Rather than concentrate on one opportunity this month, let’s look at some of the fastest growing opportunities the Department of Labor has identified for 2008 and beyond. High growth businesses are usually associated with competitive pay and with some – but not extensive - specific education, certification or training.

According to the DOL, Physician Assistants, Database Administrators, Preschool and Kindergarten Teachers, Physical Therapists, Dental Hygienists, Dental Assistants, Paralegals and Legal Assistants, Personal and Home Health Aides jobs are among the fastest growing occupations in the U.S. They may require limited additional training or education in order to shift from what may be a slow-growing career from your past but they are sustainable careers for the foreseeable future. On the upside, most are not vulnerable to offshoring or outsourcing. On the downside, some appear to require a high amount of physical energy as contrasted with opportunities that rely solely on brain power.

Department of Labor data confirms that workers over 50 work HARDER than their younger counterparts. Additional studies, such as one by Towers-Perrin for AARP found that workers over 50 were more motivated to excel than other cohort groups.

Brawn is the domain of youth. But, if the work is brain provoking, the playing field has evened out. Brain power is where experience and knowledge meets eagerness and chutzpah.