Here in UK (in a very rural location) we too thought there weren't any opportunities. But our neighbour found my husband a nice cleaning job, and I help him with that, as it's good exercise. It's large holiday barns, changing bedlinen and cleaning bathrooms etc. If you don't mind 'menial' work (which we don't) and are reliable, there is work out there. It snowballs too, as one or two other people have taken us on on recommendation. We are lucky enough to get £10 an hour (I don't get any pay, I just help and supervise) I think this is fair pay.