According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 144,000 fewer chief executives were employed in the United States in 2010 than in 2007. More broadly, half a million fewer people were employed in management occupations in 2010 than in 2007. While some former executives have taken lower-paying jobs, a great many are still out of work.
If you are one of the unemployed, the pain is real, not only financially but also in a sense that you are not contributing to your own potential. But I see former business managers as potential entrepreneurs. Granted, not every former executive has the ability, the desire or the luck to start a successful business. But if you try and succeed you cannot only regain meaningful employment, but you can also help restart the great American jobs engine.