According to the Department of Labor, people are getting employed in the land of the Bullthistle, and from this spectator’s vantage point – they’re taking care of business, and working a little overtime.

For our area, the Department of Labor now lists the top three available jobs as cashiers, retail salespersons, and waiters and waitresses.

While encouraging, it’s sadly apparent that all the best labor real-estate of 2006 has finally been gobbled up.

With much regret in my failure as an 06er to stake claim in Norwich during the Chenango job rush, consider this my “I didn’t used to – but now I wish I was that guy” job list;

First on our list: the shadowy, yet intriguing shopping cart “repo” man.

These private contractors have opened firms all over the city with no shortage of work, or wherewithal. It definitely took a savvy market sense to find that wave and ride it. And given the number of these successful opportunists, I’d say Norwich will be in good hands when it comes to reining in any future economic wild horses.

Prediction: From this talented crop, expect a budding action or metal fab reality TV series to develop in the coming months as the buzz spreads, similar to that of “Dog of the Bounty Hunter” or “American Chopper.”

The next hot title falls under Homeland Security: Fire Lane Access, Procedure, and Patrol Expert in Reconnaissance.