Americans Turn Unemployment Into Opportunity

When Harry Waterson lost his job as a certified auto mechanic at the shop he had worked at for 30 years, the job he had hoped to retire from, he couldn’t find a similar job, so instead he opened DP Automotive, an automotive repair and service shop. Waterson isn't alone; many unemployed people who can't find jobs are turning unemployment into a real opportunity, by starting their own businesses, or going to college to prepare for the career they've always dreamed of.



Career counselors who are trying to help businesses stay open during the current rough economic times are also busy giving advice to the unemployed who want to open their own businesses. Many people are turning unemployment adversity into a chance to follow their dreams.

"I thought, at this time in my life, I’d give this a go,” Waterson explained. “Anybody can fail, but if you never try, you never gain.”

According to Ms. Bilacroix, the Executive Director of the Kingsport Development & Entrepreneurship, it is not only the unemployed who want to open their own business but also the people who think they might become unemployed. They want a backup job, just in case.

After attending a class on starting a business, Waterson took out a $15,000 loan against his motorcycle to be able to start his business. He had been turned down for financing multiple times. Bankers had constantly asked him how much experience he had in business.

Brynn Bowen, who lost her job at a building supplies company that she had worked at for 35 years, started an office cleaning business out of her home. Even though she now has a full-time job, she likes owning her own business so much; she plans to keep the cleaning business and a lawn service business.

It sometimes takes difficult times to shake people to make real changes.