How would you make a living, if you lived in a small town in the heartland of America?

Question

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Answer 1

I do live in the midwest. I run a daycare in my home.

Answer 2

Wow! 137 responses so far. I've never seen a question with that many. Ordinarily I read all the other answers before I decide whether or not to add my two cents worth, but not this time.

I grew up in such a town. Almost all of them are in an agricultural area and exist to serve the folks who live there and do that. In my little town, there were 3 gas stations, 2 small groceries, hardware store, post office, barber shop, and a bank. There was a major railroad through town and a few guys worked for that. I can't think of anything else. There were probably a few individuals doing something, my mother gave music lessons for example. I'm sure that most of these things are long gone. In other words, all the jobs were service jobs.

However, there's another factor now that didn't exist when I was a kid and that's the internet. Telecommuting is becoming more and more accepted and popular. I know one guy who writes an occasional column for a magazine and designs and writes database software for companies, and he doesn't even have a real fixed home; he has a motor home and travels around as he wishes. Since you obviously have internet access, you have this whole new world of possibilities that let you do most of your work via the net and live pretty much anywhere you wish.

When I was a kid I thought of my home town as pretty much of a prison, but they really aren't that any longer.

Answer 3

think about what you like to do. I work part time for two different companies, but honestly, if you live in a small town, then you'd need a business that was strictly phone and internet based. I'm sure you've heard Melaleuca.. it is a great company... has been around for a long time, and it would be a good business for you to do in a small town. Basically, the company sells non toxic products ranging from cleaning supplies to Nicole Miller makeup. You basically sell memberships to people who inquire about the company over the internet. Anyways.. there is a ton of info about it if you are interested, just email me.

Answer 4

I live in small city myself and do not care for the small town life style but I know many people who live in this city who were born and raised in small towns who say they would love to go back home. When I ask them (sometimes the bitching gets too much to bear) if life in Outer East Jesus is so great, why don't they just Move Back?
They will tell me there is no way to make a living.
Economists back them up. Wal-mart has mostly run all small town small businesses into the ground. Farming is very hard to get into unless you inherit a farm. All rural states are suffering from a brain drain.
There are a few things that can work. There are still jobs in health care, esp in the care of old people. As the young flee to the (comparatively) bright lights of Omaha and Minneapolis/St. Paul-the small towns of Nebraska and North Dakota are filled with the aged and sick. Grandchildren do not want to leave their bright careers in Chicago. They will be willing to pay for a visiting nurse to never have to see Fargo again.
Large companies are farming out data entry jobs to rural America. They say they like the "work ethic" of the "heartland people". "Work ethic" here means willing to work for $7.00/hour"
"heartland people" means desperate chumps with few if any other options.
The woman who said she worked in a prison in MO? Some states will farm out public institutions to jobless counties if they vote the governors party. This might be OK and it might not. It might not be the kind of place you want to work. And it might not be the best place for the type of person the institution has to serve.
Case in point. My state was funding three large mental hospitals.
Two of them were in small towns, Most of the patients came from the biggest city in the state. Most of the beds were empty because with the new drugs, most ill people can be released to the community. But the two small towns fought the close down like rabid tigers. Because those were the best jobs in town.
I'm sorry to be so negative.
Some people can make pretty good money on ebay

Answer 5

I live in a small town in Central Illinois. I work in a call center as a supervisor. My dad is a fabricator and is currently in Russia reviewing a shipment for the company he works for. My mom works in a factory. We also have about 80 cows, but thats more just because my dad wanted cows.

I apologize, however, I don't understand the reasoning behind the question. People in the heartland of America do the same thing as people everywhere else. The cost of living is quite a bit lower, therefore our salaries aren't nearly what we would make if we lived in larger cities, but then, things like rent are also lower.

Answer 6

Just visit the place and see what is there for you and what you can offer to the community. Most answers so far are good, but you need to find out for yourself.

Some endeavours will require lots of capital that makes them more risky.

You did not say how far you will be from good size city. What is a small town 5,000-10,000 people or under 1,000. I have driven thru a town that said population 1. I have also lived in 2 towns of population 5,000. Few years later they were both listed as best community to leave in.

Answer 7

I do live in a very small town. 1 small grocery market and a hardware store. That's it! You have to go 20 miles or more to get to the nearest Wall-mart. So a year ago I opened a consignment/gift shop. It took off like crazy! Once you get to know what kind of stuff the people in that area are looking for, than try to stay with that. It will change with the seasons. Personally I sell a lot of Nautical Gifts, Marine Supplies, Small furniture items and kitchen wear. Christmas season was really fun last year! I love my shop, and wouldn't change a thing. Good Luck!

Answer 8

Based on your question, I'm going to jump to a few conclusions - hope i'm not off base. Sorry if I am.

You have a desire to move to a rural setting and live the simple life.

While this is admirable, your question presents the main obstacle to doing so!

The very reason why these areas are rural is because making a living is so difficult.

There are jobs to be had and business to undertake, but often the remuneration is poor.

If you decide to make the jump. Find a job or business opportunity that will work in the locale you choose FIRST. Make sure there are one or two alternatives for both yourself and your spouse before making the move. Make sure you can live with the income these will provide.

In other words. Live in reality before realizing your dream.

Good luck.

Answer 9

My husband's family is from Illinois.... I'm from San Diego, California... HUGE difference! My first time in Illinois, I was shocked at the small towns and seemingly "nothingness" out there. However, after going back to Illinois several times I've realized they have all the same industries & businesses there, as we have here in the city... just on a smaller degree. My husband's family members do everything from farming and truck driving to owning a architectural design company and working for the city. Personally, if I lived in a small midwest town, I'd take advantage of the quaint charm that you find there. I'd open a mom & pop business... probably a posh home decor store that specialized in shabby chic, cottage and upscale antiques. I'd also paint.

Answer 10

The first thing you need to do is think about what you like to do. I work part time for two different companies, but honestly, if you live in a small town, then you'd need a business that was strictly phone and internet based. I'm sure you've heard Melaleuca.. it is a great company... has been around for a long time, and it would be a good business for you to do in a small town. Basically, the company sells non toxic products ranging from cleaning supplies to Nicole Miller makeup. You basically sell memberships to people who inquire about the company over the internet. Anyways.. there is a ton of info about it if you are interested, just email me.. [e-mail]

Answer 11

I do live in a small town in the heartland of America, and make a comfortable living as an artist. I travel to shows and sell online. It's a great lifestyle. My spouse is a police officer--and small town police officers are VERY busy, by the way, dealing with many of the same criminal activity as in the bigger cities.