DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO HAS LOST HIS/HER JOB?

A majority of respondents to this week's Quick Poll indicated they know someone who has lost their job as a result of the ongoing economic downturn. While 65% answered 'yes' to the question, another 10% say they were the one receiving the layoff notice. Lisa Rossetti, director of research with Apartment Realty Advisors in Tampa, is among those now out of work. Rossetti, who has nearly 15 years experience in market research and was previously with GVA Advantis, shares her thoughts on being let go and her plans for the future:

"While today's economic conditions should have been foreseen, they caught many on the commercial side of the real estate business somewhat by surprise. Just last fall, I was announced as the newly appointed director of research for a well-respected investment sales brokerage firm that had recorded record revenues in recent years.

"Within eight months the full extent of this downturn had become clear, resulting in the elimination of my entire department. While not a complete shock, I was still surprised to find myself in this position at this point in my career. And I'm certainly not alone.