The Economy Stinks

The Kansas City Star highlights some interesting employment trends in a recent story, including the fact that about 25 percent of working women 25-years-old or older have a part-time job. The article also says that about 2 million more workers are in part-time jobs now compared to last year.

While part-time jobs usually don’t offer the benefits of a full-time job, they can help patch a troubled family financial situation.

For people looking for work, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics offers a resource page for jobseekers that may provide helpful information.

Husbands and wives would like to share many things, perhaps, but the experience of being laid off — especially when it’s at the same time — isn’t one of them. An article from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel addresses this unfortunate phenomenon, providing helpful tips such as “Agree to take turns being the more supportive and optimistic partner”. In down times, it’s important to manage your emotions as well as your money, experts say.

More stay-at-home parents are hunting for jobs, according to the Charlotte Observer.

The article includes tips for those re-entering the workforce after years — or even decades — because of the economy. One tip that’s manageable for anyone is this: “Keep your job skills fresh. Instead of completely checking out of the workforce when you have children, join networking sites online, volunteer and maintain professional contacts.”

One place to look for volunteer opportunities that match your skill set is through the United Way of the Plains’ Volunteer Center. A quick search showed may opportunities for clerical help, office support and data entry, for example, all skills that certainly could be applicable in whatever may become your next job.

In case you missed it, a story in Sunday’s Eagle took a look at the economy and health insurance.

If you’ve lost your job and are trying to research what your health insurance options are, check out this resource from a nonprofit consumer advocacy group Families USA.