This year, many Americans have lost their jobs. Seeing the 2020 job losses is distressing, even for those who still have work. Even if you haven’t lost your position, it’s more than likely you know someone who has.
The pandemic has caused this to some extent, but some jobs simply will not exist in a couple of decades. Many people have automation about which to worry.
However, there are still several jobs and careers that are solid picks for 2021 and beyond. We have some suggestions for you if you’re about to enter the job market or you’re ready to move into a steadier field.
Truck Drivers
If you’re looking at jobs in demand in 2021, truck driver is one about which you should think. This is a solid pick because:
1 – It pays pretty well
2 – In most cases, you only need a high school diploma to become one
3 – You have a lot of autonomy
As a truck driver, you don’t have to sit in a cubical all day in front of a computer. You can easily make $50-60K per year with no college education. All you need is to pass a drug test, get a commercial driver’s license, and to have a clean driving record.
It’s true that some companies are developing self-driving trucks, and they might be on the road soon.
We’re still probably multiple decades away from a time when truck drivers will be obsolete, though. For now, this is a smart option if you don’t intend on getting a college education.
Construction Worker
Construction companies often look for workers, and this is another job where you don’t need a college education. This is a smart pick if:
1 – You know about tool use
2 – You’re strong and don’t mind working outdoors
As a construction worker, you might direct traffic or use heavy machinery. You may help contractors with various tasks or assemble barricades. You’ll probably have to do debris and garbage removal and tool loading and unloading.
As a construction worker, you often work with blue-collar, salt-of-the-earth types. All you need is a positive attitude, a high school diploma or GED, and usually, trade school experience.
There are a couple of possible drawbacks. You might have to work with hazardous materials sometimes. Also, there’s a fairly high construction worker accident rate. You should be okay, though, as long as you pay attention and don’t do anything careless.
Home Health Aide
More people need home health aides now than ever before. Humans are living longer, and lots of them don’t want to live in nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
As a home health aide, you go to people’s homes and help them with their daily lives. If you like helping others, this might be the job for you.
You help individuals bathe and dress. You might administer medication and check vital signs. You may do some light housekeeping as well.
You’ll report a client’s health status, and sometimes you might help nursing aides or nurses to provide patient care. You don’t really need any formal education for this job, though you can get a NAHC certification.
You’ll need reliable transportation, and you must know how to work with minimal direct supervision. Many home health aides like the job for this reason. You will not have a supervisor breathing down your neck.
You just have to make sure to do a good job and treat the patients well. One possible drawback is that these positions seldom pay very much.
Financial Advisor
Many people need financial advisors now, and that should continue far beyond 2021. As a financial advisor, you make pretty good money. You usually need a Finance BA or a related BA.
You communicate with clients and let them know their financial statuses. You interpret client investment performance reports and financial summaries. You’ll also advise clients and talk to them about their objectives.
You can work for a bank or credit union, or you can set up your own company. If you have sales experience or know how to talk to people, that often helps.
If you want this job, you should not be shy or antisocial. You want your clients to trust you.
Web developers, registered nurses, and physical therapists are also growth industries. If you’re looking at any of the jobs we mentioned, think about your education level, how much money you want to make, and your skills and strengths. You should be able to figure out a financial support method that you also enjoy.
