Complaints are up…Used to be…The Tough Get Going

Ever notice that when times are tough, complaints go up?  I remember the old saying “when times are tough, the tough get going” but things seem so different now…

Here are a few examples:

1) Age-discrimination complaints are up - baby boomers are aging and as a result are more vulnerable to losing their jobs than their younger counter parts when companies cut costs.  Why? Well, they make more money and trimming costs would be better for the company if the higher paid employees are cut.

2) Teen jobs are scarce - ‘Summer Job Fairs’ are scarce and they were usually plentiful.  Teens are complaining that there are less job opportunities (and they’re correct) at restaurants and shopping malls because of a slowing economy.  These kids know why…they study economics in school.  But they also need money for college and they can earn it with a summer job.  Now, with fewer jobs available it creates more pressure for parents sending their kids off to school and they cut-back spending in other areas, contributing to a downward economic spiral.

3) Law Suits Are Up - I provide Expert Witness service for attorneys and I have been participating in 5 cases in the last 4 months.  Normally I would see 5 cases in a 3 year period.  People are angry and begin to dissect their transaction looking for a flaw…and then the attorney phone rings.

Your comments are welcome…

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.

Best regards, Michael Caruso

~ by Michael A. Caruso on May 5, 2008.