And to make matters worse, unemployment might mean he can't afford higher education, and he likely won't qualify for federal help simply because he may have made a decent salary a year ago, before he was laid off.

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He's working at a decent salary.

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"I became frantic, " says the mother of four, who says she "earns a very decent salary" from the shop.

WSJ: Busted by the Crafts Cops

Another change is also vital if young workers are to look forward to a decent retirement, for many of the corporate final-salary pension schemes, which did much to make up for the inadequacies of the state system, are now closed to new members.

ECONOMIST: Pension prospects

It used to be if you were willing to work hard, you could go to a factory and you might be able to get a job that lasts 20 years, provide good benefits, provide decent salary.

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Since ballplayers are not pure commodities--service time counts as much as past performance in the league's salary structure--finding those solid contributors for little money can be the difference between a decent team and a champion.

FORBES: Magazine Article