The 'Perfect Storm' Theory

While millions of people are dragging themselves out of bed this morning and making the latest in what seems like an endless effort to find a job, theorists are wondering how we got here.

The latest theory that I've seen applies the title of a Hollywood film, which was taken from the title of a best-selling book about a real event — "The Perfect Storm."

This theory suggests that the economic crisis really began earlier in the decade, with the so-called "housing bubble."

I'll let you read it for yourself. It's interesting. But I'll leave it to economists to determine whether it's correct or not.

And, if you're unemployed, your situation is not theoretical. It's something that must be endured every day.

Theories may explain how you got there. And it is useful to know how mistakes were made — so they are not repeated. But they don't provide much guidance to where you would like to be.