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.

So what will $800 billion buy these days?  At the macro level, the Obama administration’s rescue plan will buy some new roads and bridges, 3.5 million new jobs and, hopefully, an economic recovery in the process.

December’s larger than expected jump in non-farm payrolls is predictably being touted as evidence of a more vibrant U.S. economy.