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November 25, 2009

Many Americans have fallen on hard times in the past year, having lost their jobs, homes and savings. However, in a Thanksgiving feature presented by MSNBC.com some readers provided inspiring stories of unexpected joys as they rediscovered things they neglected during economic prosperity.

Among them is Lucia Del Barto of Arizona, who told the news provider she is thankful the recession gave her an opportunity to better herself through an education.

The mother of six who is now pursuing a college degree admitted that "If it weren't for the economy going bad, I would still be blowing money left and right," quoted by the website.

"The recession gave me a new opportunity, hope and purpose," she added.

As the nation unemployment rate reached 10.2 percent last month, and is projected to linger around 7 percent for the next two years, experts say individuals may seize the opportunity to pursue a long-neglected hobby or retrain for that dream job they gave up on years ago.

Career transition phase can also help people reconnect with loved ones and friends.

Those for whom persistent joblessness is a problem may explore the website of the Unemployment Resource Center.

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