Rob Fox watches his son play on Labor Day
As the Labor Day holiday draws to a close, many people across East Tennessee are preparing to head back to work Tuesday.
For electrical worker Rob Fox, the prospect of a stable job is comforting.
"It's been good so far, and it looks to be promising in the future," he said.
Fox, a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union (IBEW 760 in Knoxville) says the past year hasn't been an easy one as he works to support his family of three.
Now with a new job in Loudon County, he is optimistic about the year ahead.
"I've got a job, and every week get a paycheck. They said it's probably going to be a two year job. So, you know it's always good to have a job!" he laughed.
Fox, like many across East Tennessee, is recognizing opportunity in an improving job market.
Economy experts from the University of Tennessee say job creation is visible in many sectors, including retail, manufacturing and construction.
In addition, Knoxville was ranked in the top ten among America's fastest growing cities and places for economic growth according to a business trade magazine.
"What a treat it is to make your car payment, your house payment, and to put some food on a plate for your family," said George Bove, Business Manager and Financial Secretary for IBEW 760.
Though Bove considers the positive job outlook to be good news, he says the timing isn't an accident.
"Jobs are usually good during election year. Really, we are going to gauge how good jobs are this time next year, when the election is over with," he said.
Fox and his family have adapted to the rough months between electrical jobs, but they now feel the burden slowly lifting.
"There will probably be more work after this job, hopefully it wont be short term," he said.