US unemployment 9.2%, real unemployment 16.2% [insert sad emoticon]

Employment rate calculated by the US Department of Labor (July 2011)

As of June 2011, the national unemployment rate is at 9.2%. But the Real Unemployment Rate is estimated to be 16.2% or over 25 million American workers. I've read that some believe that states like California are well into the 22-25% range of real unemployment.

Real unemployment captures three statistics: the unemployment rate plus part time workers who really want to be full time workers and workers who recently left the workforce are categorized as 'marginally' attached.

http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/real-unemployment-rises-162-june-253-mil

Career Cheerleaders forming next week

Next week, a very good friend and I are opening up our career cheerleaders support group up to new people. To liven it up a bit, I'm going to offer a few quotes from a book that I found when cleaning out a friend's shed for $10 an hour.


1. Your Life Has Purpose and Meaning
2. Use a Strategy for Happiness
3. You Don't Have to Win Everytime
4. Your Goals Should be Aligned with One Another
#4 is really an eye opener. Some of these are a bit cheesy but sometimes we really need to be reminded of some of the basics. I can't afford a [certified] life coach so I will have to depend on me for the moment. I'll post the cheer session results next week!

EPS: Empty Pantry Syndrome

Empty Pantry Syndrome (aka EPS) occurs when an unemployed person's money runs out before that last trip to the grocery store. Just imagine, no money and nothing in the pantry. I know that last sentence is a double negative and its a double trouble type of problem when you are really hungry!                         Remedy: bulk up when you can, when times are good. Look for "Buy one get one free" and just buy the darn thing! When I grocery shop now, I look for the real deals. I always seem to spend more when I clip coupons, unless the item is free. Follow this advice and your hungry tummy will thank you. Job hunters must maintain their strength throughout the entire job search! Bon (discount) appetit!