If you have been actively looking for work for months in your chosen field yet have had zero luck finding anything, it’s time for a career reset. There are over 7 million unemployed people in the U.S. who have been seeking new employment for 6 months or longer. Another 4 million plus are underemployed and can’t secure full-time hours and benefits. AI isn’t the only reason listed for layoffs but is expected to completely eliminate fields within the next 5 years. 

There are jobs that robots and AI will never be able to replace. Careers in healthcare and other skilled trades, emergency services, engineering, and education will always be available. Even if you have worked in the same industry for 30 years you can learn a new skill. If you enjoy working with your hands and problem solving, apply for an HVAC or plumbing apprenticeshipprogram and get paid while you learn. 

Healthcare certification programs for entry level positions take as little as 1 to 6 months to complete and only cost between $500 and $3000. Nursing assistant, pharmacy tech, phlebotomy, home health aide, and medical transcriptionist are some of the careers that are readily available with beginning pay ranging from $35000 to $60000. Even if you were making more previously, it’s decent money to start and can open doors to even better opportunities.

You could easily work as a pharmacy tech during the day and take classes at night to become a diagnostic medical sonographer.  Ultrasound techs earn upwards of $100000 per year and can specialize in Cardiac, Vascular, OB/GYN or Pediatric. The average program takes about 2 years to complete which is not a huge time commitment considering the pay and job opportunities that will follow. The bottom line is, if what you’ve been doing to return to the workplace has proven unsuccessful - a career reset may be necessary.