How did the economy crisis affect you ?

The first, most obvious effect will be losing jobs, and subsequent job search for most people:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNKOlo18iM0

The most desirable effect should be the understanding of the reasons for the crisis, and from that understanding we could start working towards a solution.

We need to understand that both the main causes and the solutions concern all of us, it is not a situation where a "clever" leader can pull everybody out with some "magic" solution.

We live in a completely interconnected, global world now, any solutions has to be united and global.

I hope it helps, all the best.

I'm a 43-year old self-employed freelancer with a solid college education. When Bill Clinton was in office I made well over $70,000 a year. I had to turn down work because I was so busy. I could have made easily $150,000 if I wanted. When Bush came into office, it slipped about $10,000. After 9-11, even more. By the end of Bush's first term, I made under $30,000. For most of his 2nd term, I made under $14,000. Work is hard to find and people can't pay for it either. Our economy is in terrible trouble if a person with my experience and background can't even get by.

I was laid off 3mos ago and now on unemployment. I'm in Minnesota and its been very difficult finding jobs to apply for let alone getting an interview since 500+ other people are applying for the same position. Every company has been laying off so there is nothing out there. Unemployment just barely covers my bills so I have to buy gas, groceries, etc. w/credit cards so I'm just digging myself into a hole where I will be in so much debt. But that's what I have to do right now to keep my home, feed my kids and survive. Hopefully things will change soon but Im doubtful.