Originally Posted by
UtahPete
At the risk of being labeled as 'negative', I'd like to suggest that perhaps manufacturers these days are looking for people with a higher level of skill - perhaps with computer-controlled assembly machines (robots). I think you may need to look outside of manufacturing and be willing to accept a lower compensation package than what you have been accustomed to. OR, take the initiative to get more education for yourself. Many states and counties have worker retraining programs because of the massive shift taking place away from low-skilled high-paying jobs. You're not the only one to get caught up in this phenomenon, which has been taking place in one way or another for several decades now.
You might also want to take a second look at your original decision to stay in Vermont; it's a very small job market.
Good luck, Deanna