The Brave New Job Market
by Marie King

We are in the Worst Economic Downturn in Fifty Years nationally and internationally. What does that mean for our job market? It’s easy to discern the losers in this financial failure. However; figuring out which companies came out as “winners” or less scathed by the almost collapse of our economy isn’t child’s play. To get the type of job, which you want; you have to investigate and discover; who was left standing after this monetary meltdown. Those who survived are the most viable sources for jobs. You could probably check with your regional Chambers of Commerce, City Managers and placement agencies to get some idea of what companies are the most stable in your area.

E-Commerce Online businesses have been flourishing for over a decade. However; besides their needs for workers with high technology backgrounds, it’s not clear what other kinds of employees that they might hire to work in their virtual world. It is also unclear how you make money on the Internet. There are plenty of advertisements showing happy couples that have made small fortunes on the Net. However; there doesn’t seem to be any easily available information on how you do it. You may want to talk to people, who have successful E-businesses, and find out how they did it.

The Government is another source.  I was at a conference in 2003, and the speaker, a high-level federal employee said, “In five years, 40% of federal workers will retire”. Add to that the fact that government is in a big spend mode, it’s safe to say that Government is probably one of our largest employers. To find out about government jobs in your local area, you may want to talk to individuals at your local career center, government officials, and look at job sites for your town, county, state and federal government.

Green Technology was seen a couple of years ago as the province of  “tree huggers”. Now because of our awareness of our planet’s dire condition, the way of the world is becoming “green”.  As job seekers you need to find out, how “green” technology is coming to fruition in your local area. Talking to politicians may give you a handle on what’s unfolding in your state. Some local career centers are offering training that is subsidized by the government in “green” technologies.

New technologies are always a mystery unless your a full blown techie. Now, however; changing social values may be impacting how technology is being implemented. In some other countries, the cost of  iphone use is different from here. In some places, the only cost the consumer pays is the initial price of the phone, which is much more expensive than in the USA, but we pay usage charges. Understanding not only the technology, but also the changing trends around its use can make it clearer what opportunities might be available in those fields.

Market research is always worth it because you will find better jobs and have less competition when you apply for them.