Trends to Watch in Careers

by Valorie Delp | More from this Blogger

12 Apr 2008 03:35 PM

I think it's always prudent to watch trends. It helps you see where something is going, (or not going) and it helps you predict possible patterns. I think it's even more important to watch trends in your career. It's the difference between advancing through your career and possibly stagnating in a career. So with that said, here are just a few trends to keep watching.

The Rise of the Blue Collars

Blue collar jobs are getting more and more respect and even college graduates might want to consider getting trade skills that are marketable once they finish college. Several things are happening to cause what is being referred to as the blue collar trend.

First is that companies that hire for jobs that require college degrees are outsourcing more and more of their work. Secondly, our society is telling kids that college is "the only" way to go and so we have more college graduates seeking a limited number of jobs but also less people coming right out of high school looking to get into a trade.

Experts agree too that college graduates would likely stand out in some of these blue collar jobs. My babysitter actually just graduated with a degree in music, but also finished her training as an EMT. She has a steady job, a decent income considering she just graduated and has no experience, and a certain amount of job security--after all there won't come a day anytime soon where we don't need ambulances.

Your Uncle Takes Care of You

While I'm sure that statement is somewhat debatable the fact remains that Uncle Same is a pretty decent employer. Our favorite uncle offers a certain amount of stability regardless of the economy. When times are good there's surplus and when times are bad, dear old Sam can raise taxes which affords him the ability to pay well whether or not he's really financially able to pay well. Also, working for the government affords retirement benefits, plenty of sick days, bonuses, health insurance and vacations. It's not a bad deal. (As an aside, a lot of government jobs don't require a college degree either.)

Keep checking back for more trends in the jobs blog.

You may also want to read:

Networking: What It Is and Why You Do It

Mistakes to Avoid on Your Resume

The Summer Job Market for Teens Looks Bleak

Valorie Delp shares recipes and kitchen tips in the food blog, solves breastfeeding problems, shares parenting tips, and current research in the baby blog, and insight, resources and ideas as a regular guest blogger in the homeschooling blog. To read more articles by Valorie Delp, click here.

Learn more about Valorie Delp

Hello everybody! My name is Valorie and I am one busy lady! When I'm not writing or editing for families, I am busy trying to get my brood of 5 in line.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger