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Seven back surgeries, two cancer battles and a series of heart attacks left Cliff Garstka seriously disabled. He knew his dreams and aspirations would be impossible to obtain after his disfiguring misfortunes.
Cliff was once a vivacious hardworking man. He spent over two decades in the medical research field before he was forced to retire due to his crippling arthritis, which was caused from his numerous surgeries. The 53-year-old then moved his family to Albuquerque, New Mexico to focus on their survival.
As a therapeutic refuge, Cliff began acting and posting his demos on talent Web sites. He found a passion and his niche once again. When the Garstkas finally thought their bout with bad luck was over, Cliff's wife, the family's breadwinner was laid-off from her office management position. Cliff's hobby has now turned into his family's sole means of income.
As Cliff auditions for roles, he uses talent sites as his his interactive resume. Cliff's reenactment of The Deal, which is featured on his talent page, has garnered him an agent. He has also been featured in films and TV shows. Cliff's most notable appearance can be seen in the movie Sunshine Cleaning, featuring Steve Zahn and Amy Adams.
Since the money market has begun to fail, the employment rate has plummeted. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics from April of 2008 until May of 2009 (present standings) there has been increase in almost every month, except for June 2008 and April 2009 for unemployment in Cliff and his wife's age bracket, 45-54 years-old. There does not seem to be an end in site for unemployment for Cliff's family. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also notes that the older the individual is the risk of unemployment is greater.
Now, according to CNN Money, New Mexico ranks 6th among the states for unemployment (including the District of Columbia) with a 4.3 percent rate. This is one of the lowest rates in the country, as compared to Michigan's 9.6 unemployment rates. Cliff and his family live in one of the most affluent cities in New Mexico, so you may ask how is it possible for someone to still be unemployed. The answer may never be known, but speculations can be made agreeing with the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the older you become, the less chance you have of securing a job. This is very likely the case for the Garstkas.
