Topics: Relocation · International issues · All topics
Jeancity withheld

I am researching potential career-change options because I am moving to a new location with my husband where there are no jobs in my industry. I plan to re-career in a field where there is expected demand for new workers. I have looked at the Department of Labor recommendations but am concerned that with so many people seeing the same information there will be over-enrollment in training programs for the number of new positions that are expected. I want to know where I can find the following information:

  • Current enrollment in educational programs by state.
  • Statistics on the current number of people employed in specific occupations.
  • Layoffs by occupation, by state.
Daniel's advice

We understand why you might think it helpful to look at statistics and trends as you approach this move and a possible new career, but wonder exactly how valuable those statistics you seek will ultimately be in helping you decide what's next. Basing your "career" decision on the enrollment numbers in education programs, or the number of people in any specific occupation doesn't take into account your own uniqueness. Even if you could find accurate statistics on any of these factors (highly doubtful) they would likely be skewed depending on who collected them, vague to the point of being useless, and probably outdated before they ever surfaced where you could read them.

Rather than approach your job-hunt this way, we think you'd do better to concentrate on the statistics about yourself. Take a hard look at your skills, qualifications and experience. Figure out what skills are transferable and look for jobs that use those skills (and are interesting to you). Decide what kind of job would best fit your personality and meet your needs. Look at your strengths and clearly define which responsibilities you enjoy most in a job.

Next, do some research about companies in your new area. Use the Internet to research possibilities, read trade magazines and newspaper articles on those fields and companies that seem like them might be a good fit with your skills and interests. If you do this kind of "homework", you should begin to get a feel of what kind of industry or job might be worth pursuing — but — it will be based on what you want, and not what someone else thinks will be the "hot new" job. Once you've actually moved, begin to visit the companies that interest you and observe them. Even if they do not have an opening at the time you want, they will probably remember you (if you were clear about your skills and interest) when one does become available. If you have the time, consider volunteering or taking some kind of interim position to see firsthand what other kinds of possible fields and jobs might be of interest to you.

Finally, we think you should challenge the assumption you've made that there are no jobs in your current industry. On what did you base that statement? It's hard for us to imagine that not one job exists in your industry in this new area. Perhaps you meant you didn't see an advertisement for a job in your current industry. If that's the case, this is the time to make use of your network in helping you to find possibilities if you really want to stay in the industry. Ask anyone and everyone you know to help you. There are jobs out there and you can find them if you are willing to go the extra mile.

Now, if what you meant by your statement is that you don't want to work anymore in your current industry and want to make a change using the rationale that there aren't jobs available, then try the steps outlined above to make that change. We believe you will be happier and more successful in your career change if you don't try to fit yourself into a box of someone else's making (it's usually pretty cramped and uncomfortable in those kinds of boxes). Make the box fit around your dimensions and you'll be much better off in the long run.