Jack and Betty Williams are going through some difficult times. They were both laid off from their jobs last month. As the days go by, they're becoming more and more worried about their futures, since Jack hasn't been able to find another job yet, and neither has Betty.
The lay-offs weren't a surprise to Jack and Betty. After all, in the USA Jack's company hadn't been doing very well for a long time, and neither had Betty's. However, Jack had never expected both of them to be laid off at the same time, and Betty hadn't either. Ever since they have been laid off, Jack and Betty have been trying to find new jobs. Unfortunately, she hasn't been very successful, and he hasn't either.
The main reason they're having trouble finding work is that there simply aren't many jobs available (可获得的) right now. He can't find anything in the wanted ads, and neither can she. She hasn't heard about any jobs opening, and he hasn't either. His friends haven't been able to help at all, and neither have hers.
Another reason they're having trouble finding work is that they don't seem to have the right kind of skills and training. He doesn't know anything about computers, and she doesn't either. She can't type very well, and neither can he. He hasn't had any special vocational (职业的) training, and she hasn't either.
Despite all their problems, Jack and Betty aren't completely discouraged (灰心的). She doesn't have a very pessimistic (悲观的) outlook on life, and neither does he. They're both hopeful that things will get better soon.