[Trumpcard]

The problem in IT is a matter of expectations.. Salaries went through the roof in the late 90's with the dotcom bust, and every compsci grad on the planet EXPECTED 60k or more a year on graduation. All these little dotcom companies brimming with venture capital sucked up all the people could, got them use to a higher lifestyle, then collapsed leaving them with a lexus payment and 300k house to pay for with have the salary expectation. I was really lucky in that I picked well as far as where to go, but I saw it happen to alot of people. (I am in no way comparing Cisco to a dotcom btw).

My funds portfolio still looks really strong, but I invested in mutual funds rather than specific stocks so I took alot less of a hit, even on my aggressive portfolios. The biggest hit I took was Lucent (22.00 when I bought, floating around 1.50 right now).

It is a hard time, thats for sure. Daily I'm thankful that my company hasnt laid off anyone, and plans to make sure it doesnt happen, and that kind of employee loyalty goes a long way. I left IBM for exactly that reason, theyre 1st reponse to any market situation was to shed resources...

Good luck though, and Im donating my part too, giving up a Promise RAID controller and a bit of cash to help Hogie out. Its been a tough time for everyone.