Jason Everett, 29
Allegany, N.Y. I was in the Air Force for six years, serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan. When my wife got pregnant with our first child, I wanted to get out and find a job in the civilian sector instead.
I came back to the States and immediately realized that it was a lot harder to find a job.
I joined the Local 22 plumbers and pipefitters union in Buffalo. Afterward, I moved my family all the way to Cheyenne, Wyo. to take a job as a plumber.
Just eight months later, our boss laid off 300 workers, including me. I was stuck once again without a job. We've moved two more times since then.
I'm tired of writing resumes and going to interviews. I haven't found any work for three years and my unemployment benefits ran out long ago.
I am no longer looking for jobs. I've given up and have no faith in our economy.
Instead, I'm enrolled in classes part time at a local community college and I take care of the kids, while my wife works.
NEXT: Recovering from a crash
