Economic downturn hits home
Surrey North Delta Leader
By Kevin Diakiw
January 22, 2009

As they have regularly for the last few months, a group of women gather at a local coffee shop to discuss how they are handling the current economic downturn.

Times are tough globally, but as one would expect, the most personal impacts are being felt in the homes of everyday people.

The three women meeting this week all have young children, so income-boosting options are limited.

Joining the regular workforce again doesn’t make financial sense, as child care would take most or all of what they would bring home.

Heidi P., 36, cups a mug of cappuccino with both hands and says the topic has been ongoing in her home for some time….

The Cloverdale residents have launched at-home enterprises, including daycare and painting, but both businesses have experienced a drop in demand recently.

“People are splitting nannies,” St. Hilaire says. The demand for daycare isn’t what it used to be….

Agreements with family and friends rule out birthday or Christmas gifts for grown-ups. Both women say their husbands have picked up work to augment incomes and pay down debt.

Amy M.s husband has held two jobs for a while, but his construction business is beginning to wane.

For the first time, she says, he seems amenable to her taking a job as well….

In all, there’s less disposable income among the three families, and spending is being ratcheted back in force.

All the women are hoping a job becomes available that offers flexible hours so they can avoid the high cost of daycare….

Meanwhile, just like big corporations, the families are battening down their financial houses to weather the ongoing storm….

As for boosting revenues, Meredith says the coffee women are in a tight spot. Part-time jobs don’t usually cover the cost of daycare….