Adios fuel stops; I'm telecommuting

Rising fuel prices could have unexpected benefits for some Americans. With average gas prices escalating over $2 per gallon even before the typical summer surge, John A. Challenger, chief executive officer of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc., an international outplacement firm, indicates a silver lining for job seekers may arise from increased gas price-induced car pools.

"If you let your driving mates know you are looking for a new position, that adds four or five new contacts. One of their own employers may be looking for someone that fits your resume," Challenger suggests.

While the car pool saves money, it is retailers' worst nightmare. "They lose four or five nondriver prospects who do not have the opportunity to shop just before or after work or during their lunch break."

Some drivers may decide to try telecommuting, a few days at first and full time if their employer concurs. "Many more telecommuters may result in the biggest workplace change caused by high gas prices," Challenger theorizes. "Outlying shopping canters and malls, for example, could start to see fewer customers as people adopt a drive-only-when-necessary policy. On the winning side, online retailers already see increased business. Neighborhood markets also could thrive from residents walking to shop--a trend which could help battle the nation's weight problem."

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