That during a double dip recession things can still get worse. A lot of my friends are now jobless.

That my boss wants to hear compliments. Nothing else. Ever.

Reading HN is the closest I'll ever get to seeing a start up grow any larger than 3 people struggling in a tiny office paid for by the EU.

I won't ever pay off my credit cards or mortgage. I'll never own a new car or any new hobby equipment. eBay and freecycle are integral parts of my life.

My performance based quarterly bonuses won't get paid.

America sounds like a bonkers place to live, I hope they (you?) start to do something about climate change.