mcmopar said:
It really depends on what area of the country one lives in. Florida is still wracked by the loss in housing jobs (hence my predicament). There are NO new subdivisions being built and very little commercial building taking place, in part because of the slimy banks making it difficult to get loans (while they sit back with all the Govt. money and pay themselves fat cat bonuses - makes me sick) and the lack of demand for new homes right now. Even the land surveying demand is WAY down from last year around here. It's just plain awful. I'm going to look at switching careers if things don't look like they are going to turn around anytime soon. Right now I'll take anything. The economy may be "turning the corner" elsewhere but not here in my backyard...
I didn't realize you were in the housing/building business. I'll tell you what my friend who was a surveyor is doing out here to make ends meet while he waits for the business to pick up...
Look into foreclosure home maintenance. Turns out that when a bank forecloses on a home, no one takes care of it! Down here we have thousands of homes that need regular mowing, and minor repairs to leaks and things like that so they wont fall apart while the bank finds a buyer (which is going to take a loooong time for most homes).
He's doing fairly well and has recently even been thinking of hiring someone to help him handle more business. If Orlando is anything like Miami (and it is) you might find the temporary relief you need! (I've got my fingers crossed)