As the auto industry laid over hundreds of thousands of workers the USA cringed. These people worked on these assembly lines for 10, 15 and over 20 years. They are now without jobs and without skills to find something else to do. They will need to be trained all over. They will have to go back to school or obtained certifications to obtain the money they were accustomed to before being laid off. It really had me thinking. What if I just had one skill and lost my job? How would I take care of my children, my home, my life? Fortunately I was always nosy. If I wanted to know something I would go to school and take a course. Before I purchased my home I received my certifications in Loan Processing and Loan Underwriting. No I did not want to go into real-estate, I just wanted to know all the language that would be thrown my way while I was looking for my home. Now that I think about it I can get a job as a loan processor or loan underwriter. My point is this. As the young generation come up they have to have another skill level that will make them money just in case the other skill set falls through. This is something that will be the norm from now to forever.
Yes, you can go to college and pursue whatever you want to be, accountant, engineer, teacher, etc but why not take some courses on mechanics, plumbing, hair or electrical. You will not be able to survive with one skill set in this day and age. Even if you can speak another language you are capable of making extra money.
What could be the best ways of obtaining two or more skills or occupations? Why would a person spend more effort or money if they are going to be a doctor or lawyer for example? They make money, what’s the point? First of all, last time I checked I could get any kind of legal document online without a lawyer. I also can sign up for an organization who has a poole of lawyers which can represent me because a pay a small fee from my paycheck. Do you see what I am getting at? Lawyers will have to find fresh and innovative ways to stay current so they can make a living.
I think the best way to tackle this is address the occupations that are hot and are in demand for at least the next 10 or so years. You do not have to fall in love with these but if you can at least explore the possiblities of what you can become and how you can make this particular skill lucrative in your life then half the battle is won.
The top occupations are:
Accountants-tax services, auditing, consulting
Green-Energy-particularly people who can research energy efficient buildings
Health Care-people are living longer, enough said
Software-sales
Actuaries- (the government is forever looking for them)
Data Analyst- all industries
Physical Therapist -people are living longer, enough said
Electrical Engineers- people who have background in city management in understanding the building codes
Now, most of these you need higher education but you can take and use this to your advantage. For instance you could get your degree in Accounting at a two year college and work as a temporary employee at your local hospital. After they notice you are dependable and reliable and they realize you have an accounting degree you could apply and obtain the financial position they need help in. Not only do you have skills in accounting but you are also in the healthcare field getting experience. If the hospital for any reasons have to make cuts you can always get an accounting position somewhere else, do taxes on the side or find work at another hospital. Your are in demand because you have skills which make you in demand.
There are also other ways of obtaining new skills. You could intern or voluteer. You decide which skills set you would like to learn and start looking for places where you can voluteer or internship. You will be amazed how much you can learn. Sure you are not getting paid but when you know enough and you add it on your resume you will get paid. It didn’t cost you anything but a little time.
You could find a mentor or coach who is working in the occupation you want to obtain skills in. Be honest and forthright with them and tell them you want to learn everything they know. You will be surprise how most people are honored you think that highly of them in the first place and will be more than happy in assisting you.
There are more turbulent times ahead and we all have to be ready. The days of going to school and getting a degree, then a good job, then staying on the job until retirement and then living off your retirement is long gone. You have to constantly build your knowledge base and skill base when it comes to making money to keep a roof over your head, food in your belly and all the other things in between. Yes, your life may get weary and tired but in the long run you do not have to panic like so many Americans had to.
Denise L. Jackson- Student Success Life Coach-CPC, “We fight for a student success.” 704-910-2250 info@illyonaire.com or deniseljackson@illyonaire.com Interested in becoming an illyonaire or just sign up for our free newsletter visit us at http://www.illyonaire.com You could also win a free tee shirt!
