Job Growth

Over the next decade the greatest job growth will be in the services and information sectors of the economy. Fueling this growth will be the demand of dual income families whose busy schedules don’t allow them enough time to do things for themselves. Such families will look to those who provide services like home maintenance services, shopping services, and child care options.

Another creator of demand is the aging “Baby Boomers”. The first of them started turning 50 in 1995. At that age, many of them start to have more disposable income. This will create demand in the Hospitality Industry, (hotels, motels, restaurants, and travel services). The over 85 population will also have an impact on the need for services. It’s growing at four times the rate of the population as a whole. This creates opportunities for those providing services for senior citizens such as health care and assisted living programs. But don’t count the seniors out. They too will be pouring money into the Hospitality Industry. Retirement practices undergo a major transformation. More job and career choices will be available for the elderly who are either dissatisfied with traditional retirement or who no longer can afford the high costs of retirement.

The growth of information sector jobs is a mixed bag. In the past, industrial growth was tied to specific geographical areas (the steel industry needed a readily available supply of coal and flourished near coalmines). Unlike the many manufacturing jobs they are replacing, information sector jobs are not tied to geographical areas. They can be anywhere in the world. Consequently, information sector workers, probably more than any other group, will have to view themselves as being in competition with workers around the world. To stay competitive they will have to update their skills and be careful not to let their lifestyle needs price them out of the market.

What does all this mean to the job seeker? A few things: Now there are more opportunities available for you.

When you see a job posting with a long "wish list", know that, often times, employers select applicants who fall short of a few items, so apply anyway. Salary and benefits are becoming more negotiable, so applicants need not feel as compelled to “settle” as they once did.

In the past, many job searches involved making a résumé or presentation that included a simple chronological listing of previous job descriptions.

At no other time in history do you have a better opportunity to make your own breaks, to be your own person, to master your own destiny. The opportunity is there for everyone to succeed.

Build your skill to exceed the competition. Add to your knowledge base, especially additional education and computer skills. Either you take personal responsibility for continuing your education, or you end up without the knowledge you need to protect your career. Just remember, in today’s workplace, it doesn’t take long for skills and knowledge to become outdated. Lifelong learning is the only way to remain competitive.