Recession Fear

[Bimblin]

Whilst pregnant I was working for a major insurance company as a self employed contractor. I'm now on maternity allowance leave and my boss had promised me there'd be a job for me when I was ready to return.
I've now just heard they've laid off nearly all their staff in my department (200 people +), so obviously I won't be going back, but am now scared this is the start of the recession I've been starting to worry about and the papers have been going on about. Its always financial services that go first they say.
I'm a fairly good all rounder but am living in an area thats not overflowing with good jobs at the best of times.
Anyone got views from their work?

[weeonion]

I work for a charity that relies on fnding from the Scottish exec - we have heard on the grapevine that our money for next year may not come through as it coudl be diverted elsewhere so yep - a few fears a-brewing!

[WideWebWitch]

I think being a contractor might be OK/a good thing in recession because although they're the first to go (all contractors out is a good quick way to save a lot of £) if companies also make cuts then contractors are a good way to cover work that still needs to be done without making any long term commitment on the employers part

I think stockpiling cash is a good idea if possible and making sure debts are as low as pos

Can you commute to an area with more work?

Are your skills transferrable across sectors? Just because you've worked in FS doesn't mean you have to stay in Fs.

I think you should try not to worry now and see how it is when you do wnat to go back. The Motley Fool has lots of recession proof your life articles atm too.

I don't know what'll happen but I'm a contractor and I'm not immediately worried. However, I'm in the SE and that helps enormously.

[Bimblin]

Oh bollocks - I worked for charities before and was hoping I'd be able to find work in that arena. Still, better to be prepared I suppose. Best of luck weeonion.

[Bimblin]

WWW - I'm in marketing - not very recession proof. Have been following moneysavingexpert.com to the letter so not panicking but still beginning to worry. I'll commute or do whatever but now I'll have two lots of childcare + travel exps to cover am thinking I might be better off not working. Hmm.

[Bimblin]

Anyone today?