From CNN's Jack Cafferty:
The U.S. economy is hemorrhaging jobs. Almost 2 million have been lost in the last three months, but it turns out most Americans are not worried about losing their job.
Job seekers fill out applications at a California job fair.
A new USA Today-Gallup poll shows 68% of workers polled say they haven't been laid off in the last 6 months and aren't worried about getting a pink slip in the near future. Two percent say they have lost their job in that time - while 29% are worried about that happening. Also, 41% say they have family or close friends laid off in the last 6 months.
Meanwhile – there are some who suggest there can be an upside to losing your job. The Bishop of London says it actually might be a blessing in disguise. "Sometimes, people seem to be relieved to get off the treadmill and to be given an opportunity to reconsider what they really want out of life," said the bishop. He describes the so-called "crackberry" culture as being dangerously addictive.
The online magazine Mental Floss writes about 8 successful people who were actually grateful when they lost their jobs - including Jerry Seinfeld, Michael Bloomberg, Robert Redford and Bill Bellichick. After getting the boot from one gig, each of these folks was inspired to reach even higher levels of success.
Still, may not be totally convincing for the millions of Americans out of work and struggling to make ends meet.
Here’s my question to you: How concerned are you about losing your job?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Kerry writes:
Wrong tense for me. I've already lost mine but am still very worried and concerned for everyone else who hasn't. The real downturn is just now starting!
Phil writes:
Lost a great job in 2002. I opened a small business, and it went under in a year. Now I sell real estate. I'm self-employed so there is no pension, no unemployment, no welfare for me. My first job was pushing carts at an A & P Store...I expect that at 60 years old I will end up doing it again. I hate the life I lead and I don't expect that it will ever get better.
Larry writes:
Not at all. You see, I am a police officer in Trenton NJ, and crime is a growth industry in Trenton. The irony is, I will probably make more money in overtime due to a hiring freeze (to save money).
Greg from Detroit writes:
Worried? Yes. Just last week my job (in the steel industry) gave 22 people a half-hour notice that their services were no longer needed. Worried went out the window a while ago. I'm downright scared.
Adrienne writes:
I was once not concerned at all being that I am an accountant and it is tax season. However, now that accounting firms have been "outsourcing" U.S. tax prep to India for the last couple of years I wonder if my firm will replace me with a foreigner in a foreign land. Sad day for Americans when tax returns aren't even prepared in this country, and the firm doesn't even have to disclose to the client what country their return was prepared in.
Edouard in New York writes:
Frankly, Jack, I'm fine with what’s happening. As a freelancer, I’ve been living in fear for years.
Sue in Idaho writes:
Jack, I'm a business manager so I get up every day not only worried about my job but the jobs of those I supervise. I work in health care. But let's face it: nobody's job is safe, not even yours - although I'd hate to see you go!