Love in the Time of Layoff: Recession Killed My Romance
Published: Apr 30, 2009
As their relationship grew stronger over two years of visiting, talking, emailing and Skyping, they made plans to move in together – in December 2008, he was to pack up and join her in Oregon.
At the same time, the economic clouds were moving in. The job market was getting worse in a hurry. Meanwhile, Lesa’s ten years as a social worker for the state of Oregon gave her security and stability there (somewhat – Oregon’s unemployment rate is 12.5% and states are not exactly guaranteeing employment anymore), but then Ken, a mental health therapist, was offered a full-time position in Florida.
Neither of them was ready – or in any financial position – to ditch stable employment for a big move. They decided to put the plans on hold. [more]