Created: 10/27/2009 9:09:42 PM 
Winston-Salem, NC -- Two major plant shutdowns will slash more than a 1,000 workers. But even as Hanesbrands follows Dell in announcing its sheer hosiery plant closure, one financial expert sees a silver lining.
"There's never a better time than when you're unemployed to take a risk, to try something new, to go over your skill sets," said Sherry Jarrell. She teaches finance and economics at Wake Forest University.
She doubts the plant shutdowns will mean a major exodus of unemployed workers leaving the Triad for work elsewhere.
"You have to ask yourself, 'Is it better elsewhere?' And the truth of the matter is no, we're probably better off in this area in terms of opportunities and new industries and a supportive business environment."
Jarrell cites relatively low taxes in the Triad with a labor force of varying skill levels, and infrastructure she expects to absorb the layoff shocks.
People "need to be more flexible about the specific industry they can offer their services to," she said. "Don't limit yourself to just being in textiles or just being in high tech."
She recommends one first step: examine the needs in your community, then figure out a way to meet it.
"You can think about 'gee I wish there was this kind of service, carpooling service, I like the way that company does things, I wonder if I can help them promote themselves more widely.'"
Jarrell points out the best thing that could happen during unemployment is you find and start something you really love, so your job becomes more than a paycheck.
WFMY News 2
