There's been quite a bit in the news about the high rate of unemployment, but little said about the career options that might replace those that have been lost. In a recent article by Gabby Hyman, she discusses the options for "Recession-resistant" careers, and suggests a number of remedies.... All of which require serious decisions, like changing your career, getting several years of education in your field, moving to a place where there is a job offer, or going back to school AND changing your career. All of these are good suggestions, but they don't offer immediate income solutions, unless you are willing to move for the sake of finding a job in your career field.

Some of us might welcome the change, which can be the silver lining of getting fired, but many are already doing what they do best, and that's why they've had success in their given careers. For those willing to get new employment qualifications these sectors are still strong: pharmaceuticals, the military, public accounting, health care and national security. According to Ms. Hyman's article, if you are in consulting or management it pays to look for jobs into areas that are projected to grow in the next 10 years, like energy, health care, information technology, sales, and engineering, which are predicted to grow by 22% during the next decade.

But what about those of us who don't have experience with management or are not in a position to get qualifications for a totally new field? What solutions remain? With a good track record and recommendations, your resume might catch the eye of any number of employers looking to hire by contract. Unfortunately, being over-qualified can be a hindrance to the hiring process as a friend of mine explained when switching from her corporate career in fashion to an H.R. position at the United Nations. "I was over qualified for the job, but less qualified than the other applicants," she told me. "I think that's why they hired me."

Some folks are simply taking matters into their own hands by starting businesses of their own either as a franchise or as consultants. One of the fastest growing sectors of self-employment is Internet marketing, which encompasses network marketing, direct sales and MLM companies. It is comparable to a franchise, but without the overhead or employees. Revenues from online marketing are expected to have 20% growth in the next 10 years. It offers one of the most immediate sources of income for those who are willing to spend 2-6 months learning Internet and marketing skills. One benefit is that you don't have to wait to get fired to start. Another benefit is that this business model produces huge income rewards for those who treat it as a serious business.

Network marketing has come into its own in the last 5 years with the introduction of online marketing systems like Carbon Copy Pro. With new technology and systems development, an online marketing business can be set up so that it runs on its own, and even makes sales without your ever having to pick up the phone. For some, this solution is the most direct road to recession proof income. Yet this rapidly growing sector often flies under the radar of many executive level income earners who have the very skills for online business success.

All hard work brings a profit. Proverbs 14:23