My last good paying job ended October 2001 and up until 2 weeks ago I was working 3 jobs for a total of 1/3 of what I was making a year ago. If we didn't have a years worth of expenses saved up, we'd be selling everything we have and renting.
At least now I have a good job until 2/28/3 but that's not even guaranteed. I also do the Altamont every day, Tracy to Cupertino - supposedly the worst commute in California. We'd move but the family is here and the wife's parents are elderly. We may not have a choice early next year. Times are tough as a software engineer so while I was working those three jobs I passed my real estate license test. At least now I have a backup in real estate or finance.
Since we home school the wife doesn't work - things are really tight!