Once Upon a Job

Diane Eastabrook blogs about creating and reporting "Once Upon a Job." Read her thoughts and post your comments. Image of Diane Eastabrook.

Getting Perspective from the Jobless

posted by Diane Eastabrook

A couple of months ago NBR assignment editor, Kira Rockell, approached me about doing a slice-of-life piece on unemployment. The idea was to look at life from a jobless person's perspective. I was a little dubious about the assignment. Being without work and struggling to make ends meet are not topics most folks like to discuss, especially on television. But, I cast out my net to contacts, hoping we would find someone.

I was overwhelmed by the response. I received calls and emails from more than a dozen people who were eager to share their stories with me. Talking to me, even over the phone and via the internet, seemed... + More

Websites recommended by the job seekers and employment experts interviewed for "Once Upon a Job." People in line

Snagajob.com

SuccessHawk

Weddle's

An NBR Series - Premieres September 1, 2009

Once upon a time, jobs that paid substantial salaries and included benefits were plentiful. Today, that jobs fairy tale is over, and it didn't end happily ever after. Millions of Americans are out of work, many of them have seen their unemployment benefits run out, and they are all battling for jobs in a tough market.

In the 3-part series "Once Upon a Job," Midwest Bureau Chief Diane Eastabrook introduces us to some of the unemployed and shows us what they are doing to make ends meet now that the fairy tale is over.

Part 1: Meet Dan Leunig

September 1, 2009

Leunig is an out-of-work sales executive relying on his family and a part-time job to make the best of a bad situation.
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