Is Recession Good for Sex?

According to an article in Forbes this week, the answer is yes. Writes Susan Adams, “Layoffs, furloughs and shrinking 401(k)s may not seem like natural aphrodisiacs, but according to experts in relationships and sex, the depressed financial picture is leading some couples—and singles—to better appreciate each other.”

I’m with the psychologist quoted in the article who notes that it’s way too early for empirical studies, that it takes years to compile a meaningful picture of how the downturn has affected intimacy. But just for fun, let’s apply the myriad hypotheses based on anecdotal evidence to the love lab of my relationship for a minute and see.

One psychologist quoted in the article suggests that more couples are turning off the television and turning to one another, leading to more sex. Meanwhile, our TV diet (24, Fringe, Grey’s Anatomy, American Idol) seems to have steadily increased.

Another source in the article suggests that with so many Americans out of work or on furlough, there’s more time to exercise. Exercise boosts libido, leading to more sex. In our relationship, exercise has gone the way of dinners out. Marco quit the gym. I’ve been feeling gross and bloated, strung out on fertility hormones. Until this week, it’s been crappy outside. But hey, it’s not like Marco doesn’t get any exercise. The other day, he schlepped the 30-pound tote bag filled with change accumulated over the last few years to the bank six blocks away. “I came back with $300!” he said. Now, that was hot.

According to the article, fewer lavish vacations mean more affordable pastimes that stimulate bonding. And it’s true, we’re connecting more and more these days through quiet times together and talk. But here’s where this theory falls down: more talk can also mean more stress, particularly when that talk comes out in phrases like “how’s that portfolio coming along?” or “did you call your mother to thank her for the check?”

Our n of 2 may disprove some of these early-stage Forbes theories. But here’s what is true: In spite of the fact that husbands and wives both work at home and occasionally getting in each other’s way, they truly do enjoy each other’s company. The richest and most rewarding interactions often come from just being in each other’s presence, laughing at the cat, reacting as one to the daily news. Everyday life has grown comfier somehow, because he’s part of it. Maybe the psychologists are onto something after all.

Top Careers to Pursue and Refrain From During a Recession

During a recession, disposabe inco me tends to dissipate. For some people, purchasing the bare necesities can be difficult. So before you decide which career path to take, look over the following lists below.
Careers to Pursue

Health Care $50,000 +
People will always get sick creating a constant demand for Health Care. Depressions rates are often at a high creating an additional need. Examples include: Doctors, Nurses, Pediatricians, Specialists, and Therapists.

Transportation $30,000 +
Unable to afford the extreme gas prices, people opt for taking the city bus or subway. Examples include: City Bus Driver and Subway Driver.

Beauty $30,000 +
Presentation has always been and will continue to be important to an individual and required by their boss. Examples include: Hairdressers and Barbers.

Education $30,000 +
People don't pull their children out of school just because of a recession and often times, adults go back to school in hopes of pursuing a more promising a different career path. Examples include: Elementary School Teachers, Teacher's Aides, College Professors, Principals, Deans and Custodians.

International Business $60,000 +
When business isn't being done here it is being done overseas. This career will not only survive but thrive during tough times.

Bankruptcy Law $75,000 +
Unfortunately, many Americans simply can't survive when a cut-back or lay-off occurs. Bankruptcy numbers increase dramatically during a recession.

Debt Management $50,000 +
In a desperate attempt to avoid bankruptcy, debt management offices become flooded.

Grocery $30,000 +
People stop eating out and start eating in, and people need food to survive. Examples include: Butchers, Managers, Cashiers and Baggers.

Internet $25,000 +
Why go to the store when you can shop at home for less? Further, people have a lot more free time on their hands and as statistics show, a majority of that free time is spent online.




Research & Development $75,000 +
Businesses will always invest money into finding better, faster, more cost-effective ways of producing a product and providing a service, especially when business isn't that great.

Casinos $50,000 +
Regardless of how tough the times are, gambling remains an addiction. In many cases, people gamble in hopes of striking it rich during a tough time. Examples include: Owners, Hostesses, Bartenders and Security.

Pharmaceuticals $75,000 +
Doctors will continue to write prescriptions and people will continue to take them. Anti-depressants are of the top prescribed during a recession. Examples include: Pharmacists and Drug Company Representatives.

Liquor Sales $50,000 +
For many Americans, when the times are tough they turn to alcohol in hopes of drinking away their problems. Examples include: Counter-Sales and Bartenders.

Auditor $50,000 +
When you can't find any other way to save money, you do it around tax time which is why auditors are always in demand, especially during tough times.

Public Safety $50,000 +
When the times are tough, people get tough too. Crime rates experience a slight increase, creating a demand for Police Officers and Fire Fighters.

Careers to Avoid

Sales $50,000 +
While a career in sales may pay well, they only pay well when things are being sold. When money starts to get tight people refrain from spending any money they don't have to.

Real Estate $50,000 +
Most Americans can't afford to live never mind shop around for a house. Regardless of how low financing rates go, you can't take advantage of them with destroyed credit!

Mortgages $50,000 +
If people aren't buying houses they don't need to apply for a mortgage.

Retail $30,000 +
These jobs are most readily available because people are being forced to leave the industry. Most retail jobs support sales made from disposable income. Examples include: Clothing Stores Cashiers Electronic Store and Department Store Cashiers.

Automobile Sales $30,000 +
Most Americans are refraining from driving, never mind purchasing a new car. Carpooling and city transportation become a more practical alternative for most individuals.

Construction $50,000 +
People are downsizing not upsizing, and going for old not new. Whether its housing or additions, not much is being built during a recession.

Marketing $50,000 +
While it may be the most needed, the Marketing departments are usually the first to go when companies attempt to cut-costs.

Travel $30,000 +
Traveling to work is enough of a problem, never mind hopping on a plane or planning a cruise. Even if someone wanted too, taking time off from work could cost them their job. Examples include: Flight Attendant, Hostess, Travel Agent or Cruise Ship Worker.

Source

WHAT'S YOUR BUSINESS CAREER CHOICE?

What area in Business should I go into? Choosing what type of business career to pursue can sometimes be a difficult choice in some cases.

Taking full use of your college's career center is really important as they could guide you into the right business career to take up. The Career Center offers many programs including workshops, panels and career fairs that are useful for students interested in careers in business and related fields. Search the Calendar for upcoming events.



Also joining the "Consulting" and "Finance" mailing lists for up-to-date resource, event, job and career information


2008 Best Business Schools and Specialty ProgramsProvided by U.S.News & World Report
Best Business Schools

Sort by Rank Name
1
Harvard University
Boston, MA
Score 100
2007-2008 Out-of-state tuition (full-time)$41,900
2007 Total graduate business enrollment (full-time)1,808
Distance Enter your zip

1
Stanford University
Stanford, CA
Score 100
2007-2008 Out-of-state tuition (full-time)$45,921
2007 Total graduate business enrollment (full-time)741
Distance Enter your zip

3
University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)
Philadelphia, PA
Score 95
2007-2008 Out-of-state tuition (full-time)$41,950
2007 Total graduate business enrollment (full-time)1,620
Distance Enter your zip

4
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan)
Cambridge, MA
Score 93
2007-2008 Out-of-state tuition (full-time)$44,556
2007 Total graduate business enrollment (full-time)770
Distance Enter your zip

4
Northwestern University (Kellogg)
Evanston, IL
Score 93
2007-2008 Out-of-state tuition (full-time)$43,935
2007 Total graduate business enrollment (full-time)1,194
Distance Enter your zip

4
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL
Score 93
2007-2008 Out-of-state tuition (full-time)$44,500
2007 Total graduate business enrollment (full-time)1,117
Distance Enter your zip

7
Dartmouth College (Tuck)
Hanover, NH
Score 89
2007-2008 Out-of-state tuition (full-time)$42,990
2007 Total graduate business enrollment (full-time)500
Distance Enter your zip

7
University of California--Berkeley (Haas)
Berkeley, CA
Score 89
2007-2008 Out-of-state tuition (full-time)$37,949
2007 Total graduate business enrollment (full-time)504
Distance Enter your zip

9
Columbia University
New York, NY
Score 88
2007-2008 Out-of-state tuition (full-time)$43,436
2007 Total graduate business enrollment (full-time)1,226
Distance Enter your zip

10
New York University (Stern)
New York, NY
Score 84
2007-2008 Out-of-state tuition (full-time)$39,800
2007 Total graduate business enrollment (full-time)839
Distance Enter your zip

11
University of California--Los Angeles (Anderson)
Los Angeles, CA
Score 83
2007-2008 Out-of-state tuition (full-time)$37,286
2007 Total graduate business enrollment (full-time)721
Distance Enter your zip

12
University of Michigan--Ann Arbor (Ross)
Ann Arbor, MI
Score 82
2007-2008 Out-of-state tuition (full-time)$43,100
2007 Total graduate business enrollment (full-time)838
Distance Enter your zip

13
Yale University
New Haven, CT
Score 80
2007-2008 Out-of-state tuition (full-time)$42,000
2007 Total graduate business enrollment (full-time)395
Distance Enter your zip

A bachelor's degree is the minimum prerequisite for most careers in the accounting industry. The industry is growing and is expected to continue to grow as laws and policies change and as more companies have their finances closely inspected. This means that there are good prospects for those entering the industry and those opportunities can be maximized by showing expertise in computer applications, gaining a license or certification from a professional organization, or earning a master's or doctorate degree.The main job of an accountant or auditor is to make sure that businesses maximize production, pay taxes correctly, and keep public records. They do this in a number of ways including keeping accounts for governments, administrations, and the public; and also performing auditing services inside organizations. Accountants review, draft, and authenticate documents containing financial information for clients. In addition, accountants are finding it increasing valuable to posses associated knowledge in areas like information technology, the law, analyzing budgets, and planning investments.