[trevelyan]

I would have expected more sympathy from you patio11. An iPhone or iPod makes sense for this woman as a portable music player she uses for work. The extra cost versus a cheaper mp3 player would seem justified as a way to get email on the go. Plus a phone.

I didn't get the impression that her MA or debt burden was relevant since it's clear she is 38 and spent the last while working for her ex-husband. Her rent isn't inexpensive but she has a 7 year old kid. I got the impression she would take a job if offered. Maybe she's having trouble finding one. Look at the U6 unemployment rate.

I don't live in the States and can't comment on the rest. That said, I was genuinely heartened by the approach the company that still employs her is taking to trying to help out its staff. I really hope it works out for them and they emerge from the recession with a stronger business.

[patio11]

You're of the impression that she is actively looking for a regular job and would take it if offered, correct? I'm of the opinion that she says exactly the opposite: that she is unwilling to entertain the notion of working for a regular job, because she likes the lifestyle afforded by being a bohemian yoga instructor.

“I spend a lot of time on the train,” ... “and it makes you wonder: If you had a regular job and you didn’t have all that travel time, would you make better money in the end?” She gave a small laugh. “But I love what I do. So I try not to think about that.”

Maybe she should start thinking about that.

[KWD]

I think you're missing the point of the article by focusing on her. They may have been able to find a more sympathetic subject to focus on, but the point remains that many freelance workers are now facing a decline in demand, and they are really an uncounted part of the unemployed economy.

[anamax]

> They may have been able to find a more sympathetic subject to focus on, but the point remains that many freelance workers are now facing a decline in demand, and they are really an uncounted part of the unemployed economy.

That may be your point, but the article was about something else.