Explorer’s "Jobs 2.0" Series Unveils Employment Transformations in the Adirondacks
By Tim Rowland
When the industrial era in the Adirondacks began to wane in the 1970s, the region faced a seismic shift in employment, ushering in a decade filled with hardship and uncertainty. The closure of mills and mines, compounded by a new regulatory climate under the Adirondack Park Agency, left many without reliable jobs—a scenario familiar to communities facing economic duress throughout history.
In the wake of these closures, the arrival of the 1980 Winter Olympics breathed new life into the region, marking a transition towards tourism and surprisingly, the prison industry. Yet as prisons too became unsustainable and began closing, a familiar pattern re-emerged: residents adapted by piecing together multiple jobs—an old Adirondack tradition—renamed in contemporary parlance as the gig economy.
This transformation coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which reshaped the North Country’s employment landscape like so many others across the globe. Suddenly, the primary labor issue shifted from a lack of jobs to a shortage of workers. The region began exploring innovative solutions to attract new talent, including enticing retiring soldiers from nearby Fort Drum.
With fewer major employers left, the labor scene in the Adirondacks transitioned into what could be described as a Great Decentralization. Entrepreneurs started establishing their own businesses, while tech workers discovered remote opportunities that allowed them to experience the great outdoors without sacrificing career ambitions.
A parallel shift occurred in blue-collar work as well. The lull in construction following the 2008 real estate collapse had driven many tradespeople into retirement or out of the area. But as the pandemic spurred a new construction surge, the demand for skilled trades returned, showcasing resilience in the local employment landscape.
Demographic trends further complicate this picture, as an aging population creates a rising need for healthcare professionals, caregivers, and efforts to adapt to climate and energy dynamics. While the North Country has always demonstrated an ability to weather change, the ever-evolving job market speaks to the deeper human quest for purpose and community.
Reflecting on this transformation, one can find resonance with biblical principles, particularly the notion of stewardship and community support. In Matthew 25:14-30, the Parable of the Talents illustrates how individuals are called to utilize their resources—not solely for personal gain but for the flourishing of their communities. The Adirondack region’s shift towards entrepreneurship and the gig economy exemplifies this principle, as residents leverage their skills and passions to contribute to the broader economic and social tapestry.
The ongoing "Jobs 2.0" series serves as a reminder of both the fragility and resilience of local economies, examining how communities can adapt to changing circumstances while nurturing a spirit of innovation and collaboration.
As we consider the evolving job market in the Adirondacks and beyond, it beckons us to reflect on how we can uplift one another and use our skills and talents for the greater good. In the words of Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” This mutual encouragement in times of change illustrates the profound power of community.
As readers reflect on the economic narrative unfolding in the Adirondacks, let it inspire a broader contemplation: How can we harness our unique gifts and abilities to serve and uplift those around us? Together, we can create stronger futures rooted in cooperation, compassion, and hope.
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