Take this job - or shove it

Posner, 34, was a mortgage lender for home builder D.R. Horton making $110,000 a year until he was laid off last May. Despite applying for many jobs through job-search sites, he received only one offer through a contact at the University of Phoenix in September.

The position, as an enrollment counselor, paid $33,000 a year.

"I was actually thankful because I was getting a job but at the same time my wife and I realized we had to make a lot of lifestyle changes," he said.

Since then, the Posners, who have two children, foreclosed on their home, moved into a rental property, downgraded from two cars to one and learned how to budget.

But despite the hardship, Posner says he is content with his job and happy to be employed. "Through foreclosure and possible bankruptcy, we've realized as a family what's important." - Jessica Dickler

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