Ah! The week after Thanksgiving! Now that we’ve survived the huge family meals and frenzied bargain shopping of the last few days, it’s time to return to our individual versions of the daily grind. In order to stretch that thankful feeling a few more days, lest you find your gratitude waning, I’ve rounded up four additional reasons to be grateful.
More new jobs now and in 2013. According to Kiplinger’s economic outlook not only is the number of net new jobs increasing steadily, but the pace is accelerating. Good news for those looking for work, or those wishing to switch jobs.
This bright outlook is supported by the latest CareerBuilder survey, which found 26% of employers plan to add full-time permanent positions by the end of the year. Their CEO calls it the “most optimistic fourth quarter projection since 2007” and believes that it’s “setting the stage for better job creation in 2013 and beyond.” But wait, there’s more.
Better prospects for 2013 spring graduates. Employers expect to hire 13 percent more new college graduates from the Class of 2013 than from the previous year. Specifically, companies in the fields of computer/electronics manufacturing, retail, finance, insurance, and real estate anticipate double-digit increases in hiring. So yes, 13% fewer college grads having to live at home with their parents, now that’s a reason to give thanks.
Mortgage rates will stay low and more people will buy homes. This translates to fewer people feeling stuck in one location because their house won’t sell. More mobility means more opportunity to relocate. A win-win for companies looking for talent, and employees looking for jobs.
Low gas prices. Not only have prices gone down to an average of $3.46/gallon, they’re expected to remain low throughout next year, averaging even lower at $3.44. That’s good news whether we are commuting to work, job-hunting or planning next summer’s vacation budget.
Is this list overly sunny? Sure, maybe I’m overlooking a few wrinkles here and there (fiscal cliff anyone?) but for just a little longer, let’s try to keep alive Thanksgiving weekend’s “attitude of gratitude.”
© Copyright Eva Del Rio
