They say that a recession is when your neighbor loses his or her job, and a depression is when you lose yours. With soaring unemployment rates in the United States, there are plenty of unemployed people who are experiencing their own personal depression.
According to the U.S. government Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor, in February of 2009 job losses were large and widespread across nearly all major industry sectors, and the number of unemployed persons increased by 851,000 to 12.5 million. During the same month the national unemployment rate rose from 7.6 to 8.1 percent. And many of those who are laid off are not finding work quickly; in February 2009 alone the number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) increased by 270,000 to 2.9 million.
During the one-year period from March 2008 to March 2009, the number of unemployed persons has increased by about 5.0 million, and the unemployment rate has risen by 3.3 percentage points. The number of long-term unemployed was up by 1.6 million.
Grim? For many, yes. However, there are bright spots even in this dismal economy. Some job sectors have very good outlooks, and for people who have the right training there are plenty of good opportunities. The careers aren’t evenly distributed across industries and occupational groups, and changes in consumer demand, technology, and global economics will continue to affect the job outlook. Based on projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are our Top Ten Growth Career choices for 2009.
1. Physician’s assistant Salary range: $46,360 or more Education/training: Master’s degree Job demand should grow as health care facilities, particularly in rural and inner-city areas, increasingly use physician's assistants to address physician shortages and save money.
2. Physical therapist Salary range: $46,360 or more Education/training: Master’s degree The growing elderly and disabled population should push demand for physical therapy, an industry that's constantly expanding its scope.
3. Manicurist and pedicurist Salary range: under $21,220 Education/training: Postsecondary vocational certificate Work in salons, enjoy flexible hours, and help people look and feel their best.
4. Environmental science and protection technician Salary range: $30,630 - $46,300 Education/training: Associate degree Regulate waste, clean up contamination, and collect samples to help monitor pollution levels in today’s eco-conscious world.
5. Computer software engineer Salary range: $46,360 or more Education/training: Bachelor’s degree Increasing demand for computer networking skills, particularly at companies. The need for new Internet applications, system safety, and upgrading will help spur opportunities.
6. Database administrator Salary range: $46,360 or more Education/training: Bachelor’s degree As businesses continue to rely on sophisticated technology, demand continues for professionals who can create and manage databases that store information on customers, inventory and projects.
7. Computer systems analyst Salary range: $46,360 or more Education/training: Bachelor’s degree Job growth in this sector should continue as companies continually adopt new technology.
8. Dental assistant Salary range: $21,260 - $30,560 Education/training: Moderate on-the-job training As health care expands, routine preventive care increases. Younger dentists entering the field are more likely to work with assistants.
9. Marriage and family therapist Salary range: $30,630 - $46,300 Education/training: Master’s degree As people live longer and strive to stay married, this occupation should grow as it becomes more common for people to seek help in the form of therapy.
10. Mental health and substance abuse social worker Salary range: $30,630 - $46,300 Education/training: Master’s degree The criminal justice system is increasingly sending drug offenders to treatment programs instead of to prison, fueling demand for counselors.
Your best bet? To move your career ahead, get the career training you need to succeed. Check out the career schools at Education-for-Careers.com. Compare schools and programs. Choose on-campus or online degree programs. In less time than you think, you could be prepared for a rewarding career.
