Jobs are a hot topic these days. Almost everyone you meet has been touched in some way by the downturn in the economy.
Jobs are a hot topic these days. Almost everyone you meet has been touched in some way by the downturn in the economy.

A recent edition of U.S. News and World Reports profiles employment issues across America. The editors offer some advice on emerging career hot spots.

Here are some of their suggestions for industries that are expected to grow within the next 10 years.

* Health care - especially nursing, pharmacists, medical technicians, and medical records

* Education - special education, bilingual, math, science teachers and principals

* Librarians

* Personal trainers

* Security

* Computer network administrators

* Mortgage banking

* Financial Planning

* Slot machine technicians

It's kind of funny to see slot machine technicians on the list. I would have never thought of that particular job by myself.

With such a rich array of potential jobs, sometimes it is hard to select a career focus. Do you chase a growth industry or do you l stick with what you have done in the past?

Most research tells us that a successful career transition takes time, strategic planning, and research. Another key ingredient is spending time thinking about yourself and what makes you feel happy and successful.

If you are thinking about a career change, here are a few questions to consider that will help you clarify what you really want:

* What tasks come very easily to me?

* In my previous jobs, where was I the most successful?

* What parts of my past jobs did I hate? What did I love?

* What is my ideal work environment?

* If I could design my perfect job, what tasks would I perform, what would the schedule look like, how would I be supervised, and what would my salary be?

* What values would my ideal employer promote?

Taking the time to identify the characteristics of your ideal career will help you evaluate potential employers and industries. Since almost all of us have to work for a living, why not work at something that fits your personality and skill set? It is possible to love going to work each day.

So whether you are interested in becoming a librarian, teacher, health care professional, or slot machine technician, let your skills, interests, and past successes guide your career decisions.

About the Author

Lynne Klippel is a certified coach and an occupational therapist. Lynne has a bachelor's degree in education and a master's degree in occupational therapy. She holds several coaching certifications, completing post-graduate training at Comprehensive Coaching University. She provides coaching services to individuals and corporations by inspiring greatness, creating opportunities, and celebrating success. Her passion is helping people grow and overcome challenges.