Officially unemployed

[nachoman]

How is your situation going?

Cheers, Rob

I'm doing my best to avoid relocating. I would rather work out of my field than have to pack up and move. Nonetheless, I learned the other day that the mine in which I base my layout on is hiring. Unfortunately, the mine is about 3 hours from here. I am gong to apply anyway (can't hurt). You never know what kind of shifts or arrangements they may have for commuters. Plus, I look at any interview as a learning experience. But, it is also a good indicator of the overall economy. Most copper mining in arizona closed up in the 1980s as it became cheaper to mine overseas. A few mines were kept open subsidized by the federal government. When the price of copper shot up about 7 years ago, many mines expanded operations and talked of re-opening dormant mines. But when the economy went bad 2-3 years ago, the price of copper dropped again and the mines slowed and many were laid off. The fact that the mines are hiring again is a good indicator. Not only is the mine business increasing, but the contractors (consultants) they hire to do water and environmental studies will have work again.