Are things as bad as they say they are, or only as bad as you think they are?

No ?

I did read the thread and it's been really interesting and i feel i've learned quite a lot more about the average person's situation as a result of this credit crunch, in fact it's been more illuminating than most of the media coverage.

So thanks everyone for contributing and making me realise that this is for real and not just purely media hype. It's definitely opened my eyes and for that I thank you.

I am on maternity leave at the moment so we are financially feeling the pressure, despite having savings to help us through this time. I am expecting things to be difficult when I return to work as I work in mergers and acquisitions and the market has been slowing down for quite a time. We have seen less and less deals go through and funding is more difficult to obtain. I would like to think my job is reasonably safe but who knows really. I am a qualified accountant so could look at other avenues. H is in IT in the city and has said things are getting tight there but again he should be able to get a job elsewhere and if worse came to the worse, we would both work in Tesco.

As to the weather, I have been disappointed by it - I thought a lovely summer while I am on mat leave would be great but it has passed me by!

Dont count on that! That's where MrP works part time and cant get full time, and they aren't taking anyone on or giving out overtime

I thought this too - it's been pretty dire! It's not as if I want it blistering hot with a newborn baby but I a little bit of sunshine and dry days would have been nice. Especially since both my camping holidays last year were rain, rain and more rain. Not to mention having a toddler confined to the house for long periods - thank goodness he's started preschool this morning. I mean we have waterproofs but when its torrential downpours it's no fun in the garden with him, me and a baby!

As for the whole jobs thing - I am planning on becoming a childminder so am drastically reducing my income, assuming I actually manage to get some children to look after. I spend a great deal of time on the forums of Moneysavingexpert (especially their Old Style board) looking for ways to cut expenditure on food etc. I just hope we can manage on a reduced income with our outgoings on the rise.........

I am aware it's happening, it's around me, but it doesn't seem "real" to me ifyswim. In that thankfully, no one close to me has lost their home or job-yet. I suppose it's also in part because as long as people/parents continue to abuse children, they'll be social workers and the need for managers-and that's me. I suppose I may see a decrease in the rates I can command in subsequent contracts. H is with the Police.

H goes on about us "tightening our belts" with particular regard to travel-we do go away a lot. I worry about the proposed increase in air fares as if I am honest, I don't want to rein that side of our lives in drastically. That said, I am a grown up, and I'd do what I need to do if our financial situation became untenable.

I notice (and complain) about the soaring cost of the weekly shop, and try to be more thrifty (meal planning, not buying loads more than we need etc) but that's a bit hit and miss.

I suppose I am a person who is generally optimistic and if I tend to worry it's about the personal (health/relationships/pressure of work/other people) in the main.

That said, H is different. He is less "live for today" and much more aware of, and concerned about how a recession will impact upon us.

Interesting thread. I am feeling extremely fortunate I have a very secure job, at least for the next 4 years anyway. Fingers crossed, H should be okay too but nothing is ever guaranteed so I will just count my blessings, work hard to pay off the small debts we have and certainly take no more on. I know very little about what has been predicted to happen but it seems common sense that the country couldn't go on endlessly taking everything on credit with no repurcussions.

Regarding the weather, I immediately thought of this:

There's no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing so get yourself a sexy raincoat and live a little.

Billy Connolly

Very interesting to read how the financial climate is affecting others.

Being a singleton and taking out a mortgage on my house for just me in April, I did buy kind of wisely. I didn't go to my max and bought a property that long-term, if I move internationally, I was hoping is desirable as a rentable property. But I only have me to rely on and that is very scary. My job is as secure as it can be after getting redeployed in January our department is at the bare bones of what we can manage on. In saying that, my job is one of those that doesn't exist outside of this industry and my skills are quite specialised and not easily transferable - now, that worries me.

I do worry about pals who are maxed on their mortgage however. I have at least two sets of friends who I know have (similar to MA). I wonder how they are feeling right now.

The weather - well, am I a bit freakish by saying that I actually like the rain ?

Oh dear for Mr P. I think it depends on the geographic area you are in as ours still seem to be advertising for staff, although I don't know if that is part time / full time / unsociable hours etc.

Well today's news is that there is work for Mr Layabout to do (hurrah) but the rain means he can't do it* (boo). Once again, our path to fortune is strewn with cowpats from the devil's own satanic herd.

*builders melt in the rain or something, I don't know. It means he can sit in the office playing online RPGs help me make birthday cakes all day though, which is good.

I cannot be bothered to worry about it. We have two businesses, we will either get through it or go bankrupt. While obviously I don't WANT to go bankrupt, that is genuinely the worst thing that can happen, and that ain't so scary. I think not having kids helps me not worry about stuff like that, I am more worried about our staff!.

We are not currently feeling any effects, we're in a good area, we'll crack on with working hard and see what happens.

L
xx

That is pretty much how we feel about it all. I think it really helps having your own business as you have to get a thick skin and used to going through really bad times, as a matter of course ?

Yes, it's a good point. Good times are 'yay, we are getting by' and the rest of the time (ie mostly) it's a bit rough anyway, isn't it? So bring it on, lol

L
xx

It is a little worrying but i don't see the point in worrying as its all a bit out of my hands - there's nothing more i can do than do my job to the best of my ability to protect my job - if people stop buying doors there's not a lot i can do about that. Dr L's job is secure i think and although it would be no fun at all we could live on his wage for a bit.

the food prices are quite surprising, i mean cheese has gone up loads.

i like rain and i love the british climate, i like not knowing what's coming next.