Grateful

What are you grateful for?
On Fridays I go to the gym at 7:30 and try to work off the calories and stress of the week. I plug into my computer and get to work by 8:45 or 9 or so and the craziness begins. I was leaving the gym today and the manager was at the desk and the person who should have been there was 10 minutes late. How in this economy can someone be so oblivious?
What about the employee who comes in late? The one who actually calls and says, my alarm clock didn't go off. Or they look like a wreck because they were clearly out partying the night before? What about the "bad seed" who is constantly carping about management or who stabs their co workers in the back?
I want to let everyone know that if some has a job and is not appreciative of it, they better find that appreciation fast. If you hear any friends whining about bonuses, or lack of raises, and you like them, please make sure they stop.

Yesterday we heard of over 1000 people laid off from MTV (unconfirmed), Citigroup did its eighth round this week (that we know of), several law firms are laying off hundreds of attorneys, JP Morgan Chase is about to announce layoffs and we think there are more to come at Goldman. Many of our friends with two kids in college paying full boat have lost jobs with few prospects in sight. This is not looking pretty.

Today we learned of another huge law firm that is in a quick death spiral. Their head of the firm was arrested. Not only that but they lived on leverage and didn't have the credit line to pay their partners and associates. When you can get a job, glamor matters so much less that honesty and integrity. The type of people you work with matters most.

Since I am basically an optimist, I have to say that there will be opportunities galore on the other side of this. Look forward don’t look back. We have some money in our pockets. We have our health. No honest job is too small, and no one should be afraid to reinvent themselves right now. Hang in and whenever possible, give someone a boost.