Linda, 34

Amanda, 39

Meet five women who have changed careers

Fastest Growing and Declining Jobs

Percent Change

Fastest Growing Jobs 1988-2000

Medical assistants 70

Home health aides 68

Radiologic technologists and technicians 66

Medical secretaries 58

Securities and financial services salesworkers 55

Travel agents 54

Systems analysts 55

Computer programmers 48

Human services workers 45

Correction officers/jailers 41

Electrical and electronics engineers 40

Receptionists and information clerks 40

Fastest Declining Jobs Electrical and electronic assemblers 44

Farmers 23

Stenographers 23

Telephone and cable TV installers and repairers 21

Sewing machine operators 14

Crushing and mixing machine operators “. 14

Textile draw-out and winding machining operators 13

Machine feeders 13

Hand packers 12

Packaging and filling machine operators 11

Source: Statistical Abstract, 1991

Answer the questions:

1. What are the fastest growing jobs in the USA?

2. What are the fastest declining jobs in the USA?

3. What types of jobs are growing in importance in your country?

4. What jobs are fading in importance?

5. What is the proportion of women in the labour force?

6. Do female workers earn less than male workers?

7. How might the list of growing and declining occupations affect your career goal?

* * *

I have been working in sales for twelve years when I suffered an ankle injury that was to change my whole life. Someone suggested alternative medicine and I was so impressed by the treatment that I began evening classes out of interest. I had reached a point in my life where things had to change. In many ways I had it all: a company car, foreign business trips, my own house, job security. But at 33, I felt increasingly discontented. So I persuaded my boss to let me work a four-day week and did homeopathy classes on the remaining day. It took four difficult years to qualify, as I was studying 25 hours a week on top of my job. Although my income has reduced by a third, my overheads are lower too. As for the BMW, I don’t miss it at all!

I’d always wanted to have my own business, something had held me back. I did various jobs in marketing, including four years in the cosmetics industry. When I was made redundant last year, I knew the time was right. I’d had my own colours done and I’d found it fascinating, so I used my redundancy money to buy a “House of Colour” franchise. My work is very sociable and the best thing of all is that I answer to no one but myself. Everything is based here in the house, so I have to be incredibly organized and self-motivated. I’m nothing like as tense as before, despite giving it my all. The only downside is the money, although in all seriousness I reckon the takings will have overtaken my previous salary by next year. I hope so, anyway!

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