If you are unemployed, it’s natural to feel insecure. Before you let negative emotions control you, explore alternate possibilities. Now may be your chance to advance your career, relocate, change careers, go back to school, or find a better job.

Better your chances of becoming employed. Research and find out if there are jobs available in your field of interest.

Where to research:

On the job. To gain an insider’s view of the world of work, entry-level positions, internships, job shadowing, and volunteerism will provide you with invaluable experience. For example, if your career goal is to be a teacher, consider volunteering in a school. While you’re working, observe job characteristics, duties, responsibilities, and learn what it’s like on a day-to-day basis. Gain a mentor, ask questions, and seek advice.

Local library. Your local library is filled with valuable resources.

Career center. Career centers offer career-related literature and career counselors. If you plan to graduate soon or are a recent graduate, take advantage of your school’s career resources.

Online. Thousands of employment web sites seek to connect companies with job seekers, offering tools to make the job search process easier.

When researching your career goal, consider:

What is the nature of the work? Job duties vary by industry or employer. Workers may advance several levels of skills and take on more responsibility throughout their career. Beginners start as interns or trainees and are supervised. Experienced workers take on more difficult tasks and are expected to work with limited supervision.

What are typical working conditions? This includes hours worked per week, the workplace environment, amount of physical activity, safety issues, and the amount of travel.

What training or education is necessary? This includes the type of training, the length of the training required, and monetary costs. Examples of training are high school, on-the-job training, previous work experience, formal training beyond high school (two year, four year, and post-graduate college programs), Armed Forces training, and home study.

What existing qualifications are necessary? Solid reading, writing, computing and speaking skills are a must in many occupations. Also, many employers are looking for dependable employees who can problem-solve, work independently, and get along with others.

What is the job outlook? Be aware of the outside factors that may affect your career decision. For example, after researching, someone interested in pursuing a nursing career will learn that the demand for nurses is high due to baby boomers reaching retirement age.

What is the salary? This includes annual salary, hourly wages, commission, piece rate, tips, or bonuses.

For more information and resources on career development, please see our Work and Career section.