[maxwell]

I don't think these boys are lookin' in the right places for employment. I am graduating with a Ph.D. in applied physics, and every place I want to work has available positions out the wazoo for engineers of all stripes and stages. Don't talk to ME about can't-find-a-job...

[Dutch Boy]

Even during huge downsizings most larger companies are still hiring for certain position. BTW - Who in this day and age doesn't keep an up to date resume and have at least several potential jobs lined up? When you have a plan in place you can act while the rest are scurrying around trying to remember what they have done for the last 20 years.

[A. Pole]

I don't think these boys are lookin' in the right places for employment.

In the individual case "lookin' in the right places" might help. Even during the Great Depression some people got nice jobs. But if the whole economy is shrinking millions will be out of work. One clever or lucky individual will only grab the job from the someone else. This is a zero sum game and you cannot blame the general crisis on the indolence of those who lose the game.

[Johnny Crab]

Methinks you may be correct. Are these "gov-scale" pay? That makes some engr's act like you want them to work at McDonalds.....too proud to work???

No "job" is forever...I'm EE with 14 years exp. and am looking at a possible "downsize-for-outsource" move where I'm employed. I do remember working 3 jobs and cleaning toliets at night BEFORE I went back to college so I KNOW I can handle whatever I MUST do to feed my family....