In the grand scheme of things, 2017 comes off as a year where people are either white-knuckle gripping to their current jobs or hopelessly unemployed. Presidential elections, major foreign and domestic policy overhauls, sky-high housing costs and wage decreases from a new generation of recent grads enter the workforce normally signal a tough year for job searches. However, much more is going on behind the scenes that can be chalked up the natural order of things (shocking, I know).
These are some of the changes hitting the job market in 2017 and what it means for you, the hopeful job searcher.
The Big Rebound
Whether you or a loved one were personally affected by it, or maybe you just saw The Big Short during a Netflix binge, you’ve no doubt learned about the 2008 financial crisis. You know, when the real estate market got a little loan happy and triggered the greatest financial disaster since The Great Depression, bringing down thousands of businesses around the world and causing a complete nosedive in economic well-being for everybody.
The recovery process further burned the workforce as it put power in the employer’s hands. If an employee didn’t fit in, they could easily wind up as part of the record high unemployment rate. Pay shrunk, benefits were scaled back and hours become longer.
2017 sees the full blossom of employee power once again. As unemployment finally returns to normal, businesses are finding themselves competing for candidates once more. If you’re a good fit for the position, you’ll have far more leverage when negotiating employment terms than previous years.
Plenty to Go Around
The demand for labor is always shifting. Industries which were once overcrowded have seen several years of dwindling new talent and are back on the hunt, while some markets just expand. 2017 is expected to see both trends swell into a massive need for all available help. Healthcare (nurses, aides, assistants), food service and retail positions are expected to grow as other industries turn large profits and need places to spend it. Meanwhile, programmers, engineers, therapists, nurses and HR specialists are facing shortages following overcrowding in recent years driving others to seek new professions.
Do It Yourself
While owning your own business is still as risky as ever, working as an independent contractor is limitlessly growing as an available option. Making your own schedule and work habits are driving millions to jobs in freelance work, Uber drivers, Post mates deliveries and more. Some fear that the continued growth may plateau within the next few years, however for those in immediate need, there’s never been a better time to start.
2017 may be the year of the rooster, but more importantly, it’s the year of the job hunter (roosters won’t pay your rent, sorry), so what are you waiting for? Check out www.Monikl.com (Yes we are shamelessly promoting ourselves) and get move one step closer to finding the job you deserve today!
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