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Opinion, Comment and Ideas
21 April 2009

[Click here for submitted discussion]


The difference between being an employee and being self-employed is simple. Employees have their livelihoods and futures tied to their employer. The self-employed (independent contractors) have a measure of control over their economic future. But this self-control is subject to the economic environment in which we live. Therefore, for independent contractors, it's vital to have an understanding of the economic conditions in which we live so that decisions can be as informed as possible. That is, to control your own (small picture) circumstances, it's helpful to have an idea of the big picture.

At the moment, however, there are two widely different views. The positive view says that we are nearing the end of the recession and recovery is in sight. The negative says that a deeper plunge is still to happen. Below are articles giving each side of the argument.

Have a look at the following articles and have your say. Send us your contributions and we'll include them on a dedicated discussion page. E-mail your thoughts to us at:easterdiscussion@contractworld.com.au.



The Positive
The fiscal stimulus is working (Business Spectator)

Signs of China recovery (Business Spectator)

The US recession is 'to end in September' (The Australian)


The Negative
Paying down the debt binge (USA) means continuing decline in the economy (HS Dent: USA economist and demographer)

Australia has a debt bubble creating unemployment (Steve Keen: Economist, University of Western Sydney)

Australia's housing bubble: The RBA is wrong (Steve Keen)

Will an even bigger depression follow a false economic dawn? (Business Spectator)



Would you like to contribute to the discussion? E-mail your thoughts to us at: easterdiscussion@contractworld.com.au.