Seeking advice. What jobs are in demand right now if any?

I've been a stay at home mom for almost 5 yrs, and soon both of my children will be in school. My husband makes enough money to support us, but I really want to start contributing financially to take some of the pressure off of him. I don't have experience doing anything, so I need to go to school. It seems pointless to get a four year degree. Most people going to college now are spending more money than it's worth, as they can't find jobs after they graduate.

So, I'm thinking a trade school? Or a certificate program of some kind. Does anyone know what's in demand and would be a smart investment. I don't want to blow a bunch of money, just be jobless afterwards. Also, it doesn't need to be anything I like or am interested in. I can't be choosey in this economy.

Just hoping that someone might have an idea of what is practical atm. I was thinking medical assistant, but it seems everyone is going to school for that, so I'm not sure it's the right choice. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks ATS.

Btw, I know that some will come here saying that nothing is in demand and we're all doomed, but that's not very helpful. Looking for actual advice here. Thanks again.

Nursing jobs. Always nursing jobs. An RN makes good money, but you can advance and become a Nurse Practitioner with a little more schooling and make even better money. And...if that is you in that avatar, I want you to be my nurse.

reply to post by BrittanyLea


Healthcare is ALWAYS in demand...

And its very rewarding

That's what I was about to come in here to suggest, the medical industry is always a safe place for jobs..

Where I live, the programming jobs are pretty good right now as well .. we're busy at my company

Thanks for the replies. Yea, I think medical is probably a safe bet. I'm just not sure if spending the money on school would more or less helpful. I think their are a few medical careers that only require a couple of years, so I could start making the money back sooner.

the food service industry is always in demand....no "schooling" needed. the money can be pretty good. I used to make 60k a year bartending 30 hours a week.

Originally posted by BrittanyLea
Thanks for the replies. Yea, I think medical is probably a safe bet. I'm just not sure if spending the money on school would more or less helpful. I think their are a few medical careers that only require a couple of years, so I could start making the money back sooner.

Yes, you could do that, and you're pretty much guaranteed a job in the nursing field. You could always go back when things slow down for you and advance yourself to a Nurse Practitioner.

Originally posted by BadBoYeed
the food service industry is always in demand....no "schooling" needed. the money can be pretty good. I used to make 60k a year bartending 30 hours a week.

WTF? Why did you stop?

reply to post by BrittanyLea


Well theres a course called "personal support worker" in canada... i don't know what its called in the US though...

its only 6-8 months long here... pays good, always in demand... And its a step towards nursing...

Don't know if you have tourism in your area, but my wife and I both got hired today cleaning condos. They started us at $25.00 per hour. I used to do Carpenter work, and some jobs didn't pay that much! The problem is that it's seasonal somewhat, although some stay on year-round.

try working in a morgue or a casino or law inforcement
three professions that never feel the effects of a recession
at least thats the case where i live

I see you are in Texas. Have you considered HVAC?

First off, what do you like to do? Are you more hands on? Do you feel more comfortable behind a computer? How motivated are you? (Meaning would you be able to employ yourself or do you simply want a job where you don't have to bring work home with you) How far are you willing to travel? You need to ask yourself these types of questions if you haven't already.and they mean more than what is the most in demand job. Nursing can be a great career but sometimes people just don't like it. Simply by going on what is in demand today is not always a good thing to do. You must also look at your surrounding area as well. Just because a job is in demand nation wide doesn't mean it will be next to you. If you have one school you don't need a thousand teachers.

If you are in no rush and if you don't have any experience working in a hospital I would suggest trying to volunteer there first. Not only will you be able to see if it is an environment you like, how the employees are treated and more you will make contacts which can be useful later on. If you are looking for high salary then yes nursing is probably the route you want to go. Look into it a little more as there other similar x-ray techs, transcribers, dental assistant, vet assistant, hospice care worker, home care workers.

reply to post by reclaimed


A morgue? Hmm...I wonder if cosmetology school could get me a job doing makeup before funerals. Don't know if I'd get used to it or not, but that could be something to look into.

As for bar tending, I wouldn't have anyone to watch my kids at night. My husband works out of town weeks at a time and I don't know anyone in the area.

Everyone's given some great advice. Now I have a few more ideas to think about.

Originally posted by DarthMuerte
I see you are in Texas. Have you considered HVAC?

I have a feeling that most employers in that field would rather hire a man.

You may want to look at Medical Laboratory Assistant specificlly an online distance education course which includes medical laboratory work and work experience, that way you can study at home most of the time. The money is good and with the baby boomers heading into old age - we will all need our blood and other bodily fluids checked out. If you study hard it shouldn't take too long, so you can start looking for a job sooner.

Move to Australia. I remember you saying your Husband does something with gas. He could get work in the mining industry here for sure. We have a Resources Boom that doesnt look like ending soon. They pay very well. Our unemployment rate is pretty low here too. We also seem to be in a better position as far as the future goes compared to America.

And I wouldnt rule out going to college/uni. You seem pretty smart. It seems bad now but all those Baby Boomers will retire soon and there will be a mass exodus in many profesions. Somebody will have to fill those jobs. I think its important to do something you enjoy too. Especially since you have the luxury of having your Husband covering things right now.

Another thing that will happen when the baby Boomers retire in the near future is someone will need to care for them.You seem nice,maybe thats an option. Like nursing and stuff like that.

Anyway,Australia is the place to be right now

reply to post by BrittanyLea


If you went to a beauty school and learned to do nails, you could set your own hours. I say nails instead of hair because hair is not something you could do on your own without having a hair-salon station set up in your home.

Nails you can do anywhere. It would take you just a few months to get certified. Your services could include basic manicure, hand massage, hand wax dip, application of fake nails, and fancy nail polish designs. I bet if you had a carry kit and offered to go to your client's home (start with folks you know only!) you could charge even more, for coming to them.

Good luck.