The second most rapidly growing industry is residential care, predicts the BLS. This includes homes for the elderly, emotionally disturbed and the handicapped, as well as orphanages, halfway homes and rehabilitation centers.

After that, the fastest growing industries are other health services, cable and pay television services, personnel supply services, warehousing and storage, water and sanitation, business services, equipment rental and leasing and management and public relations.

Not surprisingly, the fastest growing occupations are most anything associated with the word "computer" as well. These include computer software engineers/applications, computer support specialists, computer software engineers/systems, network and computer systems administrators and network systems and data communications analysts, followed by desktop publishers and database administrators. After that, personal and home care aides, computer systems analysts and medical assistant positions have the most growth.

Don't, though, go into these fields just because they're growing. Only choose an occupation after:

• you've talked to real people who do the job and can tell you what it's like

• you've read extensively about the field

• you think the job sounds appealing and matches your interests

• you know what a typical day is like and can picture yourself doing it and feeling fulfilled.

The thrill of being in a career that's hot will cool off quickly if it's a not good match for you. You'll find yourself unfulfilled instead of inspired.

© by Andrea Kay