Most likely RIFs – aka reductions in force – (how I hate the terms these folks come up with) will unfortunately increase in the months to come.

And surely Financial Services is due for a shake out in US/UK and perhaps beyond? (Although a good hedge might be to get an IT job in the offices of the regulatory agencies These folks will be hiring haha!)

For more on the financial crisis over to our experts at Sinfest (no joke!)
http://www.sinfest.net/archive_page.php?comicID=2959

@Mark – I like the cartoon. It’s very poignant… it’s maybe the wrong way around though as it’s the taxpayers that are loaning the banks now, rather than the other way around!

@Simon – I hear you – but who are the banks being “encouraged” to loan the money to? (as well as to each other lol and the MNCs, and municipalities)

Why the illustrious Joe and Jane six-pack consumer, “homeowner” and credit card debt holder. I wonder if they realize what’s being done to them…again!!

Wow! I’ve overtaken Chris in the comments board. I hope he’s not a comment bot otherwise I’m done for (sorry, Chris R2D2, just my Irish humour..)

@Mark,

Don’t worry about me being a bot.

I briefly thought about writing one but then I couldn’t find the “irony” and “sarcasm” modules in the python standard library.

As far as the economy: The banks are still going to get creamed, splattered on The Wall.

The standard of living will decline and more people will struggle. But struggling is good for the soul and realizing what’s important: one’s health and family.

This is a necessary adjustment.

As far as the post itself: I know I will be out of a job Summer 2009, but then I am pursuing many other opportunities. Expenses are assured until Christmas 2009, so I’m doing ok there.

And absolutely it’s important to talk to people about these issues. I found that when it’s a national/global crisis, it’s a lot easier for people to talk about the precariousness of their financial situation. In times of crisis people support each other. Who would have thought?

@Chris – talking about *anything* that has an effect on a wide population is always good. I find it a kind of therapy, as do many of the people I talk to. Don’t you?

It’s interesting that we feel that we can talk about issues that impact us all, and then is it feasible to think that, because of this, we can all work together to resolve it?

There is an interesting service (might be UK only) called Zopa.com. There are probably similar services available elsewhere. This is a social lending service that cuts out the banks and is a way of loaning, or borrowing, with other people.

@Simon

Yeah, it’s always good to communicate about stressful issues. So many people share them. It gives us the ability to demonstrate empathy toward each other, which builds confidence.

As far as zopa, yes, there are services like that here.