January’s official jobs report has been released, and the news isn’t good. Last month, 598,000 non-farm jobs were cut.
Official analysis had predicted that 525,500 jobs would be lost in January, so the actual numbers are a little bit worse than had been expected.
Some of the sectors hardest hit include the following:
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Professional & Business
Some industries managed to hold on and shed fewer jobs. The careers that continue to do well include:
- Health
- Education
Students graduating from college this year should expect fierce competition for even entry-level jobs. If you’ve got an opportunity to gain experience through an internship or part-time job, that could be an extra boost to help you compete in an incresingly ruthless job market.
College should be more than the job you get afterward, but with rising tuition costs and students going in to more debt than ever, you really do need to have a plan on how to earn a wage after graduation. Is it worth changing majors? Chances are, you’ll be most successful in a field that you’re passionate about but if there’s no demand for that sector then you’ll never get a chance to prove your worth. So while you have to be true to yourself, you also should be aware of the less ideal state of the economy: The final decision is quite personal, and not easy for anyone to make.
Later in the day, the Senate may vote on Obama’s stimulus plan – and the effects of that legislation could have a huge impact on how much money students and schools have to operate with next year. Regardless of what happens, no college student today should expect to have it so easy as it had been in the past: The next few years are going to be one rough ride for all of us.
February 21st, 2009 at 2:31 pm
I agree with you; it seems like it is impossible to find a job. I will be graduating from college this year and it seems like finding an entry level job is going to be harder than I thought. I just have to have faith that I will be able to find one easily.
Just wanted to say great post!!!
February 28th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
This is getting bigger and bigger and people are not worrying about money anymore but about a job (no matter which one). Still, there might be a good side of the story, makes people think money aren’t everything.
May 13th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
Remember that Health Care and Education do not just mean doctors and teachers. These industries also need administrators, IT people, accounting types, clerical support, etc…
Larry
June 24th, 2010 at 2:02 am
Whenever recession strikes all industries and professional get badly effected with it. What matters is how we prepare our self to face it? Nothing in the world is stable. Each thing which goes up will come to ground sometimes more sooner than expected. Jobs are also like such you might take degree in some field and get a job in different.
February 25th, 2011 at 2:48 am
Thanks for making aware of tough conditions ahead of students. Not only there has been job decline but the circulation of money has also stopped somewhat. Health and education however will come up quickly as the employment fields in coming future with lots of opportunities.
March 31st, 2011 at 10:23 am
All though the economy is picking up in Europe the avaailable jobs don´t grow. Frustating!