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I’ve read more than one thread saying there are no jobs in small towns. I’ve lived in or near a small town for over 40 years earned a good living as has Mrs5150. We live 8 miles from a town of 4500. Mrs5150 is a small town lawyer. I am a retired Social Worker (this county ). I just had my car serviced by my mechanic in town. Used a plumber and a handyman more than once. A good friend is a carpenter and his wife is a bookkeeper. Last month I had my teeth cleaned by a tech at my dentist’s office. This afternoon I will do some grocery shopping at Safeway-not the only store in town. Honestly, I’m tired of my doctor sending me to have bloodwork tests at the local hospital, but his staff are friendly and competent. And yes, we have schools and a lumber milll!
So what I’m saying there are jobs to be had, and good ones in small town America.
I’ve read more than one thread saying there are no jobs in small towns. I’ve lived in or near a small town for over 40 years earned a good living as has Mrs5150. We live 8 miles from a town of 4500. Mrs5150 is a small town lawyer. I am a retired Social Worker (this county ). I just had my car serviced by my mechanic in town. Used a plumber and a handyman more than once. A good friend is a carpenter and his wife is a bookkeeper. Last month I had my teeth cleaned by a tech at my dentist’s office. This afternoon I will do some grocery shopping at Safeway-not the only store in town. Honestly, I’m tired of my doctor sending me to have bloodwork tests at the local hospital, but his staff are friendly and competent. And yes, we have schools and a lumber milll!
So what I’m saying there are jobs to be had, and good ones in small town America.
I have heard the same complaints (no jobs) about my area. I'm 71 and have always made enough money to pay my debts and have some left over. As a truck driver for many of the years I made about $75K/year. But even warehouse jobs paid $40K/year. Of course it is not as much as the lawyers, dentist and doctors make; but it is enough to survive (if you don't overspend). Being frugal helps no matter where you live.
People always have to keep in mind that if a job doesn't pay enough; that you should constantly look for a better job or get the training needed. Even today I still like to read about any new opportunities in my community. I encourage others to try to get their foot in the door when companies first open for business - it's a great time and the employers are hungry for workers.
It all depends on the small town. I live in a town that is 2,000 people in the city limits, and a little more than that in subdivisions around the town.
Incomes--Median income exceeds state median incomes.
Jobs --Very low unemployment, and a lot of places like McDonald's are constantly advertising for help, and if you go in to apply, if you are able to fill the needs they hire on the spot, and pay adults at $14 an hour and students at $12.
Median home prices above state median home prices.
You're absolutely right. Also, people often overlook Government jobs. Some of the best paying/best benefits jobs in small towns/rural areas is the town/county government.
I’ve read more than one thread saying there are no jobs in small towns. I’ve lived in or near a small town for over 40 years earned a good living as has Mrs5150. We live 8 miles from a town of 4500. Mrs5150 is a small town lawyer. I am a retired Social Worker (this county ). I just had my car serviced by my mechanic in town. Used a plumber and a handyman more than once. A good friend is a carpenter and his wife is a bookkeeper. Last month I had my teeth cleaned by a tech at my dentist’s office. This afternoon I will do some grocery shopping at Safeway-not the only store in town. Honestly, I’m tired of my doctor sending me to have bloodwork tests at the local hospital, but his staff are friendly and competent. And yes, we have schools and a lumber milll!
So what I’m saying there are jobs to be had, and good ones in small town America.
The problem is there aren’t enough jobs. A small town can only support so many jobs.
Take your plumber. Now one or two plumbers can service a small town . Say you had 10 plumbers. Now you got too many so 8 plumbers aren’t working.
Same with anything else. Unless there is enough work for everyone or the town is expanding and needs the additional workforce there will only be so many jobs needing to be filled
Develop you're mechanical skills and hire yourself out as a handyman. Mechanics, painting, minor plumbing and electrical repairs. I'm adding welding to my offerings as well. Still need to hone my tile work skills but that will be next too. Always a way to make a buck and not work for the man.
You're absolutely right. Also, people often overlook Government jobs. Some of the best paying/best benefits jobs in small towns/rural areas is the town/county government.
Really? I thought everyone wanted the government jobs and there is a lot of competition. In big cities the government jobs pay less but the security attracts applicants.
The problem is there aren’t enough jobs. A small town can only support so many jobs.
Take your plumber. Now one or two plumbers can service a small town . Say you had 10 plumbers. Now you got too many so 8 plumbers aren’t working.
Same with anything else. Unless there is enough work for everyone or the town is expanding and needs the additional workforce there will only be so many jobs needing to be filled
Maybe so, but if you really want to make it small town America you will find a way. There are maybe five or six plumbers in our area. My guess if a seventh moved to town he’d do ok. I’ve And we’ve always done fine in the small town of our choosing. We chose skill sets that work anywhere.
Granted we never wanted to live in a town of 200, but living 8 miles from a town of 4500 suites us just fine.
Really? I thought everyone wanted the government jobs and there is a lot of competition. In big cities the government jobs pay less but the security attracts applicants.
They do and there is. There is no way the people I dealt with at the post office and the BMV 30 years ago would be hired today. In order to get a full-time government job, you often need to work part-time for years.
I’ve read more than one thread saying there are no jobs in small towns.
So what I’m saying there are jobs to be had, and good ones in small town America.
I live 6 miles from the closest town of ~2500. There is a city to the NW of about 30K and one SE of about 11k population. I've been here 40 years. I started out waiting tables (high school), got a job with the government social programs then went into environmental consulting. There are jobs and good ones for those who will apply themselves. Its my experiences that those who want a job can find one and those who dont, dont.
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