hire you simply because the company can't afford you!

I've been in this job market for 2 years now --- unsuccessful. I grew up in a generation that taught us that if we finished college, we would have a promising future and a stable job. Through my endless job searching and opening myself to pathways of different career choices, I end up with broken promises. It's true, you're degree will get you somewhere -- the first interview. The rest comes from what the company wants, and you don't always fit their list of needs.

I'm honestly scared. I'm scared that this economy won't stable out enough to feel "ok." I'm not ok! I haven't been ok. My last months as a personal trainer is when I started to see the downfall. My loyal clients were starting to struggle to re-sign with me. I had to break down packages for them just so I can continue to work with them. If they were struggling, that meant I was struggling too!! Then with my faith in education, I thought I could find something a little more stable. The outcome? --- No matter how much you hear about the need of more teachers, they fail to tell you what exactly is in demand.

Will we ever be just "ok?" Five years ago, I had a stable full time job with decent pay and was a full time student. Now, I am no longer a student and have accomplished a degree, yet I have a job that pays less and has absolutely nothing to do with what I graduated with. Yes I think positive all the time.... but when are the outcomes ever going to be positive? I am still thankful for the humble paycheck I still get because at least something is coming in. This generation needs help! This nation needs help! When can we all get back to how we use to live?!!?? When can we stop worrying about working and just work again??