While working for IBM between 1999 and 2002, during the dotcom boom and bust, I noticed that people change when the economy changes. I am seeing it again in Phoenix as the real estate, development, and construction industry has gone bust.
I have had countless people call me and talk to me about:
a) being thrown under the proverbial bus as times are getting tougher
b) integrity and ethics becoming very loose and flexible
c) losing their jobs without a skill set that they can apply in the new economy
Words of wisdom:
a) You are who you are regardless of the times...the tougher the economy or circumstances...the more likely you are to show your true self.
b) Integrity is not relative. Period.
c) It is up to each employee and employer to keep their skills sharp. Even when it's busy. Especially when it's not.