***(Editor’s Note:  Josh McGrath is a Columnist and Collegiate Commentator for “The Thirsty Quill.” ‘The Quill’ appreciates Mr. McGrath’s contribution, and we look forward to publishing several feature articles by him in 2009. Josh is currently a student at Wingate University, where he helps lead the school’s chapter of College Conservatives.)***

“In The Midst Of An Economic Crisis, Invest In Yourself”

By: Josh McGrath, Columnist

Our current economic situation is leaving many without jobs, and many more with a significant reduction in pay. Those who are lucky enough to not be directly impacted by the economic downturn are beginning to see the importance of saving money instead of spending what ‘extra’ cash they do have. This makes the entire situation even worse. To underscore just how bad things are, the Federal Reserve recently cut the interest rate to an all-time record low.

For those who are currently in college, the prospect of trading the “dorm room world” of books, tests, and papers for the “real world” of paychecks, bills, and 9-to-5 jobs can be quite overwhelming. Of course I am a bit biased. I am one of these soon-to-be college grads who are so desperately looking for a job in the 6-month grace period I have between graduation and making my student loan payments.

What will make it particularly hard for me is that as a graduate who will be looking for the few jobs that are available, I will be competing against those who may have been laid off and have far more experience in a particular field than I do. However, that is the beauty of it all. This economic crisis is the epitome of capitalism. It is a rebooting of the computer, a jumpstarting of the car, a spring-cleaning of the house.

This failing economy allows us go back to the drawing board and start all over. While many organizations are cutting positions, this economic downturn will allow many former employees of large corporations to become entrepreneurs and eventually create jobs within smaller companies.

If the economy does not allow for people to create employment for themselves, perhaps now would be a great opportunity to go back to school and get the college degree or GED that so many regret never achieving. For current college students, graduating in the near future has fostered the fear of entering a fragile workplace. Now may be a great time to stay in college and work towards an advanced degree.

In the midst of this economic slowdown, there are some positives that can be found here. Instead of worrying about what may or may not happen, take that first step by placing a solid investment in yourself, and your future. The returns may surprise you.

***(Editor’s Note:  Josh McGrath is a Columnist and Collegiate Commentator for “The Thirsty Quill.” ‘The Quill’ appreciates Mr. McGrath’s contribution, and we look forward to publishing several feature articles by him in 2009. Josh is currently a student at Wingate University, where he helps lead the school’s chapter of College Conservatives.)***

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