Commuting Spouses Between Houses

When the job market tightens, it becomes more common for married couples to find themselves in the role of commuting spouses.

Nationally, the unemployment rate is 6.1%. Experts predict it will rise to 7.5% next year. Major corporations are laying off employees and many established older businesses are closing up shop. Although nobody wants to use the R word, when the gross domestic product drops, like it has for the second quarter this year, we are in the midst of a recession. I suspect the prevailing hope is that by the time our politicians and economists feel it is OK to actually admit we are in the throes of full-blown recession, it will be over and, therefore, easier for the public to swallow. But I don't believe they are fooling anybody by skirting around the issue.

In the meanwhile, good jobs are becoming harder to come by. As a result, some professionals are finding that they have no choice but to accept a job in another town or even out of state. When that happens, not every couple can pack up and move together. Commitments or financial responsibilities may keep one spouse behind . . . read more about Commuting Spouses Between Houses.

More Articles by Elizabeth Weintraub:

• Home Buying Before Marriage
  
• Buying During a Recession
  
• Selling in a Falling Market

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