I found this interesting story by Reuters reporter, Lou Carlozo, that looks at the growing number of spouses who live apart because they have jobs in different places. The sluggish economy is forcing couples to take jobs wherever they can find them—even if that means moving hundreds of miles away.
From Lou’s story:
“Last year, 3.5 million couples 18 and older were part of a commuter marriage, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s current population survey. That’s up about 17 percent from 2001, when 3 million couples did it; the number stood at 2.7 million in 2000. What this means for the couples is spending more on travel and housing – as in thousands of dollars more – to come out financially ahead, in part because of the current economy and job market. The Great Recession has forced workers to broaden the geographic boundaries of their job hunt, while selling a home to relocate has become much harder since the real estate downturn.”
Absence makes the heart grow fonder?
(Photo credit: Seth Harrison, The Journal News/LoHud.com)
