@suspicious

HA! These numbers might be a little suspect but it sounds like youve been watching a little too much boardwalk empire and have never been to Ocean City, NJ before. People who are actually from the northeast know Atlantic City is a far far away place despite the only 10-ish mile distance. The only crimes being committed in OC are that too many rich people own houses in one of the most beautiful family friendly (its a dry town) beach islands in the country, and spend less than a week a year in them. I wouldnt be caught dead walking the streets of DC at night, unless I wanted to be... dead that is.

I see alot of dispair and anxiety in many of your comments. I have been in construction for over 28 years. I have been out of work for almost 2 years and have recently decided to go to college for a degree in MIS. I am hoping to secure a job with in my choosen degree after I graduate in a year and a half. But after reading the bleak stories from many of you that have several degree's I'm not so sure that is going to happen. But one thing I bare in mind when reading all of the comments is that my family is counting on me. Don't give up, keep hammering away at it! Also, is there any advice as to how to approach a contract job or even an intership for some one in my position that would be useful. Any advice would be appreciated. By the way Missouri is no better off then any other state.

Thank you for your help.

I know that a lot of "numbers" are being thrown around in this discussion. If you were to ask me, take a look at the welfare numbers from the time before the "Great Resession" and now. When the unemployment numbers drop people will go on welfare. Add the two and you can get a better picture. Add the U6 and get an even BIGGER picture of what is going on.

We can blame Bush, we can blame Obama, but we can blame wall street and the banks for not loaning money out to companies that enable them to hire people! All around it becomes one big circle-jerk.

Jacksonville, NC - Ever consider employment rates may be on the rise because there is a MAJOR military base located here? Just a thought.

I feel for a lot of you, especially the ones that did not vote for this liberal administration and their hope and change. For those of you who did vote for this administation, well I have a bit of advice and it goes like this..."you may get what you want but you may not want what you get". At least under the Bush administration the unemployment numbers were under 5%. Do you miss him yet?

I have a full time job and a part time job. I could work even more hours if I wanted to at the part time job. If you don't have a job, you're probably not looking very hard. I'm not highly skilled or overly educated. Maybe you're being too picky. Whatever it is, get off your duff and look around and quit complaining. The economy is bad, but it's getting better every day, as opposed to a couple of years ago, when it was getting worse every day.
We've turned the corner on the Bush recession, the worst in history after the Great Depression. Complaining about the government and blaming the other party isn't going to put any money in anyone's pocket, except for political ad makers. If you don't do that, then you'd best look for something else.

Wow, Afghan jobs, nuclear waste, slave labor, etc! Shouldn't be anyone complaining-you're racist if ya do!

I think it is time for that top one percent that is holding 24 percent of the wealth to cut loose with some of their money to help create jobs for the middle class. It is to their benefit to keep the middle class going or there will be no insulation between them and the working poor. Can you say class wars?

I moved from san antonio to mcallen 5 yrs ago and havent seen the crime people talk about, its no more than any growing city and i would say it is less. I have seen it boom with new businesses and healthcare and retail .

Another interesting article, Metro jobs

My fellow Americans. Many of you have such poor writing and communication skills, per your comments:that it is no wonder you are unemployed. I know things are difficult, I just lost my job. Please though, learn to spell and use grammar properly for your own sakes.

The article fails to address several facts: Mission, Edinburg and McAllen are all on the Texas / Mexico border and have experienced a lot of crime and chaos due to their proximity to drug lords and their gangs.

More importantly 16 of the 53 jobs listed were for "Home Based" business. 14 were MLM's that require considerable personal investment (AVON) and the rest were for insurance companies/financial advisors. I do not know the process for becoming an insurance sales person, but I'm guessing it does not include free certification or start up, not to mention the lack of benefits.

If this is true of one area, I bet it is true of others. More research should go into employment articles, better yet, more truth.

my son should go to school my bills are due four months now and nothing all i need is a job can anyone help please

i am living in jamaica and there is no jobs here i graduated from colledge four years now and no job so i dont know where to find one i just tired of this world

These 'facts' aren't as positive as they might appear. Having lived in 'Saint Joseph' most of my sixty years the 'available work' has NEVER, EVER been anything close to satisfactory. In fact, I'd rate it as 'at the very bottom' (if not lower, if that could be possible). Given that, adding even 'ONE' job in a town this size (ie., these days) could explain why the city is in the 'top metro/percentage wise' increases.
The town, in it's hay day (in the 1800's) was the true 'dropping off point' for settlers moving West (NOT Saint Louis). A Missouri State Mental Hospital was built here at that time due to a LARGE outbreak of Syphillis with many of the patients remaining in town to receive ongoing care...and, pitifully, that fact may help explain why some 'long term' residents of this city remain 'indigent' (for the use of a 'nicer' term). The city has also been 'brought up' in a vaccum as it was nearly completely controlled by only a few, VERY FEW, wealthy families...who are only now starting to move away (THANK GOD). In other words, the towns growth was stifled by the few wealthy families so they might maintain their feudal society (NOT a good thing). What should/could have been Saint Joseph is now Kansas City, MO., not that it's much better...only on a grander scale.
Overall, Saint Joseph is known as a 'retirement town'...not because it's a great place to retire, but because it's residents are mostly aged. There is a plethora of low paying, non-growth jobs in Saint Joseph with costs remaining pretty much what they are around the rest of the nation...so, the residents don't have the money to afford much (which makes them appear 'cheap'). The schools are 'fair' at best (though the school superintendent wishes everyone would cowtow and believe differently) and the services (police, fire, etc are above average).
A few years back someone was selling t-shirts that, on the front read, "The best way to see Saint Jsseph"...and on the back..."is in your rear view mirror". That pretty much sums it up.

My two cents:

There are no job opportunities in the D.C./Arlington/Alexandria/Maryland metro area.

I've lived here for a year and a half and cannot get work. It isn't because I'm some lazy bum with a bad attitude (which, by the way, those of you telling people on here they can't get work because they have a "negative" attitude is the most ludicrous thing I have ever read. It's OKAY to feel upset, frustrated, and despaired about living through such difficult times. Heaven forbid anyone leave a comment saying how rough things are.). Matter of fact, I have a Bachelor's, a Master's in Public Administration (where I graduated first in my class), and a plethora of professional experience with fortune 500 companies.

I think there's an idea that because this is the federal government center of the country, there are jobs. Trying to get a job in the federal government is like anywhere else -- only plan on getting an interview if your uncle/godfather/insert-rich-friend-here who is the director of the particular area you're looking into. Unless you've got an inside connection and a GOOD one at that, forget it. I ended up taking an *unpaid* internship with a government institution (and just three years ago I was managing platinum accounts at a major computer company) in an attempt to get my foot in the door in any way possible. That was 15 months ago and I'm still no closer to employment than I was the day I arrived.

I have applied for over 500 government jobs and haven't been called on one single interview and I'm no high school grad with a joke of a resume. And for all the judgmental people out there -- yes, I can spell and use correct grammar ... not that I would judge people who occasionally misspell a word on a comment board on the internet. Chill out some of you.

Basically, if you want a government job, D.C. isn't where you're going to find it ... unless you can get a recommendation from the President himself.

If Elkhart-Goshen is a great job market, the rest must be a slice of pure hell...

Oklahoma City is a nice, growing metro to live and work in. We continue to grow with new neighborhoods and shoping centers going up everyday. We have the NBA in our city now and are proud to welcome our great NBA team the OKC Thunder. We have a great interstate system that helps with rush hour traffic. Rush hour can get rough but w we have traffic problems in every growing metro. We are known for our shopping and resteraunts. We have Bricktown, a great place to spend Friday night. With lots of resteraunts and bars that line the canal. Bricktown is just east of Downtown and is rated as one of the best entertainment areas in the world. OKC always has concerts going on, die to us having one of the top rated arenas in the country. I would say that if you are looking for a nice, growing, safe place to lice with a great job market come to OKC We will not let you down. You will love it here. Only a three hour drive to Dallas and 1 1/2 hours from Tulsa.

elkhart goshen indiana has no jobs the unemployment rate is still over 14%. myself and my fiancee among many others i know are still without work and not getting hired. unemployment ran out now so will have to get public aid. the job postings are so few its pathetic. most are scams and want money and hten you have truck driving jobs that want experienced people..or a few manager positions that want very exxperienced people. the market is flooded to the make with applicants and few jobs...this article is so wrong! one day jobs are abundant hten the next they say they were wrong..they don't know. its very very bad and i fear for my family and i and everyone else out of work. Also it doesn't help that there are so many illegals in goshen.elkhart - they have forged id's and blend right in..last job i had intil they closed last year was full of them, they would screw up and get caught then fired..should have called ICE on tjhen and deport them...free up good middle class jobs..there are so many illegals i bet that 80% you see is one..come and kick them out WE NEED A ARIZONA LAW and find them illegal aliens and free up jobs for legal americans!!!

what a crock of shit! i live in goshen/elkhart indiana and there are no jobs!!!! sunday paper has but half a page at most, online is nothing either. the unemployment website has a job posting website and its patheric too. this article is lies....bring the jobs please!!!!!! stop with the lies

LOL! I got a good laugh at the "Elkhart-Goshen" being on that list. Sure the President has been here twice and everyone else likes to point to us with pity. Yes, business has picked up some (the RV business since there is STILL not much else, no matter the promises of diversification). When a city hits ROCK BOTTOM, there is nowhere else to go but up. It does not mean that it deserves to be on the "best metros for job growth". With thousands of jobs lost in a single year, we get the good news this month that a new company will be hiring 30 people over the next three years. Is that growth to get excited over? I think not.

Hello from Manhattan, Kansas. The unemployment rate is pretty low and there are jobs available, but most are low paying service jobs. So if you want to work at McDonalds or Wal-Mart, come on over!

On the other extreme you have the cities largest employer, Kansas State, but unless you are an academic even it's number of professional level jobs is limited.

As someone with a college degree who has returned to the area I can tell you that there is a shortage of good paying professional jobs. Before you start accusing me of being a snob, I am working one of those low paying service jobs while hoping something better comes along.

There are large number of K-State grads who would like to stay in the area but can't because of the lack of professional level jobs. If you are interested in starting a company and need a bunch of young college grads you should look at Manhattan.

One of the bright spots on Manhattan's job future is that it is becoming a hub for bio-research. A major lab is relocating in Manhattan and other labs and pharmaceutical companies are following.

your right, and you sound like i did. but now i don't see things changing for the middle class ( middle victums ) nor the poor.

My two cents.

I've been out of work 8 months and I live in NJ. If any real work in Ocean City I would have found them and applied. This artical is so wrong!

If the spelling and sentence structure in your resume is as atrocious as it is in your post, then I can understand the reader filing it in the circular file. Learn to spell and compose a rational non-whiney post. Exhibit an optimistic attitude, get a clean shave, a fresh conservative haircut, shine your shoes, and wear clean clothing commensurate with the position that you're applying for. Then just maybe your "luck" will take a turn for the better.

For all the people complaining, I agree with the comments about having a negative attitude. Though it is hard, I think it's a must to keep positive.
Also, reading some of the comments and I won't be specific, but seriously... spelling. I am not grammar police, but if you are going to post a comment that is long, attempt to spell and use the correct grammar. Makes me not surprised to hear of being unemployed.

So companies aren't hiring; go to work for yourself. There are many opportunities as an independent contractor. If you want to have a future, then create one for yourself. Start a business. America is the best country in the world. Quit bitching because your handout ran out.

SUZUKI GSX-R 1300 Hayabusa 2007 White with Silver Signs .

You be very best in the night .

For the positive people out there, I do like the idea of contract work....definitely will consider it. For the negative ones, yes it's highly unfair that the government can bail out big business and forget about the back bone of this country; the middle class. Because if there are no jobs for the middle class; that doesn't leave a lot of people the government can tax. But for the realist, just hold on as the winds of change are blowing....you'll see. Good luck to all of us.

Hi,out there.I've been out of work over one and half years. Lucky I foun some work for short term part time, doing Marketing Sign Waving it only paid $7.oo hr. And still to keep my unemployment funds. I had to claim my wages each week. Now when when I go to get a app to fill out for work, they tell me that, we are not hiaring due to the economy is bad now.And I heard today on the news that the Whit House but an stop on the The Unemployment Extendtins. Due they know what this will do to the people out there who been out of work for over two or three years, and the JOBS they had are not their no moor, the JOBS either closed or lost their company due to the ECONOMIC SYSTEM NOW THAT WE LIVE IN TO DAY.I beleive that the GOVNERMENT can give out money to the BIG COMPANYS that the GOVNERMENT CAN CREAT JOBS FOR THE UNITED STATES PEOPLE THAT OR OUT OF WORK AND OR ALL MOST HOME LESS!!!!.

Take me off your dist list now

I have been attacked by two software houses
while using your site.

Hurry up and retire so I can get your crappy temp jobs. I'm a 20 something single mother with a mortgage make way for a new breed. How do you like my negativity now!

Manhattan, Kansas is awesome, not only does it have Kansas State University, a college town feel, great food, it has great schools as well as Tuttle Creek Lake an excellent attraction. Go KSU basketball, top 5 next year!

M. Gagne - You are absolutely correct. I admire your spirit GREATLY!.

Your/Ones *attitude* greatly helps in finding work as well as alternative solutions. If one focuses solely on the full-time full benefits package in this day and age, you miss out on sharpening your communication skills.

Get off your degrees and get back into life.

Reading all of these misery loves company comments remind me why I rarely read on line comments. Ugh!

Good Luck everyone. Keep searching!

Regarding the Elkhart/Goshen job market...about a year ago, that was the worst county in the nation for high unemployment rate. Hardly an economic boon. Instead, according to the BLS, the unemployment rate dropped from 18.4% to 14.1%. If you consider a 14.1% unemployment rate a healthy and growing economy, then by all means, move to this area and look for work. Those who are trying to sell their houses in this area will thank you.

And to the person who says that the unemployment rate is skewed, because people have stopped looking for work, you may want to research how the unemployment rate is actually calculated. It is scientifically accurate and is not based upon who collects unemployment; rather who is looking for work.
http://www.bls.gov/cps/cps_htgm.htm

I think professional staffing folks will have to remember or to teach their 20-something HR grunts an extremely important lesson. Before calling a potential C-level candidate for an interview--be prepared to reply to that individual in a timely manner. Someday, the candidate could be your boss, my boss or a member of our board. Yes, the job market may be bleak, but it's no time to ignore brand, our reputation in the community or the tenure of our own skin.

I am sorry so many seem to be having a hard time finding work. Have you thought it might be your attitude. Such negativity. I have been laid off or fired seven times in the last five years. Got laid off end of Feburary. So relieved to be out of stressful job working way too many hours for crappy wages. Less than two weeks later, I got called for a contact position that I am still in. It will last for a few more months. Since I said that I would accept long term temp work, I get calls all the time and have people waiting for this assignment to end. Might not hurt that I have a BS, MBA and CPA also. Will soon be 60. But, with more than 30 years experience, statistically, I am over qualified. Making more doing contract work. Only difference is less benefits. Have any of you thought about it?

Jacksonville, NC - another small town, but a Big Military Base (government money during war time).

I feel you I been unemployed for one year and also have a bachelor degree, no one seems to be hiring, this really sucks.

Ocean City, N.J.? Huh? I live 30 mins from there. If you want a job on the boardwalk flipping burgers, or frying dough, fine, you can make $8 an hour and they'll tell you to hit the bricks in August.
No. This entire county has been hit tremendously hard by the economy. Jobs? Everyone I know has either lost their job, is underemployed (think professionals working in Haunted Houses on the boardwalk. How's that for scary?), or terrified they will be next. Look elsewhere.

I agree with all of these great comments. I've been off work for a year now also and have sent out hundreds of resume's, had a few interviews...nothing. It's especially hard since I am a 61 year old woman. Lots of experience and good skills but the competition is too much. Also, the positions I am qualified for are now paying $10.00/hour. 1/2 of what I was making last year! How are we supposed to survive on that?

I can agree with all comments i read today..I
ve experienced and observe a little of all those listed..As person that was blacklisted for six years out of well paying industry and was never made whole, i can assert with absolute truth the the bad can always get worst. The only thing you can depend on is yourself and you can't effectively do that if you give up or almost give up...The best to all of you and dare to dream for yourselves.

This article illustrates how desperate the federal government is to put a positive spin on the labor market. Since when does a community of 15,738 permanent residents qualify as a metropolitan area?

Ocean City is a sweet little town. However, nothing about it is metropolitan. Job opportunities? Taffy pulling, clam frying. When I was a regular visitor, there were no bars due to its roots as a vacation spot for good Methodists. So forget bar-tending!

At least the South Texas cities qualify as an Metropolitan Statistical Area. But one very important fact is this: Its median household income is the lowest within the 50 states at $24,863. No wonder there is job growth. More illegal aliens per capita!!! Jobs: tomato picking and grapefruit pulling. Don't think they want an Ivy League educated architect for that sort of work.