GOT JOBS? Facing the future

By Carla Miles

"All progress is precarious, and the solution of one problem brings us face to face with another problem." (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.)

"Your mind is the most marvelous bio-computer created. It does not deal with vague ideas; it is activated by specifics." (Denis Waitley)

Yes, even while some are predicting the economy will remain bad until 2012-2014. Because during the next two or four years, you can head back to school and work towards a new Associate or Bachelor degree, pick up another language or give enough time to develop skills for the future job or careers you really want.

What's on your heart? Figure it out and, while the economists sit around and debate, be proactive and do something new:

1. EDUCATION/TRAINING: Whether you are 18 or 55, get really serious about developing your own skills/potential for the next thing. (Biotechnology and nanotechnology may be the next big things, but anything that will fit with a knowledge-based economy should be helpful.) Need inspiration? Check out the "indigo tower" idea that has a nano-coating of titanium dioxide which is designed to "neutralize pollution" whenever it hits the building.

2. CREATE/INNOVATE: If you have an idea, try it out. One thing I have always enjoyed in watching very young at play, they are just so into designing and building what is in their imagination that they keep at it until it meets their own satisfaction. (At least one inventor got his idea for solar roadways when he was playing with slot cars as a young boy. Scott Brusaw of Idaho grew up and received a research contract award from the Dept. of Transportation to work on his idea.)

3. PITCH AN IDEA: If you do not have money for Research & Development, try and hook up your unique idea with grant money or an existing business that has money to invest. Make a proposal and then find someone to whom you can pitch that idea. Right now businesses are cautious about hiring, but some may have cash to spend on R & D. Find out where your idea fits in best.

As long as you have time for "career development," focus on using your gifts/passions and connect them to the needs of the world around you.

Very best wishes to everyone.