Reply #7: The biggest difference in those 2 charts is the timeframe, not the workforce

[keopeli]

Yes, they are using two different sets of numbers. One is a percentage of the total currently employed and the other is a total number of jobs lost. Those two numbers are very different.

The workforce number, being a percentage, recalculates the total number of jobs existing at the end of every month.

If I have 100 employs and fire 10%, I'll have 90 left. Next month, I'll only fire 9, but it will still be 10% because I will only have 90 employees. This doesn't tell me how many lives are being affected; this tells me how business is doing and that's about it.

The total number of jobs lost is the human toll - how many lives are being affected. You can compare this number to the total US population and get a good sense of how many people around you are affected.

But, the REAL difference in these charts is what you SEE. The workforce (%) chart is comparing 10 recessions over 75 years and provides the best and worst case scenario. The jobs total chart is comparing 3 recessions over 20 years. With a far smaller sample, this chart looks much more dramatic (because it is).

I say, take heart! All recessions are terrible for those who lose their jobs, even mild ones. Be patient, proactive and positive. It will, indeed, pass.

The last recession I lost everything and it's taken me a lot of time and hard work to recover. I vowed not to expose myself to the corporate culture again until labor laws change. I started my own business doing something I love. I ate macaroni and peanut butter for a LONG TIME. But, if you set your mind to succeeding, you will.

Ignore the charts and celebrate the life you have! I'll be rooting for you!

Peace

Keo