We have all heard about the economy, the slow down, the massive layoffs expected and the of course the bailouts of large financial organizations failings, etc.

This weekend a brief comment was thrown over a shoulder of a pretty important person, saying that he thought much of the layoffs in Mass. were an excuse for some large companies to downsize and get rid of overhead, people and failing projects. Really an excuse??? My response, I could see 10% of employee population but how about the huge layoffs of over 40% that can't be an excuse, can it? Won't it hurt the company so much more if people think their money isn't safe, or if the company is failing....???? His answer: a smirk, and "not if everyone is in the same boat".

Why is this comment bothering me so much? The answer: Because people's livelihoods and wellbeings are at stake. If this is true its unethical, and unamerican. The impact is huge.

My question to you. How much of all that is going on in our industry is Truth vs. Fear? Slowdown vs. Disaster? I know we can't speak of our businesses and clients confidential information---but how have you individually been impacted? How has your business, recruiting, or clients been impacted? Are you seeing truth in the numbers of profit sheets relative to layoffs, and economic slow down?