Michelle Singletary's 2009 Color of Money Challenge

Column

Waiting for Work

Rick Rose came so close to getting a job. Bobbie and Juan Wilson are still struggling to meet their household expenses. Although some signs suggest the recession may be waning, for many families, the hard reality is that it seems only to be deepening.

Rose and the Wilsons know all too well the awful side of this recession -- they have joined the long-term unemployed. That group (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) increased by 268,000 in May, to 3.9 million, and has tripled since the start of the recession.

The Participants

Rick Rose

Rose made about $85,000 before he lost his job in May 2008. Rose owns a condo in the District and is current on his mortgage -- for now. He needs a job -- any job.

Profile | First Update

The Wilsons

Juan and Bobbie Wilson have five children. Bobbie works a part-time job and Juan, who used to work part time with UPS, is still looking for work. Between them, they need at least one full-time job.

Profile | First Update