Yesterday’s Sunday newspaper was interesting. It was not interesting for the headline reading “Roy fights for life,” although I do hope both Roy and the Montecore are alright. Far more interesting was the note next to the masthead: “More than $60 in coupons and 1600 job listings inside!”
Those 1600 job listings sure sound like the sign of a good economy. An optimist would point out that those are only the listed jobs, and doesn’t include the type of job one must see an agency or a recruiter about. However, this is the kind of town where even jobs for Doctors and Lawyers are put in the newspaper, so don’t get to thinking those 1600 jobs are a small fraction of the jobs available. Furthermore, some percentage of the available jobs are part time, reducing the number of actual “career opportunities.”
Another unfortunate fact about those 1600 job listings is the fact that this area is growing wildly. The county adds 5000–7500 new residents each month. Even if half those people are children — and yes, the school system is strained by the ever increasing number of students — suddenly 1600 jobs isn’t that much.
Driving around town, there are other signs that all is not well with the local economy. The overwhelming majority of apartment complexes have large banners proclaiming “$99 Move In Special,” or simply “Free Rent.” And remember, this is in a rapidly growing city with a relatively vibrant local economy.
Those $60 in coupons are looking awfully appealing.
If you do no other reading today, take a look at what the Canadians have to say about our economy, and this summary of American economic prosperity in the real world by Jonathan Tasini. Frankly, I could not have put it better.