Most of us entered the job market expecting that jobs would be waiting for us. But, today’s jobs aren’t nearly as stable as in previous generations. Markets change almost as fast as they appear. The need for employees can increase or disappear in a day. Downsizing, corporate buyouts, outsourcing to foreign countries and layoffs due to economic instability leave all of us vulnerable to loss of income.

Another loss of income has come simply from inflation. Most of the time our raises don’t even cover the rising costs of living. This isn’t our parents’ job market anymore.