For half a household? Sure. The article doesn't mention the missus. If she can pull down 23K they will be right where they were. Or, if she already works, then times aren't as desparate as the article suggests. I wonder how many cars they own, what models, what size TV, what sort of cable/dish subscription, and other niceties they still maintain.
But my point is simply this: His employer isn't responsible for his finances. It's his mortgage and his bills. Live within your means and quit WHINING.