May 27, 2004 9:48 AM

Hey buddy, want my job?
Posted by Colin Moorat 9:48 AM

We have been living in an economy for the last few years that emphasized hanging on to your job for dear life - even if you were somewhat less than happy about the working conditions. Now as the employment picture begins to improve, those who have struggled to find employment may be getting a new ally - the burned out, bored or angry employee who
is looking to make a change.
In a recent Newsweek article, Daniel McGinn writes about the employed job hunters who are dusting off their resumes.

Wharton professor Peter Cappelli, who's studied attitudes among New Economy workers, says people couldn't help but notice that "employers cut employees faster and harder [during the recession] than during any previous one." As conditions improve, why should employees feel loyal to bosses who ruthlessly swung the ax? Sure, the boss may give better raises or more "attaboys" to try to make up—but like a spurned lover, employees remember the mistreatment, and they're unlikely to forgive and forget. "It's like being in a bad relationship," says Manhattan recruiter Sunny Bates. "People are saying, 'I just want out. I want to start over'."

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