Many of them do not know (or care) about all the technological changes that could make their lives easier. For some, the computer is that thing that the kids play with, for some others, social media is unknown; much of the software and hardware that you use without even thinking about it, is from another planet.

Flexibility is the main asset that one can have during these uncertain times. If you pigeonhole yourself into thinking that you can only do one type of job, you will be among those of the lost.

@HRU You deserve a good 2010. I’m with you.

@Neil Thanks! Good comment!

@TheHRD Whoa, dude, you are cynical. I’m still trying to figure out how to advise working class readers. I think those that leverage social media give themselves an edge — even in the hourly marketplace. Gotta think more about this. Thanks.

@Patrick Dude, I’m pro-Stuart Smalley. I think he’s brilliant. As are you!

@MattyMat Do you read tax girl? You might like her blog. http://www.taxgirl.com/

@China The feeling is mutual.

@LatinaHR I’ve also learned that I have to keep up with my knowledge and skills in order to stand out from the large crowds of jobless applicants. I wish we could free up enough $$ so you could start your own business. You sound like you’ve learned good lessons.

@Sterling I think they just hustled. Is there a hustle template?

@InkedHR Thanks. Ya know, when the not-so-good Bath & Body Works goes out of business, I’ll know the market is working.

@H.Aria Oh snap, my post sucks. I like your version better.

@Marsha Oh don’t get me started about Jack Welch. Good quote but he can ‘change’ because he has the luxury of seeing things that others don’t see — and he has the wealth to influence and create change that benefits him. That being said, you are right. Adaption is hard but only the strong survive.

@Charlie I’m thankful we’ve found one another in this crazy world. PS — My grandparents sounded like whiners. I love them, but really, it’s all been boiled down to ‘back in the day’ memories that don’t sound very real. I know things were tough, but I suspect that the human condition precludes us to whining about everything. My gramma says, “We were lucky to get half a pig for the winter and ate everything including the oink.” Really? Did you eat the oink? I’m gonna guess you didn’t. You probably also hated your neighbors who got the better half. That’s humanity.

@GenX Hell yeah and holla for good bosses. Thank you for that.

@Mark No, no, no. I want to resist sensibility. I want a birkin bag. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birkin_bag

@Ian True dat. Thank you.

@Pop/Ice You can contact Marsha Keefer at http://mintresumes.wordpress.com/ who is willing to do some pro-bono work with job seekers. HEY EVERYONE — THAT’S AN OPEN INVITATION FOR YOU, TOO.

My boss was amazing this last year. He made necessary cuts and spent $ where necessary. We’re ending the year on budget. No surplus, but no loss, either.