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Analytic Rehabilitation

High Earning Workers continued

Projected growth and openings. The projected growth rate and number of job openings affect the ease or difficulty of finding a job in an occupation and, perhaps, the opportunities for promotion, as well. The Occupational Outlook Handbook and "The 1996-2006 Job Outlook in Brief" in the spring 1998 OOQ provide vital information on projected occupational employment. In some cases, additional information on competition for jobs is given.

Some high wage occupations that do not require a bachelor's degree, such as machinists, are not expected to grow. Others are expected to grow about as fast as the average for all workers, including truckdrivers, police and detectives, automotive mechanics, material moving equipment operators, and mechanical engineers. Computer programmer, registered nurse, and most health technologist and technician occupations are projected to grow faster than average.

For many occupations, projected growth significantly enhances job prospects. Even so, employment growth usually produces fewer openings than those resulting from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations, retire, or stop working for other reasons. For example, the employment of secretaries is projected to increase by 25,000 jobs by 2006, but net replacement needs are expected to provide more than 23 times as many openings.

Lack of growth in an occupation does not always mean a lack of job openings. For example, machinists have favorable prospects despite their lack of employment growth, because of the shortage of skilled machinists in the labor market.

Job security. Workers in some occupations and industries are less vulnerable to losing their jobs as a result of economic downturns, seasonal variations in production, or changes in the technologies used to accomplish work. Occupational unemployment rates provide one measure of job security. Workers in occupations with low unemployment rates are less likely to become unemployed. Some occupations having high unemployment rates still qualify as high paying, but workers who desire security may prefer a smaller but more reliable paycheck.

Unemployment rates reflect two kinds of unemployment: cyclical and long term. Recessions and seasonal changes in production create cyclical unemployment in many occupations. During slack periods, workers may face temporary layoffs but can expect to resume work when conditions improve. On the other hand, longterm unemployment or even permanent job loss may result from restructuring or plant closings. Jobs in organizations or industries with good long-term prospects are obviously more desirable. If you lose your job, you will likely find another one in such an industry.

Advancement potential. Some occupations offer a natural path for career advancement. For instance, an electrician apprentice becomes a journey level electrician and then, perhaps, an electrician supervisor or contractor. Workers in other occupations may need to blaze their own trail to success. Still other occupations or jobs offer few, if any, chances for advancement.

Promotion potential varies from employer to employer. In general, fast growing occupations and organizations offer better promotion prospects. Large employers often provide better prospects, but small organizations may offer broader responsibilities and opportunities to learn a wider range of skills. The most successful workers look for opportunities and seize them when they arise.

Nature of the work. What type of work holds the greatest appeal? It all depends on the person. Different occupations correspond with varying individual, social, and physical characteristics. Everyone weighs these factors in their own way when deciding what makes a job good.

Individuals like doing tasks that interest them, use their skills, and satisfy their needs in other ways. What interests you? Is it cars, music, children, or any one of thousands of other subjects? Do you like taking risks, or do you desire security? Does stress motivate you or make you sick? Different personalities crave different types of activities, such as the following:

Individuals have their own ideas about the work environment they prefer. Some people like dealing with customers or coworkers all day long, whereas others would rather work alone more often than not. But in either case, having a good supervisor and friendly coworkers may count for a lot.

Important physical characteristics of work include the level of physical exertion necessary, cleanliness and safety of the workplace, and ability to control the pace of work and the methods used. Geographic location also matters. For some people, a good job is one that is near their home.

Different workers value the idea of paid work differently. The hours that high pay demands may clash with what a worker wants. Some only want part-time work so they can devote their energies to family responsibilities, school, or other pursuits.

To learn more about the many distinguishing characteristics of occupations, see "Matching Yourself With the World of Work, 1998," in the fall 1998 OOQ. To obtain a reprint of this article, call the Consumer Information Center at 1 (888) 878-3256.

Are you ready? The data reveal many good jobs for those who do not have a bachelor's degree-- not only jobs with high wages, but also jobs that are good for other reasons. Every job has its positives and negatives. One factor seldom makes a job good or bad.

Find out all you can about occupations that interest you. Research the entry requirements and other characteristics so you will know what to expect. Above all, choose a career that meets your definition of good. The demand for skilled workers will remain strong. Are you ready?

Click here for Part One

This article originally appeared in the Occupational Outlook Quarterly Fall 1999
A publication of the Bureau of Labor Statistics