Electrical Components

We likely are already in a recession, (we only know for sure when we can look back in the rear view mirror). We live in a world economy that needs to grow at exponential rates just to "break even" so when we slow in the slightest we are immediately in the negative. Look at gold, silver, oil. Commodities always shine in a recessionary environment but I am going off topic.

I don't think it will hinder employment in terms of # jobs but I think it will hurt us all in compensation. Engineers will be looked upon to innovate society out of the slump, but inflation will increase at a rate that will exceed our pay increases as well as being expected to work longer hours and travel without fair compensation. Everyone outside of the most elite and govt officials will have a diminished standard of living. And because in reality we will be earning less than we were before there is a good chance career engineers will leave the profession to follow some other path.

My gauge for determining the state of the electrical engineering job market is to look at the "want ads" in the back of EE Times. A few years ago there were almost none; recently there have been quite a few.

MRDPE

http://TheProfessionalEngineer.com

Your view no doubt is an optimistic one, though it has to be remembered that creation of job markets is still comparatively less than what it actually should be. The Engineers are manufactured more than the market demands.

TS

I sure has hurt me. I am a sub-contractor that has been out of work for 2 months due in part to the slowing economy. The offers that I have received have been very minimal in both pay and length of contract. Fear equals recession!

"Fear equals recession!"

You said a mouthfull my friend! That's absolutely true.