| Place a Classified | Subscribe today | July 3, 2009 |
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Local economist enjoys job
POCATELLO — Scott Hobdey, Southeast Idaho’s regional labor economist, has been employed by Idaho Commerce and Labor (formerly Job Service) for 20 years.
But a successful career didn’t seem to be a given when he quit his former post at Farm Credit Service and started looking for a new job. “There was a cable channel that listed the open jobs, and I’d have to watch that channel every night,” Hobdey said. “Based on my experience being unemployed, I can certainly empathize with those looking for work.” One of those open positions was with Job Service, and Hobdey was hired as an unemployment insurance consultant and eventually became a tax representative with the department.
“We were on the verge of moving to Boise. We had an apartment lined up and everything,” said Hobdey. “But I took that job, and we ended up staying here.” Seeking a career change, Hobdey recently left his position as a tax representative supervisor to accept the position of Regional Labor Economist. Hobdey finds his new job fast-paced and ever-changing.
“This is an exciting time to live in Pocatello,” he said. “I love that as the labor economist, I can be the bearer of good news instead of bad news, due to the strength of our current economy.” On with the questions:
ISJ: Tell me about your family. Hobdey: My wife Deborah is a physics and chemistry teacher at Century High School. My older daughter, Sarah, is pursuing her master’s degree in biochemistry at Colorado State University, and my younger daughter, Jessica, is currently a junior at Boise State University, majoring in marketing and playing soccer.
ISJ: Where are you from originally? Hobdey: I am from Gooding and attended Idaho State University.
ISJ: Who inspires you the most? Hobdey: My daughters. They both work hard and are energetic, and expect a lot out of me. They are also way more confident than I was at their age.
ISJ: If you won the lottery, how would you spend the money? Hobdey: Depending on how big my lottery winnings were, I’d make sure my kids both had their education taken care of and a nice financial start in life. I’d donate some money to ISU’s Bengal Village vision, to those who are poverty-stricken, and some to my church.
ISJ: What was the last good book you read? Hobdey: It’s called “The Perfect Mile” — about three men who broke the 4-minute mile during a time when it was said that feat couldn’t be accomplished.
ISJ: What is the best and worst invention ever patented? Hobdey: I think the worst invention is the TV, and the best invention is the printing press. ISJ: What do you do in your spare time? Hobdey: I coach a small running group of 12-13 year-olds, and I ride and train my horses. I’ve also recently gotten into horse racing and have owned five horses. I’m in the market for a new one. ISJ: What is your TV guilty pleasure? Hobdey: Watching horse racing on TVG — a 24-hour horse racing and betting channel. ISJ: Who are your mentors? Hobdey: I’d have to say my grandparents — they really helped shape my personality. My fraternal grandfather was a sheepherder and laborer, and promoted the ideas of hard work and honesty. My maternal grandmother let me ask a lot of questions about spirituality and religion when I was younger, and she gave me great, interesting answers. ISJ: What was the first album you ever owned? Hobdey: Johnny Horton’s “New Orleans” and Jimmy Dean. ISJ: What is your pet peeve? Hobdey: People who overstate their accomplishments or importance. By Nancy Goodman-For the Journal
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