We Need Jobs, but What Jobs?
Industries that are showing job growth (according to an article on CareerBuilder that analyzes Bureau of Labor statistics): Radiation Therapist, Nurse Paralegal, Genetic Counselor, Legal Nurse Consultant, Art Therapist, Computer Forensic Expert, Medical Illustrator, Veterinary Physical Therapist, Animal Defense Lawyer and Animal Assisted Therapist.
Now if you're thinking, as I am, that there's no way to "morph" into a Medical Illustrator (I can't even color inside the lines), don't panic. These don't all require artistic talent or even extensive training. According to Braintrack.com, a directory of colleges and universities, "The State of California does not have any specific certification or licensing requirements for radiation therapists. It is, however, beneficial to complete a radiation therapy program accredited by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) <http://www.arrt.org/>."
The point is, it's do-able.
And for older workers, who have seen their savings shrink and retirement age rise, I believe mature skills are transferable. Experienced bank tellers, driven into unemployment by ATMs, are experts in providing customer service while being comfortable with numbers. Construction workers? Jump on the green energy bandwagon and use your real-world knowledge to find ways to make it more efficient.
Need encouragement? Think about Winston Churchill's battle cry: "Never give up". He was referring to World War II. Make no mistake, this economic crisis is a battle too. Another insight of his may be useful too: "I never worry about action, but only inaction". We can't sit and wait for a recovery that may not even include us, the only choice is to act.
