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In a recent video interview with The New York Times, 55-year old Julio Ponce suddenly brought home the harsh reality of the economic crisis. It is no longer about those Jimmy Choos that some can no longer afford–rather, the recession has become for many a fight for survival.

In a report released by the Fiscal Policy Institute last month, it is predicted that as the US labour market conditions deteriorate in the months ahead, the number of unemployed New Yorkers could rise by up to 120,000. While New York City has lagged entering the downturn–thanks to the strong performance of other industries beyond the financial, such as those of entertainment, media and hospitality–the severity of the situation has started to make itself felt. The rate of job loss has steadily been accelerating since November to approximately 10,000 each month, whilst the number of unemployment insurance beneficiaries has soared by over 37% since October 2007.

As a 55-year old Hispanic who has been jobless for over a year, Julio’s prospect look grim. For the past 11 months, he has been receiving US$352 a week in benefits which from next Monday, he will no longer be entitled to. This is because the extension of jobless benefits approved by Congress last year has expired–leaving people like Julio in desperate circumstances. Whilst watching his interview, Julio’s humble suit and waning determination truly breaks ones heart.

The positive aspect that emerges is that the global awareness of the plight of people like Julio is growing day by day. Whereas people were previously too busy gloating over their seemingly secure lifestyle, the recession has sparked a disdain for excesses. In a recent poll, 21% of the 988 Chictoday.com readers that participated stated that the first thing they were going to be cutting their spending on was entertainment–fewer lavish nights out on the town, fewer Starbucks coffees, fewer nights at the opera and ballet. On the other hand, clothes were going to be the last thing feeling the pinch, receiving only 182 votes.

So as you start putting a little more thought into your spending–but before you start complaining about the fact you miss your daily dose of Starbucks–think of Julio. Because things could be a lot worse.