How Concerned Are You About the Recession?

Find an Online School

1. 1. What degree do you want?
   -- Select a Degree Level --
2. 2. What do you want to study?
   -- Select a Category --
3. 3. Choose a subject:
   -- Select a Subject --

How Concerned Are You About the Recession?

Are you shaken to the core of your being or are you mostly taking the bad economic news in stride? Take our quick quiz to find out just how much you really care about the recession.

Your Family

1. We've had at least one emergency family meeting about the economy and, more importantly, where we currently stand as a household. Everyone understands the reality of what's going on and is committed to doing their part.
2. The evening news is on the TV enough for the kids to have some idea of what's going on, but I don't want to scare them, so we haven't discussed any specifics. We've cut down on going out to eat this past month.
3. My kids are still dead set on getting an iPhone® for Christmas. I might hit up eBay or Amazon instead of an Apple store to save a few bucks.

Stock Market

1. I check out (the shambles of) my stock portfolio on at least a weekly basis. I'm pretty sure my financial advisor is getting sick of my frantic phone calls, but I don't care.
2. I haven't logged into my look over my stock portfolio recently. However, I keep telling myself the assets in my portfolio are being held for the long-term and I won't need them for ten or more years.
3. I'm not panicking. Actually, if anything, this is a good time to buy high-dividend stocks like utilities, gold, as well as invest in companies focused upon overseas market.

Saving Money

1. I set the thermostat at 68ºF, have switched to using newer, more energy-efficient fluorescent light bulbs and am making a concerted effort to unplug any devices I'm not using. Every little bit helps!
2. I'd already been thinking about saving a larger portion of my paycheck each month, so now I'm trying to sock away a bit more now by avoiding the "latte factor" (seemingly insignificant daily purchases that add up to a significant amount of money over time.)
3. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know I should save more, but haven't made any real effort to do so. Don't tell anyone.

Personal Spending

1. I've been spending significantly less than normal, regularly cutting coupons, and looking for sales.
2. I haven't changed my spending behavior at all.
3. Actually, if anything, I've been spending more than usual. I recently splurged on a relatively big ticket item and not feeling any guilt.

Sleep

1. I've had several sleepless nights thinking about how I'm going to pay for rent, gas for my car, or milk. I'm starting to worry my significant other.
2. I admit to feeling a bit worried about my financial situation and/or my job security, but in general, I'm sleeping about the same.
3. I sleep just fine at night. The only thing that keeps me awake is occasional heartburn. Green peppers kill me.

At Work

1. I have a strategy in place to demonstrate my value to my employer! I've thought of ways to increase sales or cut costs and I'm going to make it known to my boss. I'm putting my thoughts into a presentation.
2. I'm going to keep an eye out on my company's quarterly earnings, but other than that, so long as hiring seems to be continuing as normal, I'm thinking all is well … for now.
3. I'm still working like I always am. Par for the course as far as I'm concerned.

Your Résumé

1. My résumé is actually to my Desktop because I've been working on it for the past few weeks. I have a formatted print résumé for mailing, faxing, and presenting at interviews, a text-based version for electronic submissions, as well as a web-based version to add to my personal Web site.
2. Now that I think about it, I haven't updated my résumé within the past 12 months. I think I have a copy somewhere.
3. Hmmm … I don't have a current résumé. I'm not going anywhere.

Feedback

If you chose mostly A's:

You are very concerned about the recession. The good news is that you know exactly where you stand and recognize the need to make changes, fast. But don't rush. Take the time to make a plan — something that is actionable and scheduled out.

If you chose mostly B's:

You are somewhat concerned about the recession. Like the rest of the world, you can't help but take notice of the blaring headlines, but luckily you've got your head on straight enough so you're not up at night worrying yourself to death.

If you chose mostly C's:

You are not concerned about a recession. We're glad you're not overreacting, but don't go resting on your laurels. Stay competitive and consider acquiring more skills to make yourself even more indispensible to your boss. Read How to Strengthen and Flex Your Marketability Muscle for tips.

Helen MacDermott is the Content Director at EducationDynamics.com.

We welcome all comments directed to: recession [at] elearners [dot] com.