when you have two kids and a spouse to support, over 10k in medical bills in a sinking economy.... then we can talk about having choices. I'd been looking (admitedly not actively) for about 2 years)... If I thought I could have made it work, I would have switched careers about a year and a half ago. Gone to work for the railroad as a switchman.... but the reduction in pay wouldn't allow for it.

Christopher - willing to relocate? What is your skillset? believe it or not, there are some that are in high demand around here - and the cost of living is much less than it would be in the NYC area.

-tg