What's wrong with adult kids today?

An economy on life support. Dismal job prospects that betray what the Department of Labor's statistics report. Credit and real estate markets that are more fickle than a pregnant woman in a restaurant. It's not exactly a great time to establish yourself in the adult world if you are under 35 and have yet to reach the mid-point in your career. Many single adults, and even some with children, are moving back into their parents' house to save money or repay mountainous piles of debt.

But there is hope.

For those who were wise enough to practice thriftiness before the word became in style, the current housing market is a playground where you can get a great deal on a whole lot of house and land. Even if you want a smaller home, townhouse, or condo, prices in once exclusive areas are continuing to fall. If you were smart enough to major in an in-demand field, there are open positions in a lot of industries, like healthcare, education, social services and finance. And the stock market? Listen to the old adage: buy low, sell high. Now is a great time to consider long-term investing because the stock market is at a five-year low.

Now for the rest of us, there are still options. I chose the root of going back to school (for the third time) for additional training. The more education you have, the better your chances of standing out on your resume--depending upon what you choose to study. I chose software internet applications. Cha-ching! There are also tech/vocational skills where you can get certified in a trade or skill within a few months or a year.

Network. In the end it's not what you know, but who you know. Expand your social circle to include the type of people you want to work for. Go to chamber of commerce events, industry conferences and meetings and professional meet and greet breakfasts or luncheons. Avoid happy hours, unless you want to discuss the coctail sever's boob size.

Save money. Cut out the grande lattes, weekly trips to the spa and shopping sprees at Target. Get a roommate. Put that extra dough in a high-yield savings account and watch it grow.

Now let's go out there and make mom and dad proud.