Glum faces are everywhere nowadays. And why not? The media has very little by way of good news, usually some story about a woman in Palm Beach finding her prized Chihuahua still alive in the belly of a gator. Nothing to make you sit back and say, "You know what? Things are okay." The talk around the water cooler, in the pews at church, and around the dinner table has turned decidedly negative.

Well, I met a man today who was actually excited about the recession. He owns a landscaping business in Utah and sees this time as a chance to outpace his competition. While they are tightening their budgets and cutting down on advertising, he is able to find better deals on advertising and increase his market presence. When everyone else is frowning, Mr. Landscaping is grinning from ear to ear.

What’s the difference between Mr. Landscaping and the grumpy masses? He saved his money when times were good and put a little away for times like these. He avoided taking on debt. Now, when the best opportunities are presenting themselves, he is in a unique position to take advantage of them.

While not all of us were smart enough to save during the good times (myself included), I think all of us can take a lesson from Mr. Landscaping: When rainy days happen, the winners are the ones positive enough to open an umbrella stand. The losers just stand there, mope, and get soaked.

 

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Don’t let the ‘top’ thing fool you. The U.S. job market is going to be awful nationwide, with an estimated 2.7 million jobs to be lost this year. Some states, however, will take a smaller hit than others. Your chances of finding or keeping a job in these states, although not ideal, are better in these states than in others.

So if you live in one of the harder hit states and you’re looking for a change of scenery, consider one of these top ten states for jobs in 2009:

10. South Dakota (-1.1 percent; 4,342 jobs lost) – If you can get used to cold and frigid snowstorms, this plains state is a fine alternative.

9. Nevada (-1 percent; 12,696 jobs lost) – Surprisingly, despite its strong emphasis on gaming and hotels, this state is holding its own against the economic crisis and has been able to lure tourism despite tightening pocketbooks with deals like a five-dollar steak and egg breakfast or thirty-dollar hotel rooms. You can be sure, however, that more people are opting out of the Bellagio to stay at the Golden Nugget.

8. Oregon (-1 percent; 17,737 jobs lost) - With a variety of industries, from shoes to international trade to agriculture, this state has the job market diversity to weather the economic storm.

7. Nebraska (-.9 percent; 8,374 jobs lost) – This home state of legendary investor Warren Buffett has also done a fine job withstanding the economic crisis, perhaps because of its high concentration of agriculture.

6. New Mexico (-.9 percent; 7,164 jobs lost) – With virtually no manufacturing, real estate, tourism, or financial sectors to speak of, this state remains unchanged by the financial meltdown.

5. North Dakota (-.8 percent; 2,809 jobs lost) – Something is going on up in then there plain states. My guess is agriculture, a few strong companies like Union Pacific, and a general lack of manufacturing.

4. Texas (-.7 percent; 71,930 jobs lost) – This state has performed well in creating job growth over the last few years by attracting large companies with tax breaks and jobseekers with a family friendly atmosphere. Plentiful jobs and an affordable cost of living should keep this state in the top ten for years to come.

3. Washington (-.2 percent; 6,939 jobs lost) – Like its northwest neighbor, this state enjoys a diverse job market, from computers (Microsoft) to fruit companies (you know, apples?). Its metropolitan center boasts a family friendly atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and a strong emphasis on health. These factors have made Seattle a magnet for big companies.

2. District of Columbia (-.1 percent; 633 jobs lost) – Okay, you know that big stimulus bill going through Congress to the tune of $800 billion? Well, guess where a huge chunk of that money is going. Why, to hire more government workers in nearly every agency from the CIA to HUD, of course. Where will those jobs mostly be located? In our nation’s capitol, of course. So, business in other parts of the Beltway may crumble and fall, but we won’t let our government fall, dagnabbit. No, we will make it bigger and better than before. I sure hope at least some of that money makes it my way…

1. Colorado (.8 percent; 18,708 jobs created) – That’s right. I did not forget the negative sign. One state in the Union will actually experience positive job growth this year. Like so many of our top ten, this state boasts strong business growth, breathtaking surroundings, and a family-friendly environment. As soon as this report hits the general populace, unfortunately, those 18,708 jobs will be gobbled up like a house fly in an ant hole.

So, you heard it here first: Colorado is the new promised land. Note to other states: diversiying your industry make-up, family-friendly communities, and natural beauty matter. Of course, it’s too late for the other guys to change that now.

 

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