It seems quite evident that we are in a recession.  The home builders that were throwing up subdivisions left and right are operating on skeleton crews, DOT's are having funding issues, and as a result, many consultants are having to layoff.  Times are slow, yes, but they will get busy again for sure.  That being said, even though you may not to keep folks as billable as you would like, and even though the big $$$ projects are not the low hanging fruit they once were, is now the time to hire the right people so you will be prepared when the economy is back on the upswing?  Is it worth it to experience short term profit shortcomings for what will likely be more long-term gain?  What do you think?