I get accused of sporting rose-colored glasses whenever I say there are indeed jobs while others only point to gloomy statistics. It happened recently after I tackled the question, Where are the jobs? and wrote: Wherever there are needs in our changing society. Well, I'm sticking to my story. Only this time, let's focus on three very different types of roles and industries that are growing based on--you guessed it--wants and needs of people and businesses.

The first are jobs for financial professionals. These range from CFO to accounting clerks and everything in between including treasurers, directors of risk, analysts, cash managers, accountants and payroll clerks. They all fit into the broader picture that spells growth for the industry. And that is that nearly every business or government agency needs people to prepare and oversee financial reports, direct investments and develop and implement cash management strategies and long-term goals.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) these jobs are growing because of regulatory reforms, expanding global economy, growth of established companies and creation of new ones, mergers and acquisitions, raising of capital, assessing global financial transactions and assessing risks for insurance and investment purposes.

It's also interesting to note that these professionals' compensation outpaced that of the overall workforce with pay increases that are 36% higher, the Association for Financial Professionals found in its latest compensation study. Pay depends on your location and education, but some industries pay better than others. Financial professionals in an energy or utility company earn an average $95,000 compared to someone in government and non-profits who makes an average $80,300, they say. The BLS projects a 13% job growth in this area through 2016.

The second area is newer and less understood in terms of jobs: animal welfare. Hundreds of people tell me they want to work with or on behalf of animals. But besides being a veterinarian or one's technician or working in a shelter, few can think beyond what that might be. Due to the growing love affair Americans have with animals, changing attitudes towards pets and wildlife and the increased need to protect nature, careers in animal advocacy and humane fields are growing.

Roles include lobbyists, association executives, community activists and working in animal welfare protection, conservation and environmental protection, wildlife management and pet services.

The Human Society University recently joined with The George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management to offer a Graduate Certificate in Community Advocacy. Designed to help students become leaders of community activism or involved in public policy in any area of animal welfare, the program covers such subjects as grassroots, state and local politics, focus group research, media relations and community advocacy. For more information go to: www.humanesociety.org.

The third area is one that supports this growing need: people want to feel and look better. For example, according to industry experts there are not enough people to fill the demand for jobs in spas such as directors and managers, massage therapists, aestheticians and nail technicians. The shortage of manicurists in the Cincinnati area for one, has reached an all-time high, says Michael Batchelor, director or corporate development for Mitchell's Salon and Day Spa. Experienced people can earn up to $40,000, plus gratuities and benefits, he says.

Although very different examples of where jobs are, they all have this in common: There's a need for them due to changing attitudes and needs in our society. So quit focusing on doom and gloom and keep your ears and eyes open for what's changing and as a result, needed.

© by Andrea Kay