I think I'm going to go back to school and get into health care, or just get all my mechanics tools back together and open a small automotive and small engine repair business.

They seem to be unaffected, by the slump. Actually Automotive repairs are booming as no one is buying new vehicles right now. The Chevy Dealership in the town my wife is from, that has been there for 60 years, closed its doors Thursday.

Yes, I have heard the car dealerships are in dire straits. I have a friend who is a new car salesman for Mazda. He says foot traffic is way down and getting financing is difficult to boot. He tells me folks want to trade they're gas guzzlers for an economy car but are upside down on the loans, owing more than the vehicles are worth. That prevents most from buying another car. We may see another "big three" bailout like we saw in the 80's. Airlines aren't doing very well either. All non necessary items are being hit hard. In my area, there is very little construction taking place. The construction industry has lost more jobs in CA than any other business or occupation, according to the latest gov. statistics. I'd retire now if I could.

Things are still pretty strong here in VT. Booked out untill mid december. Still very little as far as new goes. I have one nice install of prefinish in late november. Mostly all refinish work which is good for me. Still haven't had to play the price game yet. I hope I dont................

i live and work in the baltimore,dc area. work has picked up but i have never done a new construction floor. when the housing boom was going on i was a roofer. now i get to go in and rip out builder grade 2 1/4 oak and put down nicer exotics.

Barfefoot:

I also know a guy in your area that has been keeping busy but not like three years ago. Working around DC will always be good as long as government spends and keeps getting bigger.