[MRVphotog]

According to a monthly economic analysis by the AP, Vermont continues to have one of the healthiest economies in the country.

Economic suffering varies greatly by state: Times Argus Online

[arctichomesteader]

Because Vermont's economy was already in the gutter before the collapse nationwide. It couldn't fall as far though it has fallen and continues to slide. The stats are deceptive.

[Evan_Lanctot]

I've seen the statistics and wonder how this could be true. I had to leave because I couldn't find a decent-enough paying job in Vermont.

[ex-springfielder]

Several months ago I read the one of Vermonts Senators stated that Vermont did not suffer the housing collapse and forclosure rate other states were enduring. What he didn't say was that with Vermonts intense restrictions barring most development Vermont never enjoyed the building or economic boom that most other states enjoyed. It's all in how you spin the facts, it's as much what you don't say as what you say. Vermont is a small state and I think it would be safe to guess that there's many more vermonters working in NH, Ma or NY that residents of those states working in vermont. The same can be said for Vermonts retail industry along the eastern border, most Vermonters along the border shop in NH and that's where the stores and mall are located.

[momnh]

Here is the latest: Burlington has lowest unemployment rate east of the Mississippi:
Burlington has lowest unemployment rate east of the Mississippi | Vermont Business Magazine

[BickleTravis]

Originally Posted by momnh

Here is the latest: Burlington has lowest unemployment rate east of the Mississippi:
Burlington has lowest unemployment rate east of the Mississippi | Vermont Business Magazine

Thats so misleading its ridiculous.
Unemployment numbers supposedly dont count people not looking for work, right? That has to be half of Burlington.

Some things to consider:

1) VT is very old. Burlington is a college town, so people are generally older, like the rest of the state, or younger and in school. Burlington doesn't have many 20 and 30 something professionals.
2) Rents in Burlington have so far outpaced the wages that having a job is meaningless. Most people need at least one more.
3) The most important point: The quality of the jobs. Low paying service and labor jobs. Very little else.

[RunawayJim]

Originally Posted by BickleTravis

Thats so misleading its ridiculous.
Unemployment numbers supposedly dont count people not looking for work, right? That has to be half of Burlington.

Some things to consider:

1) VT is very old. Burlington is a college town, so people are generally older, like the rest of the state, or younger and in school. Burlington doesn't have many 20 and 30 something professionals.
2) Rents in Burlington have so far outpaced the wages that having a job is meaningless. Most people need at least one more.
3) The most important point: The quality of the jobs. Low paying service and labor jobs. Very little else.

You're missing the point. Compare it to a place like Providence that has unemployment in the double digits. People here would LOVE to have a low paying service and labor job if they could. Quality of the job doesn't make a single bit of difference to someone who is out of work and needs a job just to survive.

[BickleTravis]

Originally Posted by RunawayJim

You're missing the point. Compare it to a place like Providence that has unemployment in the double digits. People here would LOVE to have a low paying service and labor job if they could. Quality of the job doesn't make a single bit of difference to someone who is out of work and needs a job just to survive.

I can't say much about where I work, but I will say that in VT you're pretty much better off getting a doctor to say you're "depressed" and have "anxiety" and not working than trying to pay VT bills on VT wages.
VT is set up to make working people fail. That is the point.

[swanstone1]

Originally Posted by BickleTravis

I can't say much about where I work, but I will say that in VT you're pretty much better off getting a doctor to say you're "depressed" and have "anxiety" and not working than trying to pay VT bills on VT wages.
VT is set up to make working people fail. That is the point.

Or else Vt is set up like the rest of life; get creative, quit complaining and make it work for you. Or else throw in the towel and become like the rest of the "sheep" and turn to the govt to take care of you.

[RunawayJim]

Originally Posted by swanstone1

Or else Vt is set up like the rest of life; get creative, quit complaining and make it work for you. Or else throw in the towel and become like the rest of the "sheep" and turn to the govt to take care of you.

That's how I feel. Spend less time complaining on the internet and more time making your situation better, even if that means moving.