Despite trillions for economy, next job might mean less pay

Tania Jackson was earning a comfortable six-figure income at a local real estate development company before the gale-force winds of recession began blowing her way last month.

---

As the company's residential, commercial and government real estate projects dried up in the economic downturn, Jackson's job as director of external affairs was eliminated in a cost-cutting move in late January. "I was devastated," Jackson said. "I always tell people I had my dream job and there were a lot of times where l literally could not believe someone was paying me to do this job every day. It was so much fun because I really love being out in the neighborhoods. I love interacting with all the different groups from all over the city. I love going to meetings. ... But looking around at what was going on in the economy, I guess it was inevitable."...more