[T.B. Yoits]

The two income problem is showing it ugly head in this economy. A lot of these open jobs were filled not only with second individual income jobs but also a working spouse who wanted the second income, wanted not NEEDED is the key here.

In addition to the retirements from people who could have retired years ago, I see a lot of the second income job workers have pulled back.

It really hit food services and retail, and especially seasonal businesses. I know firsthand of small companies that have six or seven full-timers, mostly to cover the slower weekdays, and 20-25 part-timers to cover the weekends and busy holidays. Many of those part-timers left.

One way the owners cope is by shortening business hours, closing at 6 or 7 instead of 9 or 10. One of my favorite food joints closes at 8 instead of 11.

[dfwgator]

I note at the grocery store, during peak time, at most will be two open cashiers, and I end up having to bag my own groceries because there’s nobody there.

So now, basically whereas I used to do one trip per week, I do two, and just get enough to be able to do the self-checkout.