The reports have been rolling out, detailing how dire the economy is here in Upstate New York compared to other states. I marvel that these reports are still rolling in -- I mean, the lousy business and jobs environment in New York State has been in the making for FORTY YEARS. You'd think there'd be change? Nope, all we get are more reports lamenting how lousy it is here. It's all too bad.

There ARE jobs around here, I think. You have to be a bit more creative these days. This is actually a great time for the small business or independent entrepreneur. All the big companies are high-tailing it out of here, so the board is wide open with opportunity. How about an enrolled agent cpe job? These jobs are becoming more important. I am thinking or hiring someone to help me de-tangle the mess that is the tax code. The site offers a hefty enrolled agent ethics course (a highly recommended course) as well as a myriad of other tools to get you going. I would much prefer a local agent to a nationalized, faceless entity.

I think there are opportunities out there. Gone are the days of the "Father Knows Best" and "Leave It To Beaver" jobs where you just walk into an office or factory and get a cushy job for the rest of your life. Nope, that's only for the politicians these days. The rest of us have to hunt around.

What do you think? Are you optimistic about your region's job opportunities?