Picket Fence Post

You know things are bad in the economy when even cartoon characters start getting laid off. This past week, the cartoon The Pajama Diaries by Terri Libenson, has featured a storyline where the married dad of two young kids, Rob Kaplan, got let go along with 200 of his fellow employees. His wife Jill is a work-from-home graphic arts consultant who’s clinging to her remaining clients.

Today’s installment, in particular, was pretty grim, depicting the downward spiral of the dad Rob’s mental state as he goes 20 days after sending out his resume without even getting an interview. He said, “I don’t understand — I’m an expert in my field. Who are they talking to?” To which his wife responded, “I’m guessing all the other laid-off experts in your field.”

On Libenson’s blog she acknowledged the change in tone saying, “Just as America is feeling the pinch of the recession, I’d like PD-land to reflect the current climate.”

I’ve been a fan of Pajama Diaries for a while as I relate to the tales of work-from-home mom feeling as though you just can’t do everything, or do it well. And, sadly, I’m guessing there are far too many families who can now relate to the tales of the out-of-work family guy or gal.