A year ago, I have been working at my new job for about 6 months, and received the largest bonus I had ever received - and it was pro-rated for 6 months.

Six months later, as the economy started its downward cycle, we were assured by the company president that we had nothing to worry about - our bonuses and compensation were not in danger.

Since then, we have lost no major clients (who are under contract), added a new [big] client, and have a significantly lower number of employees.

My company had layoffs a few months back, and then two weeks before Christmas announced that there would be no bonuses ($0) and no raises this year. This announcement came minutes after the announcement of the large amount of cash on hand to ensure our job security.

Needless to say, many of use were quite disappointed, especially because we were told that this decision was based on the "fact" that our clients - many of which are publicly owned - were not paying bonuses.

So, although the job market may not be the best right now, I have begun an aggressive search for a new job - one where I will not be deceived into thinking I am going to receive compensation that is due to me.

Where I'm currently working, there's a lot more work than we have developers and they are constantly looking for freelancers to handle the overflow.

Also from what I've seen at least in the Toronto area, the demand for Flash and Flex developers continues to be bigger than the supply of developers with the necessary skill set. At the Toronto Flex and Flash user group meetings, there's always a number of companies and recruiters who are looking for developers. So if I was laid off, I think it would be easy to find myself a new job.

Our company didn't lay people off; they did cut salaries.
For the guy who is disappointed he didn't get a raise, I suggest you get a grip on reality. If you are getting paid the same salary as last year, and your company is not laying off workers, and you like your job, you are incredibly fortunate. Your management is being smart. Times will get harder and they are making sure there is enough cash on hand for hard times. If everyone's management was that smart and conservative, we wouldn't be in this mess in the first place

You think there's plenty of work as a consultant? I can't tell you how many of my friends have become consultants after being laid off. The competition for consulting is going to get ugly as well.

I believe that if you are a talented employee, you will always find a job. For the next year or two, even the talented people are likely to have to make some compromises.

I personally work as a web developper for a small marketing company in Holland.
I moved there from France for that specific reason : I was unemployed for 9 months, moved to the Netherlands and found a job in two weeks.

For all the Europeans willing to move, one tip: go to Holland !

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