If you unemployed and having difficulties finding a job, it may be a good time for you to learn some new skills.  Go for a  recession proof occupation.  There are many for which you can train entirely online in just a few months, and you may qualify for financial aid under the new Federal Pell Grant rules and other financial aid programs , so be sure to check around. 

While many of you may like to go for a college degree, you may not have the time and money to complete a full program.   You may want to consider training for an occupation that offers good employment prospects, and can be completed fast – in as little as a few months.  Online career training is one good option.

Here are some of the options that you may want to consider – all of these occupations have been reported to have good opportunities for jobs now and far into the future according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Statistics:

1. Medical Billing and Coding: any occupation in the health care industry is hot now and for many years into the future. The great thing about medical office management, including medical billing and coding, is this is an occupation that allows you to work from home and make your own hours, or work in a medical office or clinic. There are some great accredited online colleges offer training that you can complete fast and start working.
2. Pharmacy Technician: Pharamacy technology is also an in-demand health care occupation that is growing fast. With our aging population, the demand for health care workers at all levels is also growing.  Take a look at other health related fields such as Physical Therapy Assistant, and Occupational Therapy Assistant among others.
3. Computers: Who doesn’t use a computer today? There is a rapidly growing need for qualified computer programmers, computer repair technicians, and computer networking techs. These jobs not only pay well, but are in-demand now and far into the future. You can train online and be working in just a few short months!
4. Hospitality and Tourism Management: Arts, entertainment, and recreation are predicted to grow by 30.9 percent and add 595,000 new jobs by 2016. Most of these new job openings, 79 percent, will be in the amusement, gambling, and recreation sector. Job growth will stem from public participation in arts, entertainment, and recreation activities-reflecting increasing incomes, leisure time, and awareness of the health benefits of physical fitness. You can train online for a diploma in hotel and restaurant management, fitness and sports, sports psychology and sports management.
5. Other high demand jobs will continue to be locksmithing, electrical,auto mechanics, and other trades.

So, if you are out of work, and looking for a new occupation, why not consider learning entirely new skills online? What can you lose?  All of the programs above and many more are listed at Classes24Seven.com, where you will find listings of the top accredited colleges offering online career training.

Many individuals find themselves in unsatisfying, dead-end jobs.  They may stay at those jobs for their entire working life, or often they decide to make a career change.

If you are thinking about making a career change, there are a few things to keep in mind. 

1. Don’t leave a job if you don’t have a new one to go to, unless you have no other choice. 
2. Plan for a career change. Determine what you want to do, and your options.
   • Evaluate your interests.  Think about those activities that you love.  Can you make a career of it?  For instance, if you love working with animals you may want to consider working as a Veterinary Technician, and so on.
   • Research your chosen career path.  Do you need additional education in order to pursue your dream?  Is there a need additional workers in the field or industry that you have targeted?  What is the expected salary?  Working conditions? etc. (Check out the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook)
3. Get the college degree, or further training and skills that you need while you still are employed.  With online college degree programs and online career diploma training programs, you can obtain skills and credentials before you take the plunge.  You may be surprised at all of the options available.
4. Finally, once you have your credentials in hand, start looking for your new job. 

You don’t have to stay with a job that you hate forever, but don’t shoot yourself in the foot by leaving a job before you have a better one to go to.  Many people make this mistake, and find it difficult to get another job because they are unemployed.  Also, while you work towards your targeted career, make sure that you meet or even exceed your current job responsibilities.  Remember, you may need a good reference to get that new job, since you may have little or no experience in your chosen new profession, so don’t burn your bridges.