Archives for Research

Forbes released a careers package called  Worst Jobs for the 21^st Century.  Although it’s neither uplifting nor funny, the report uses federal data to identify careers to avoid (assuming you still have a choice).

Forbes reports that apart from manufacturing jobs, in decline because of productivity gains and offshoring, technology is undermining classic office jobs such as filing and data entry.  

The worst jobs projected through 2014?

• Computer programmers - expected to grow at only 2 percent. I’m not sure that I buy this because what it doesn’t account for is innovation in the computer field. In my lifetime that’s been a pretty safe bet.  
• Journalists are supposedly an endangered species - our numbers are expected to swell by only 5 percent in this period. Forbes reports that the few jobs that are created will be in small markets. Perhaps this is true, but if the journalism market is growing at all I consider that a minor cause for celebration.
• Travel agents - their numbers may decrease by 6 percent. Frankly, I thought that industry had already packed its bags for Ft. Lauderdale, but given the number of retiring baby boomers, many of whom presumably will need help with trip-planning, maybe these projections are pessimistic.
• Federal employees might be in the worst shape of all, reports Forbes. “Washington employs nearly 2 million people, not including the military, making it the country’s largest employer,” states Forbes. “By 2014, federal government jobs–excluding the Postal Service– will only have increased by about 1.6% above 2004 levels due to the transfer of some jobs to state and local governments and the increased use of private contracting companies.”

Meanwhile, I’m sure that the highly regarded Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Handbook was written prior to the recent dip in the real estate market. There are untold numbers of realtors and mortgage brokers currently reconsidering their career options. When the real estate market heats up again - as it surely will long before 2014 - the net number of realtors will swell above current levels.

There’s a downside to looking ahead seven years to see which careers will be hot or cold: the window of opportunities opens and closes faster than we realize.