Hope Springs Eternal - Reasons To Be (More) Cheerful In 2009

1. If you are still in a job going into the New Year, statistically you have a better chance of remaining in that job in 2009 than you did in 2008 (unless you work at Citi or Merrill Lynch).

2. Your firm will probably writedown less in 2009 than it did last year, and most firms will end up having a modestly profitable year (unless you work at Citi, which could post a full-year loss).

3. Your firm's stock price will probably rise this year, with a positive impact on your shares, 401k plan and deferred equity.

4. Your bonus may fall even further in 2009. But the drop will be more modest in percentage terms than the fall in 2008 over 2007.

5. Although many firms currently have hiring freezes, expect the job market to come gradually to life towards the end of the summer. No return to volume hiring, however, until 2010 / 11.

Please use the 'E-Mail' button immediately under the article title to send this item to a friend.