Bad Economy Jobs
Heavy Machinery Operator Jobs
There are several different jobs under the heading of heavy machinery operator. Let’s discuss the job descriptions, salaries and education required of each position.
Mine Cutting and Channeling Machine Operator
The first job is a mine cutting and channeling machine operator. This occupation involves using machinery to make and secure mine shafts. It also involves maintaining and repairing these machines. The average yearly salary for mine cutting machine operator is $42,000. Growth of this job is expected to be slow with only 2,000 openings in the next 8 years. The level of education needed is a high school diploma and training on the machinery.
Construction Equipment Operator
Another job operating heavy machinery is a construction equipment operator. This occupation involves operating construction equipment such as bulldozers and front end loaders. Similar to mine cutting and channeling machine operators, this job may entail maintenance and repair of the equipment. The median salary for this occupation is $39,000 a year. There are a projected 118,000 job openings expected until 2018. Education requirements for this job are a high school diploma, although training on the various equipment and mechanical knowledge is necessary. If you want more advanced work and higher salaries, crane operator jobs also deal with construction.
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operator
Another job category is an industrial truck and tractor operator. A person with this occupation would use forklifts or other machinery to transport materials throughout a work site. An industrial truck and tractor operator earns an average of $29,000 a year and there are a projected 198,000 job openings in the next 8 years. Most people employed in this job have a high school diploma and training on the machinery they are using.
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operator
An excavating and loading machine and dragline operator operates scoops and other machinery to move materials such as loose soil. This category also includes logging machinery. People in this occupation may also be required to maintain and repair the equipment. The average salary in this occupation is $35,000 annually. There are an expected 28,000 job openings over the next 8 years. Then majority of people who work in this area have a high school diploma.
Paving, Surfacing and Tamping Equipment Operators
Yet another heavy machinery operator job category is paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators. These jobs involve laying down roads, parking lots and airport runways. The average salary for this occupation is $33,000 a year. There are a projected 17,000 job openings until 2018. Most people in this occupation had a high school diploma.
Besides these occupations, some heavy machinery, such as tractors and such are operated on family farms. The cost of education for all these heavy machinery operator jobs is minimal, since a high school diploma is all that is recommended.
High Unemployment Industries Means More Jobs Competition
Unemployment job numbers across the United States is still hovering around 10 percent. If you are looking for a job, there is still ample jobs competition across the board. But there are some industries where the job competition is higher. If you were previously employed in these industry sectors, it means it will be much harder to find any work. According to the US Bureau of Labor, here are the unemployment rates, ranging from highest to lowest in these industries.
- Construction
- Durable Goods Manufacturing
- Oil and Gas Extraction and Mining
- Transportation and Utilities
- Nondurable Goods Manufacturing
- Leisure and Hospitality
- Retail and Wholesale Trade
- Financial Sector
- Information
- Professional and Business Services
- Government Jobs
- Education and Health
Jobs with Lower Unemployment Rates
The United States is still working to add more solar jobs so be prepared for the rise in these jobs. Currently, much of the solar energies work is occurring overseas and China is the main manufacturer of solar panels. But the government is pushing this green energy agenda for the future.
If you have been searching for a job in the high unemployment industries but ending up with no job, then perhaps, it is time to switch to another industry such as a certified nurse aide in the health industry. As you can see, government, education and health jobs have low unemployment. This can also point to less unemployed people looking for jobs. However be aware that new college graduates will be aiming for these jobs.
Understanding Your Credit Report in Bad Economic Times
If you are a in a bad financial and economic situation, there is no better time to look at your credit. Good credit can get you out of scenarios where you lack the hard money funds. Since credit is hard to obtain when lending institutions are in turmoil, you have to prepare. The first step is to look at your credit report. You must understand how it works, how it is reviewed and what each item means. By learning these very important facts, you guarantee yourself the ability to control your credit report and credit scores in the future.
Credit reports are used to make many decisions in your life. The ability to get a good job, rent an apartment, buy a home or car and even your insurance rates will be affected by your credit history.
Your credit report reflects all your financial activity. These reports contain good and bad information about you. The information is retained on the report for 7 to 10 years, depending on the type of item it is, such as a mortgage loan or credit card debt.
- The first part of your report will list all your personal information. Verify if this information is correct. One slip of the hand on the keyboard and you can have a new middle initial. This can damage your credit report because it is interpreted as using an alias to obtain credit. Correct any mistakes with the credit agencies.
- The next section will be a listing of any judgments or civil suits you have against your record. If someone sues you for nonpayment of a debt it will remain on your record for 7 years. Bankruptcies, Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, will remain on your report for 10 years. Verify that these accounts have not passed their removal date.
- Next you will find any adverse accounts against your name. Here you will be able to dispute any inaccurate information. This is the most important section of your report. Any information that is incorrect must be disputed immediately.
- Afterwards, your report will list all your accounts in good standing. This is the section that you wish to keep the most entries in.
- Finally, the very last section of your report will be a list of anyone who has requested your credit report in an effort to issue credit. Too many inquiries can damage your score.
It is also very important to understand that these reports will contain errors. The credit bureaus are not error free and if you do not verify the information on your reports, bad items could remain on their affecting your score.
Pay Attention To Reported Credit Card Limits
One particular thing on your credit report to pay attention to is your credit card limits. These numbers are often misreported and missing. If you have any balance on your credit card, there is a chance that they will use this balance as your credit limit, thereby creating a false impression of maxing out your credit.
For example, you have a balance of $500 but your actual credit limit is $1500. In actuality, only 30% of your credit is used up. However, if the credit bureaus forget to add your limit, that $500 balance can end up being 100% of your credit. This can and will affect your credit scores.
The first step in any debt problem is to identify what you have to deal with and then make a plan with that information. Take advantage of all the knowledge you can gain about your credit report and start preparing for the rough economic events ahead. If you have not gotten a free credit report yet, then perhaps you should start to control your financial future.
