My husband is an Industrial Designer and has worked for the same company for 16 years, the other guys who work for him (all industrial designers) have all been with the company for years (a couple of them have been there two years less than my husband). They did let go all of the graphic designers (except for one) when they moved everyone to California so I'm not saying that if you go into a field that a business would actually hire that you can't be laid off in this economy. Pre-recession my husband has fired a couple industrial designers & graphic designers but it was for their performance not the economy or the company shipping their jobs overseas.
My husband's cousin paints murals as well as other faux painting treatments in people's homes and businesses. He also flips houses on the side (his wife is a real estate agent). He is still doing just fine even in this economy, I know that it isn't as good as it was pre-recession but he has work and is doing fine.
I guess it is what kind of "artist" you are. There has to be a market for your talent, people like the poster above think that their "art" should be marketable even if the public doesn't want it. If you didn't have a job before the economy went to shit you aren't going to have one when it recovers and sure as heck aren't going to have one now.
H^5! Beg!
Isn't it amazing how SOme people think their fantasy should produce wealth, no matter what the circumstance!
As most here know I worked myself into the ground in construction. I enjoyed the hell out of it! I had to come to the realization what I was doing was for a much younger man. Growing old physically is a real bitch in some occupations. The days of a Foreman walking around barking orders to a crew have long gone. Everyone wears toolbags and contributes or you're down the road.
I adapted my skills to other forms of employment and make damn near the same money I did pushin' crews for a general contractor. I found my knowledge in how things are done physically to be of the utmost value to those that do not.
I've also found in this trashed out economy of the "Bummer", many people can no longer afford to hire a union employee or a contractor, to install the basics in their homes. DIY is the name of the game. Home Depot is down about 9% from last year, yet is still hiring part timers. I'm afraid that is going to slow down in the near future as prices are quickly on the rise. Even DIYers will draw the line somewhere. And you can forget about new housing for the foreseeable future!
For a quick example, 1/2" OSB board that sold for $6 2 weeks ago, is now $10.50. The reason for the spike is manufacturers cut back production right before Haiti and Chile tried to crumble into little pieces. What little we manufacture in this country now is basically down to bare minimum when it comes to stock.
Everyone has yet to see what our future tax base is going to be and don't dare accumulate assets that they may have to pay exorbitant tax on. Especially if it's just sitting on the shelves. Hell we trade between stores rather than order new, in order to keep our inventory at a minimum.
I sincerely hope we can outlast the "Big O" and his socialistic minions long enough to undo the damage! If not this country will wish for things to be as easy as the Great Depression. We have how many more mouths to feed now?
