Fastest Growing Professions

The US Dept. of Labor predicts the following professions will have the greatest percentage increase between 2006 and 2016:

Occupation 

Network systems and data communications - 140,000 new jobs +53.4% 

Personal and home care aides - 389,000 new jobs +50.65 

Home health aides - 384,000 new jobs +48.75 

Computer software engineers, applications - 226,000 new jobs +44.6% 

Veterinary technologists and technicians - 29,000 new jobs +41.0% 

If you're thinking of a new career or going back to school you might want to consider one of these fast growing fields.

Importance of Networking for Job Security

It's important to have an internal network within your company to give you more information about what's going on around you and potential risks for your job. Information is power - it let's you take charge of your employment future. External networks should include trade association colleagues, friends, online social networks, college classmates, church groups -- any organization where you can meet people -- online or off-line. Then it's up to you to build a relationship and maintain it, so your network will be in place before you ever need it. Always seek advice and practice your listening skills -- that is the surest way to get offers of assistance and guidance perhaps leading to a new job.

Take Charge of Your Career

The secret to maintaining employment even in this tough job market is to be proactive.  Too often we cruise on autopilot and accept what a company or job gives us.  We are not noticing what's going on around us in our company, industry, or even the economy in general.  We have to study the trends -- are our products/services still going to be viable in 5 years?  If you are in an industry that is losing its relevancy, start now to make a change to a new career - perhaps in a new industry.  Don't do anything crazy, but use your current job to fund your effort to find a new long-term endeavor.  It's too easy to accept the status quo until it's too late.  Someone makes the decision for you.  Take the bull by the horns and direct your own career -- and life!