Even as investors get more and more bullish about the outlook for the U.S. economy, the economy’s underlying foundation continues to erode.

For the millions of Americans right now looking for a job, the latest batch of employment statistics paint a rather grim picture.  As bleak as this all may sound, jobseekers (both employed and unemployed) shouldn’t be deterred: With a sound strategy, and four simple secrets, it’s still possible to survive – and even thrive – in a jobless recovery.

Strong Dollar, Falling Oil Prices Send Stocks Down; Homebuilders’ Confidence Dips; IMF Improves U.S. Outlook; Obama Tells Doctors Health Care Changes Needed; Six Flags Bankrupt

Is the hoped-for economic rebound merely a mirage? And if it is, how should you play it? For the past few months, optimistic analysts and investors have been scouring the global economy for so-called “green shoots” – a new financial buzzword that refers to any early indicators of a financial recovery.

Since the Obama administration took office almost 100 days ago, it has repeatedly said the key to an economic recovery is to unfreeze the credit markets and increase bank lending. 

While many analysts expect U.S. corporate earnings and overall economic data to remain weak by historical standards, there may well be enough of an improvement over the prior months and quarters to spark some optimism that there are better times ahead.