In a sign of the current times, Paul Nawrocki, a laid off executive in the toy industry, has resorted to wearing a sandwich board sign stating his plight. The sign reads, “Almost homeless. Looking for employment. Very experienced operations and administration manager.”

It’s a sad reflection of how hard the times have become for so many that have now lost their jobs. Mr. Nawrocki has tried all the other methods of finding employment, but has had no luck in securing a new job. With a partially disabled wife on 15 medications and a daughter with student loans, his money is almost out.

He says it was his daughter who came up with the sign idea. She told him he had nothing to lose. Nawrocki says he could care less about how he looks to others. Pride and humiliation are meaningless when you are looking at homelessness and financial ruin.

People pass him by constantly, only briefly looking at his sign and continuing on their way. But at least one man from an executive recruiting firm took his resume. Nawrocki can only hope he gets a call in the not too distant future from him. CNN also did a piece on him for their news.

With unemployment predicted to go as high as 8-9% by early 09′, others in addition to Paul Nowrocki may be holding signs as well.

We’ve all become accustomed to seeing the homeless holding cardboard signs and panhandling for change on the streets, but to see a former executive holding a sign is another thing. It tugs at your heart. All you can do is pray for him and hope the right opportunity comes along quickly.