Though there are new opportunities popping up daily, the new jobs are not necessarily the same ones we were accustomed to in the past.  India, where salaries are only 25% of those in the US, has taken many of our software and technical jobs.  Speculation is that over 20% of the software and technical jobs will disappear overseas to a new, high caliber workforce.  This shift is not just a new trend in business to increase profits but is a means to increase capabilities and efficiencies as well.  According to research into this modern movement of jobs to overseas countries, we have simply not been working hard enough and have not kept our skill levels up to modern standards.  The trend may not be stoppable in the immediate or near future. 

There is, however, a solution to this hemorrhaging of US jobs.  Economists seem to think that protectionism and the shoring up of these jobs, which will most likely evaporate no matter what we do, may not be the answer. Rather, according to the Think Tank people, the creation of new jobs in new industries is seen as a better plan for our future.  The creation of new jobs in brand new industries that produce new hot products is seen as what will actually enhance and grow our nation's job market. 

SO NOW, WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU'RE JOB LEFT THE COUNTRY?  You do a "career transition", you start over, you abandon what you have probably been unhappy with for years and you begin a new and exciting career you will enjoy.  If you have been looking for a new job for over eight (8) months, it is most likely time to do something different.  "Insanity is:  Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

The first thing you have to do is embrace change.  You have to accept reality and the fact that your chosen profession is not working out for you as well as is needed.  Read Spencer Johnson's book, "Who Moved My Cheese".  You cheese has certainly moved and you absolutely must find new cheese if you are to survive in this new world.  A new career, a new business, a new occupation is necessary and, if the right one is found, can totally revitalize your life.  Some will find this career change fun and exciting while others will find it extremely painful and nearly impossible.  But you can do it if you have the resolve to succeed and the desire to create a better life for yourself and your family.  

The All New Career:  Yesterday you were a programmer, a technical support person, a manager in an industry that is fading away, an accountant without the right background, the list goes on forever.  The all new career probably requires that you go back to school, or begin self study and train to acquire new skill sets.  Generally, formal education is the best route to follow to insure that your new skill sets are accepted within the new environment you have chosen.  (If funding your education is an issue, remember that student loans do no have age restrictions placed upon them.)  Determining what direction you want to head out towards is not easy but it is also not as complicated as you might think.  For those who are less aware of themselves, there are all sorts of psychological assessment tests and personality profiles.  Personally, I have always thought that a long talk with a close friend was as accurate as any test.  Either way, determine what you like and what you dislike.  Write down a long list of jobs you know of and have interest in as well as a list of industries you are aware of that hold any possibilities whatsoever.  Next, expand and refine your lists with extensive research.  Begin building your case.

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The INTERNET is where you do your research.  As you already know, any knowledge you need is available to you on the web.  Most of the information is free to you directly or free through your local library's internet resources.  Typically, all libraries have extensive resources, such as business and academic databases, available free of charge for people seeking new jobs.  The WSJ.com, Forbes.com, Fortune.com, Hoovers.com, etc., all offer extensive information for free.  Almost without exception, every worthwhile company or institution has a website where you can find the information you need to help complete your research.  Take the time to complete extensive research on every job or industry you placed on your list.  Those that are of significant interest to you, print out the information and put it in separate file folders for continued review.  Study in detail what you "think" you like.  Expand and reshape your lists by expanding and reshaping your personal perceptions of the world of business, academia, institutions, and employment therein.  

By now you should have piles of lists, print outs, reviews, folders filled with information, and a much better understanding of what you "thought" your new career might look like.  You should also have in your sights a few choice positions you would like to pursue.  One or two new career ideas might even be the always dreamed of, "what I really wanted to do when I was in school was ---."  Whatever you come up with, make certain you feel a passion for your choices.  The new direction you take should be fun and exciting, one that will truly hold your interests ‘til retirement.

Sometime within this process, reality and the world of fear will come along.  The ole negative you, your inner self, Mr. Doubting Thomas.  Are your choices realistic?  What do you "really" have to do to become qualified?  Can you do it?  What guarantees do you have that after you spend the time and money necessary to obtain the required skill sets, you will actually be able to find employment within your newly chosen profession?  How do you answer these questions?  You feel you MUST answer these questions to insure that your thought process is true, your actions realistic and productive.  

The answers to whether or not you are being realistic about a career change do not necessarily need to come from within.  You can go directly to the industries your have chosen, to the source, and ask the pros what it takes, what is real, what is unreal, and of most important, where the true needs are for new people and talent.  You have your lists of industries, companies and managers within each.  Well, call them!  Pick up the phone and ask for help.  You'll be surprised how many people will offer advice when asked.  "Hi, Ms. Miller, I'm planning on preparing for a career change into your industry.  I'm going back to school to acquire new skill sets.  Could I visit with you for a few minutes and ask you a few questions about what's important in your industry?"  Be prepared to ask those questions right there on the phone or at least give a good sampling of what you intend to discuss in person.  Make certain there is no doubt that you are not attempting to apply for a job.  Remember, your goal is to come away with certainty that you are moving in the right direction.  So choose your questions well.  And finally, when you're done with your transition, call them back and say, "well, I did what you suggested, got any room for someone with MY skill sets?" 

Some of you might want to consider getting out of the employment rat race altogether.  Starting your own business might be a good answer for you in this stage of your life.  There are many ways to go about this and many risks involved with each.  The most expensive approach is to buy an existing business.  Even though an existing business has been successful in the past there is no guarantee it will remain successful under new ownership in the future.  Then there is the franchise business where you can start up your own business with a proven business model to follow.  To find a franchise business best suited for you, first find a company that specializes in helping investors choose which franchises to pick.  Typically they only charge you a few hundred dollars on the front end and collect their major fees from the franchisor on the back end.  And finally, you can start your own business from scratch with the help of the SBA and your bank.  Either way, make certain you have 24 months of staying power.  Believe me, you'll need it.  

So there you have it, The Career Transition And You.  No matter how you cut it, it's up to you where you go and what you do for the rest of your career.  Maybe you'll stay in your current profession with greater skill sets?  Maybe you'll move 2,000 miles away to a better economic environment?  The choices are boundless and they are YOURS.   There are hundreds of books on the subject, some more helpful than others.  But in the end, it's really all about, "what you really want to be when you grow up."  

Good Luck and Happy Hunting.

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