Where do jobs come from?

Inspired by a comment on “this thread” I thought it would be an informative discussion to explore the concept of where jobs come from. It is painfully obvious, we need more jobs to help our recovery from this depression/recession.

I just hired my first Salesman in 3 years, but it was a job I fulfilled 8 years ago, that my last salesman filled when I got promoted that again opened up when he quit. So in reality this is not a new job just a vacant existing job yet the stats will show one less unemployed person.

I would like to expand my business which will mean having to hire more people…but when this happens, this will truly mean new jobs. But what really created these new jobs? Was it me guiding my companies growth and success?? Or was it consumers of the products I make who were willing to spend their money on my products? Is it the consumers who spend money the ones who really create jobs??

What is the “engine” that creates new jobs? Your thoughts please.