If you’ve recently been “downsized” from your job or see a layoff coming soon, you certainly aren’t alone.  Almost 2 million jobs have been lost in 2008 and the U.S. unemployment rate is the highest it has been in more than a decade.  Some industries and regions have been hit harder than others.  Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that the banking, retail, and automotive industries are in big trouble.  Hundreds of thousands of jobs have been eliminated and more layoffs are expected.  If your work experience has been in one of the harder hit industries, don’t despair.  The news is not all bad.  Some industries are still hiring workers, including health care, education, and government.  Before you start thinking of going to nursing school or running for public office, sit down and make a list of your transferable skills.  Do you have skills in sales and marketing? Perhaps you could sell medical devices or surgical supplies.  Do you have experience in business operations or project management?  Then consider looking for employment within your state or local government.  Do some research.  Talk to people who are currently working in health care, government, and education.

Can you successfully transition your career into a new industry?  Maybe or maybe not.  The idea is to think outside of your current job box, consider the possibilities, and cast a wider net during your job search.