My Unemployed Life: Is 8 Percent Unemployment The 'New Normal'?

I like to post in the numerous job seeker discussion groups on LinkedIn. I've "met" so many capable, hard-working people over there who can't find good jobs in this stagnant economy. Sharing our experiences, we understand that our situations aren't our "fault" and support each other as we navigate these rocky unemployment waters.

Just recently I've detected a hint of optimism in the discussions, a bit of an undercurrent that we shouldn't give up, that we should all "hang in there." Maybe it's my imagination, but even I have the feeling that my prolonged unemployment may be a bad dream from which -- with any luck -- I may soon wake up. But why?