Hi, nice article! The job outlook is particularly bad in upstate NY also. It's really hard to find an office job right now. I haven't had a lot of luck finding anything, and I notice with each day that goes by, the hourly wages offered are getting much lower and number of opportunities are shrinking. I also have work experience and I'm college educated also. There have been so many business closings and downsizings that the number of available applicants are great for jobs in my area. I'd prefer to work at home, and do something creative while I'm supporting myself. I've been an online writer for a year and a half, and never made much money for my efforts. I recently joined Xomba, and soon I'll have my first hundred dollar AdSense check! I'm doing well with Xomba and enjoying it. It's the first time I've made some money for writing online. I think Xomba and AdSense might be a way for you to earn a few hundred dollars a week, eventually. And there are no upfront fees here, which is nice. It may be time consuming though. If you want to start your own business at home, it could be a big commitment of time and energy. Any venture that you expect to support you will take up your time. But the rewards are great, being an entrepreneur. I'm on Xomba a lot and I'm earning more and more, but it's fun so I do enjoy my time here. I think if you post a lot and are dedicated there's money to be made here. I'm hoping my Xomba earnings will help me pay for school as I just enrolled in class today at a local college. It's suggested that Xomba members do 3-5 Xombytes or blurbs a day, I do a lot more than that when I can, like 10 or more. Just keep working on it when you have the time and soon your AdSense will grow. It's what I do and I'm thrilled with the results. If you have something you could create or sell, perhaps you could try selling on eBay? I think it's possible to make a few hundred dollars a week on the online auctions. Or if you are crafty or creative, try selling your arts and crafts on a site like Etsy (www.etsy.com). People create all sorts of clever art and designs and sell their goods on that site. I think both of these are good ideas, because you could be home with your kids while working on them, also true of writing for Xomba. You are not alone! We are all feeling the pinch of a dismal economy, it's everywhere. I hope you have a great holiday season and best of luck to you! -Allison http://www.xomba.com/user/allison_west http://www.triond.com/users/Allison+West http://thecommacafe.blogspot.com