Seven Careers To Pursue If You've Been Laid-Off

Source: Yahoo

Laid-off this year? Get your life back on track with one of these seven careers.

By Andrea Duchon

If you're one of the unlucky ones who's recently been laid off, you're not alone. In fact, according to data from the U.S. Department of Labor, in May 2013, 127,821 workers were let go in a mass layoff.
That's an astounding number and a scary reality. Plus, even if you have a solid savings account, the uncertainty of not knowing what's around the corner or where your next paycheck will come from is enough to make anyone skittish about jumping into a new, unknown career.
And while you're unemployed and wondering what your next career move may be, taking the time to weigh your options now can go a long way in ensuring future stability.
"By taking time to look at the available options across different industries, you can start to make smarter career decisions across the board," says Karen Galli, a career consultant and president of One Leadership Group, a company dedicated to helping individuals develop professionally and personally. "Finding out which careers are growing in the upcoming years puts you in a good position to secure a job and hold onto it."
Ready to learn about seven booming careers you should consider when you jump back into the job search? Keep reading.

Career #1: Elementary School Teacher

2010 to 2020 Projected Growth: 17 percent, or 248,800 new jobs
Teachers are the heart of the educational system, so it's no surprise that the profession is growing, particularly at the elementary level. Planning lessons, grading students' assignments, and communicating with parents about their child's progress are all typical duties of elementary school teachers, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It's Stable: "It looks like this career is bouncing back stronger than ever due to an increased focus on quality teachers and student-teacher ratio in the classroom," says Steve Langerud, a veteran workplace consultant, career coach, and co-author of an award-winning guide to career planning.
And the good news, he says, is that more schools are looking to hire older employees, which works in favor of those who have been laid off and want to re-enter the workforce.
Next step: Click to Find the Right K-12 Program.
Preparing For Your Comeback: A bachelor's degree in elementary education and a state-issued license or certification is required for public school teachers, according to the Department of Labor. They also report that some states require teachers to major in a specific content subject, or require teachers to earn a master's degree after receiving their teaching certificate.

Career #2: Accountant

2010 to 2020 Projected Growth: 16 percent, or 190,700 new jobs
Tax season isn't the only time of year accountants are put to work - they're needed all year long and the profession is growing at a steady clip. Accountants spend much of their time examining financial statements to ensure that they're accurate, organizing and maintaining financial records, and suggesting ways to reduce costs, enhance revenues, and improve profits, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It's Stable: "Every organization needs an accountant, and after 2008, many businesses realized the importance of having a good one," Langerud says. "Now that budgets are back up, this is a field that's growing steadily with no signs of slowing down," he adds.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Accounting Program.
Preparing For Your Comeback: According to the Department, most accountants need at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field. They also report that some employers may prefer to hire those with a master's degree in accounting or business administration with a concentration in accounting.

Career #3: Registered Nurse

2010 to 2020 Projected Growth: 26 percent, or 711,900 new jobs
Before you meet with a doctor at a medical facility, you'll often interact with a registered nurse first. That's because nurses do everything from coordinating patient care to recording medical histories and then consulting with doctors, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It's Stable: Galli says there is a significant need for RNs, particularly with the health care reform beginning in 2014.
"Every American will be required to have health insurance, which will directly impact the health care industry," she notes. In fact, there is already a shortage in the field, so nurses are currently working long hours to compensate, says Galli.
She also adds that since the median age of a registered nurse is 46, there shouldn't be any concern about being the older, second-career worker or the newbie who is re-entering the workforce.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Nursing Program.
Preparing For Your Comeback: There are a few ways to pursue a career as a registered nurse, according to the Department of Labor. Registered nurses can either earn a bachelor's of science degree in nursing, an associate's degree in nursing, or a diploma from an approved nursing program. Regardless of which path you choose to take, the Department notes that all registered nurses must also be licensed.

Career #4: Software Developer

2010 to 2020 Projected Growth: 30 percent, or 270,900 new jobs
If you've interacted with a computer, you've also interacted with a software program. But have you ever wondered who created the software in the first place? Software developers, that's who. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, they are the creative minds behind computer programs, analyzing user needs, designing programs and apps, and then testing and developing software to match current needs.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.
Why It's Stable: "From iPad apps to Android phones, not to mention tablets along with PCs and Macbooks, software developers are always in demand," Galli says. "This could be a sweet career for someone who has always been interested in software developing on some level, or someone who doesn't mind going back to school or digging their heels into practical learning and training."
Preparing For Your Comeback: Usually, these professionals have a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field, as well as strong computer programming skills, according to the Department of Labor.

Career #5: Medical Records and Health Information Technician

2010 to 2020 Projected Growth: 21 percent, or 37,700 new jobs
If you're highly-organized and want to apply your skills to the booming health care industry, you might want to think about a career as a medical records and health information technician. In this role, you might organize and maintain data for clinical databases and registries, review patient records for accuracy, and protect patients' health info for confidentiality, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It's Stable: "This profession requires very little schooling, which is attractive to those who have been laid off in another field and don't want to spend years earning a new degree," notes Ben Yeargin, a corporate recruiter for Craig Technologies, a small recruiting services firm headquartered in Florida.
"Plus, our aging population ensures that the health care field will continue to grow and provide great job stability - another boon if you've been laid off in the past," he says.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Health Information Technology Program.
Preparing For Your Comeback: Typically you'll need a postsecondary certificate to pursue a career as a medical records and health information technician, notes the Department of Labor. However, some of these professionals may have an associate's degree. They also say that many employers require professional certification.

Career #6: Management Analyst

2010 to 2020 Projected Growth: 22 percent, or 157,200 new jobs
If you have business savvy and a talent for initiating change, a growing career as a management analyst could be right for you. The U.S. Department of Labor says that these professionals are responsible for proposing ways to improve an organization's efficiency. That includes things like gathering and organizing information about problems, and then developing solutions or alternative practices to a problem.
Why It's Stable: Galli says that the main function of a management analyst is to affirm, re-think, and often times reorganize the management team and their roles - in effect, make them run more efficiently. And since "[e]very company is looking for ways to cut costs and put money back into the bread and butter of their business," it's no surprise that these professionals are in demand.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Business Administration Program.
Preparing For Your Comeback: Most of these workers have at least a bachelor's degree, according to the Department of Labor. Common areas of study include business, management, accounting, marketing, computer and information science, engineering, economics, and statistics. However, the Department also notes that some employers prefer to hire those with a master's degree in business administration.

Career #7: Market Research Analyst

2010 to 2020 Projected Growth: 41 percent, or 116,600 new jobs
If you've ever answered a survey about a service or product you recently used, then you've probably helped a market research analyst do their job. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, these men and women monitor and forecast marketing and sales trends, devise methods for collecting data in the form of surveys or questionnaires, and gather data about consumers, competitors, and market conditions.
Why It's Stable: Langerud boils it down like this: “People who can get to the heart of why we do what we do as consumers of goods and services are a necessary tool for success.” He says that finding skilled professionals who can get to the data, assemble it into a cohesive package, and then tell people what it means is a challenge. So, it's no surprise that market research analysts are in demand.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Marketing Program.
Preparing For Your Comeback: Typically, market researchers need a bachelor's degree in market research or a related field, reports the Department of Labor. However, many get their degree in a field like statistics, math, or computer science. Other analysts may have a background in business administration, communications, or one of the social sciences.

Avoid These Five Low-Pay, Dead-End Careers

Source: Yahoo

Pursuing one of these careers could translate into low pay and low growth.

By Amy Howell Hirt

Fed up with your current job and ready to seek greener pastures? A career change can allow you to follow your passions, pursue your dreams, and expand your horizons. But beware of transitioning into one of these careers, whose low median annual salaries and declining jobs numbers make them some of the worst in America.
There are a variety of reasons for their less-than-stellar outlooks and pay: Sometimes it's a highly-competitive field, says John Hadley, principal of a career search counseling firm in New Jersey. Sometimes the position requires minimal skill or minimal responsibility, he says.
So if you're looking for a career change, here's a rundown of some of the worst jobs that you should steer clear of, along with some alternatives that could offer better pay and more job security.

Worst Career #1:
Teller

Median Annual Salary: $24,940*
Projected Job Growth from 2010 to 2020**: 1 percent, or 7,300 new jobs
What's one sign that your career is endangered? When it can be replaced by an app.
Tellers handle bank transactions such as money deposits, check cashing, and payments, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. But the problem is that online and mobile banking applications can now perform many of the same transactions tellers do. And because fewer bank customers will visit the teller window, there will be a decreased demand for tellers, the Department of Labor says.
Tellers also "deal with pretty small amounts [of money]," Hadley says, which can translate to a relatively small level of responsibility and compensation.

Career To Consider Instead:
Financial Analyst

Median Annual Salary: $76,950
Projected Job Growth from 2010 to 2020: 23 percent, or 54,200 new jobs
On the other hand, the growing number of financial products available today - like stocks, bonds, and other financial investments - is expected to create more job opportunities for financial analysts. These professionals assess the performance of stocks and bonds and guide businesses and individuals making investment decisions, according to the Department.
Plus, financial analysts deal with very large amounts of money, which can be stressful. So they can be compensated handsomely for that stress, Hadley says. "One misplaced decimal could add up to a big mistake, and their salary is commensurate with that," he says.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Finance Program.
Education Options: Many financial analyst positions might require you to have a bachelor's degree in a field such as accounting, business administration, finance, economics, or statistics, the Department reports. However, for advanced positions employers often require a master's degree in business administration (MBA) or finance.

Worst Career #2: Fashion Designer

Median Annual Salary: $62,860
Projected Job Growth from 2010 to 2020: 0 percent, or 0 jobs
Want to pursue a career as a fashion designer? Then get ready to join the growing pool of candidates trying to pursue the zero jobs that the U.S. Department of Labor predicts will be added in this industry between 2010 and 2020.
Plus, starting salaries for designers - who might study fashion trends and create original clothing or accessories - tend to be "very low," the Department of Labor reports. That's partly due to the popularity of the career, says Andrea St. Jean, a New Hampshire-based career counselor.
"Because it's considered a really sexy job, it's so competitive that [positions] can be low-paying," she says.

Career To Consider Instead: Art Director

Median Annual Salary: $80,880
Projected Job Growth from 2010 to 2020: 9 percent, or 6,700 new jobs
Put that eye for style to work alternatively as an art director and you could be vying for one of 6,700 new jobs between 2010 and 2020 instead - jobs that could also have higher salaries than those in fashion design.
Like designers, art directors focus on making an impact through visual design. In fact, according to the Department, their daily tasks might include developing the style of an advertising campaign, or selecting the images to use in magazines and television productions.
"Art directors will continue to be needed to oversee the work of graphic designers, illustrators, photographers, and others engaged in artwork or layout design," the Department says. It also notes that most of the projected new jobs will be in the advertising, public relations, and related services industries.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Art Program.
Education Options: In addition to previous work experience, an art director needs a bachelor's degree in an art or design field, according to the Department. That previous experience could come from various fields, such as graphic design, illustration, copyediting, photography, or other art- or design-related occupations. The Department adds that some complete a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) or a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree to supplement their work experience.

Worst Career #3:
Dental Laboratory Technician

Median Annual Salary: $36,090
Projected Job Growth from 2010 to 2020: 1 percent, or 300 new jobs
What's the downside of better preventive dental care? Worse job prospects for dental laboratory technicians, who, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, are responsible for creating dentures, crowns, bridges, and other dental appliances.
Because visits to the dentist have increased, baby boomers and their children are more likely to keep their teeth than generations past, so there is less need for dental technician services, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
And because the job doesn't require advanced education or skills, the pay is low, St. Jean says.

Career To Consider Instead:
Dental Hygienist

Median Annual Salary: $70,210
Projected Job Growth from 2010 to 2020: 38 percent, or 68,500 new jobs
Dental hygienists might do things like clean patients' teeth, look for signs of oral disease, take X-rays and apply sealants, according to the Department of Labor.
And opportunities in the field are expected to increase much faster than average, as hygienists are needed to care for all the healthy teeth that baby boomers are now keeping later in life, the Department says. New technology that helps diagnose problems in oral health is also expected to increase the number of dental hygienist jobs.
Plus, they're generally paid well because they need "highly specialized skills" to handle many of the duties that dentists used to perform, Hadley says.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Dental Hygiene Program.
Education Options: Typically, dental hygienists need an associate's degree in dental hygiene, in addition to a license, the Department says.

Worst Career #4:
Craft and Fine Artist

Median Annual Salary: $29,600 for craft artists; $44,850 for fine artists
Projected Job Growth from 2010 to 2020: 5 percent, or 3,100 new jobs
If you dream of pursuing a career as an artist, you'll probably need more than your creativity to make a living. "It has much more to do with a person's marketing savvy than their talent," Hadley says. And that makes sense since in addition to developing creative ideas or new methods for making art, craft and fine artists also develop portfolios to show gallery owners and others interested in their work, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
While there are plenty of artists who aren't starving, the real problem is that there are plenty of artists, period. And that competition - along with a weak economy - drives down both the potential pay and job opportunities for artists, Hadley says.

Career To Consider Instead:
Graphic Designer

Median Annual Salary: $44,150
Projected Job Growth from 2010 to 2020: 13 percent, or 37,300 new jobs
The Department of Labor says that graphic designers create images that identify a product or convey a message, and advise clients on strategies to reach a particular audience. So, as the use of the Internet increases, the Department projects that more designers might be needed to create designs for electronic publications, websites, and portable devices.
But besides helping to create the next great logo or advertising campaign, graphic designers could also see a good salary. According to the 2012 American Institute of Graphic Arts/Aquent Survey of Design Salaries, designers who are involved with "usability, web and interactive design" are seeing increased compensation and are increasingly in demand as companies see the value of design in getting a leg up on the improving economy.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Graphic Design Program.
Education Options: Ready to put your creativity to work? A bachelor's in graphic design or a related field is typically required to pursue this career, according to the Department. However, those with a bachelor's degree in another field could meet hiring qualifications by "pursuing technical training in graphic design," the Department says.

Worst Career #5: Credit Authorizer

Median Annual Salary: $33,600
Projected Job Growth from 2010 to 2020: 5 percent, or 2,600 new jobs
If you were a credit authorizer, you might help others realize sunnier financial prospects. But the outlook wouldn't be so bright for your own professional future.
Credit authorizers gather the information needed to evaluate the creditworthiness of an individual or business, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. And there are a couple of reasons why you should think twice about this career. For one, a lack of responsibility often means low pay, Hadley says. Second, according to the Department of Labor, "the availability of online credit reports will reduce the need for these workers."

Career To Consider Instead: Actuary

Median Annual Salary: $93,680
Projected Job Growth from 2010 to 2020: 27 percent, or 5,800 new jobs
For the insurance industry, actuaries do very important work, according to the Department. More specifically, they use statistics and computer software to help businesses gauge the cost of an insurance event, such as an accident. They also develop policies to minimize risk and maximize profit.
And the good news is that employment is expected to grow for actuaries. As insurance companies adapt to new health care laws, actuaries will be needed to evaluate the effects of these laws and create new products in response, the Department notes.
So why do they get paid so well? While actuaries also evaluate the financial risks that a customer or business presents - like credit authorizers do - they typically receive a much higher salary because of the highly-specialized knowledge and skills required, Hadley says.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Business Program.
Education Options: Actuaries need to earn a bachelor's degree - typically in math, statistics, business, or actuarial science, as well as pass various exams to "become a certified professional," according to the Department.

Work wear decoded: How to dress for any professional situation

By Robert Half International

"What to wear?" It's a question you've probably asked yourself a million times -- and one that takes on heightened significance when dressing for a professional setting.
Robert Half recently asked senior managers if clothing choices affect a worker's chances of earning a promotion. Eighty percent of executives said yes. But that hasn't stopped professionals from making fashion mistakes. Respondents also provided hilarious examples of office outfits that missed the mark. Among the wackiest gear employers have seen: pajamas, studs and motorcycle gear, a bathing suit and even a dinosaur costume. And, no, none of these odd outfits was worn in observance of Halloween.
While it may be tempting to dress down in today's workplace, clothing that's too casual or revealing can keep you from getting hired or receiving a raise or promotion. Even tamer fashion faux pas, such as wearing torn jeans, low-cut shirts or flip-flops, can cost you points with the boss.

Here's how to structure your professional wardrobe for a variety of situations:
1. How to dress for a job interview
With only one chance to make a good first impression, it's best to stick to classic business attire when meeting a potential employer. For a corporate position at, say, a financial institution, a clean, well-fitting suit is the safest choice. If you're applying for a job with a less traditional company, such as a startup, you may be able to lose the tie and go for a collared shirt and khaki pants or a skirt instead.
Keep in mind that it's difficult to overdress for an interview. As long as you don't show up in a tux, you're pretty much OK. On the other hand, appearing overly casual can lead a hiring manager to believe you don't take the opportunity seriously, which could cost you the job. So, when in doubt, err on the conservative side.
2. How to dress for your first day of work
Dressing for a new job can be challenging, especially if you're unfamiliar with the company's policies around workplace wear. As such, it's always a good idea to ask about the dress code ahead of time.
If your new employer doesn't have any formal fashion guidelines in place, picture what the hiring manager wore at your interview and try to emulate his style. Or choose an outfit similar to the one you wore to the meeting. In general, it's better to be overdressed than underdressed; you can always adjust your style on Day Two.
3. How to dress for casual Friday
When it comes to work-appropriate wear, the term casual can be misleading. No matter what day of the week your team has decided to collectively dress down, don't make it an excuse to be lazy.
Always keep in mind what your clothes say about you. Sweats, for instance, should be reserved for the gym or for lounging at home; ditto for too-tight yoga pants and T-shirts you'd normally wear to bed. While jeans in place of slacks or dress pants may fit the parameters of your office's casual code, they should still appear professional in both fit and style.
4. How to dress for changes in the weather
As temperatures rise, hemlines tend to get shorter. However, there are very few office jobs where showing a lot of skin -- no matter the season -- is a good professional move.
During the summer, opt for lightweight slacks and dresses or skirts that hit within an inch-and-a-half of the knee. If the heat is unbearable, consider opening a window, asking your office manager to turn on the A/C or pointing a desk fan at yourself.
When the weather cools, similar rules apply. Keep your style professional and conservative, and don't let the need to bundle up become an excuse for dressing too casually. Layers you can shed once you get to the office are a great option. If you must wear boots to wade through sleet and slow, be sure to bring office-worthy shoes to change into (or keep a pair at your desk).
5. How to dress when you want to stand out
If blending into the crowd isn't your style outside the office, you may be tempted to differentiate yourself in a similar way at work. Rules around slogan-bearing shirts, visible tattoos and piercings differ from company to company, so make sure you're up to speed on the finer points of your employer's dress policy. No matter the guidelines, don't go overboard. You can often still get your point across with small touches, such as an interesting button or pin, cool earrings or wacky socks.
While these tips can help you make better decisions around your work attire, every office has its own set of rules when it comes to what is and isn't kosher. When in doubt, go for more conservative clothing or ask your employer to clarify the dress code for you. Finally, before you head out the door in the morning, remember: If you need to ask yourself whether your outfit is work-appropriate, it probably isn't.