Shut up, smile and nod...

Crikey, it's depressing out there. News cast after news cast talks about the recession, people being laid off, car companies failing, banks failing, companies cutting back... Honestly, the list goes on and on and on...

And yet I have somehow managed to be employed in an industry that is growing, well booming actually - particularly during these trying times.

I work in transit. (Most of the time... but that's another story.) Transit ridership is at an all time high. People can't afford their cars or the gas to move them. And then Obama promised mucho dollars in his "stimulus package" that has a direct impact on what we provide. We are BUSY and GROWING and if anything... I'm OVERWORKED and looking to HIRE new people.

So, I should be happy, right?

Well, I am. Except that I can't really share that. Most of the people I know have been affected by the current economy. Conversations usually start like this:

THEM: "How are things for YOU, being in Marketing and all? Usually the first to go, I assume..."

ME: "Ummm... good. Can't complain."

THEM: "But you must be worried about your job? Your company?"

ME: "No, we're ok. Just need to stay focused. Have had a good year actually."

THEM: (Shaking head in disbelief.) "Oh, right. But you can never be too careful..."

So I just shut up, smile and nod.