Holding a job vs. having a career. Making a living vs. following your vocation. In today's tough economic climate, many unemployed or underemployed workers would be happy with any job and don't dare aspire to a dream job. But what if you could have it all: a job that you love to do, you're good at it and is in demand so you will actually get paid to do it?
In President Barack Obama's State of the Union Address in 2013, one of the themes was the need for education and job training (and retraining) to help get Americans into the workforce or transition into more stable industries. But half the battle is knowing which profession matches your passions and talents, what skills and education you need to carry out that job, and what the current and future prospects are for that particular field so you have a better chance at keeping that job in the future.
Fortunately, the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has two complementary publications to help you choose the right career path.
The Occupational Outlook Handbook is the federal government's premier source of career guidance featuring hundreds of occupations -- both blue and white collar -- from carpenters, firefighters and sports referees to teachers, medical professions, personal financial advisers and even multimedia designers and scientists. Revised every two years, the latest version contains employment projections for the 2010-20 decade.
Do you "dig" bones and ancient cultures? Read up on archeologist careers and learn their most recent media pay, entry-level education requirements or equivalent work experience, the number of jobs in this field today and the job outlook for this field over the next decade.
Currently, the two fastest-growing occupations are personal care aides and home health aides to serve the aging baby boomers. The HGTV home renovation effect seems to have been a boon for tile/marble setters and stone and brick masons, and our nation's kitty and puppy love for pets has made veterinary techs in high demand.
The highest paying of the top 20 fastest growing occupations are physical therapists at $76,310 median annual pay and biomedical engineers at $81,540.
For those who want more regular updates with more in-depth articles, the Bureau of Labor Statistics also offers its magazine, the Occupational Outlook Quarterly, or the "OOQ" for those in the know. Suitable for job seekers, students, teachers, parents, and job and guidance counselors, this color magazine format features personal stories and detailed articles describing insiders' views of what different jobs are like.
In the winter 2012-13 edition of the OOQ, the feature article explained what certificates and certificate programs are, the differences between certificates and licenses or degree programs, and how certification might offer a quick way to enter a career. Another described the "hot" field of geothermal energy (pun intended) and the various careers to take advantage of this growing industry.
Other articles provide tips for online resources for comparing colleges and available scholarships, life in the real-estate or personal fitness professions by successful people in these occupations, and which types of careers tend to offer the best benefits and job perks.
Have a hankering to turn your "ho-ho-ho" into more than a hobby? The OOQ even included a fun article entitled "You're a what? Santa Claus!" describing the jolly job of Phil Wenz who became a professional full-time Santa Claus and Santa historian at a Christmas theme park in Illinois.
You can also visit VA for Vets to investigate career options and a skills translator. Check out Military.com's Job Search, Career Advice and Transition Center sections for more information.
Find the Right Veteran Job
Whether you want to polish your resume, find veteran job fairs in your area or connect with employers looking to hire veterans, Military.com can help. Subscribe to Military.com to have job postings, guides and advice, and more delivered directly to your inbox.
