The outlook for jobs has pretty much stayed the same on the news for a long time. Companies continue to downsize, outsource, and reduce the number of employees as business declines. There is no certainty that anything is going to get better soon. There are already many applicants for every job that becomes available, making it nearly impossible to find work.

Businesses are also reacting to the rise in taxes, regulations, and mandates that have been place on them. They see these changes as negatives and are continuing to respond to them by reducing the number of jobs they have to offer. Although the overall appearance is one that is bleak, there are actually jobs that you can find that just aren't listed in the classifieds.

If you are using your efforts to find a traditional nine to five job that is advertised in the newspaper, you probably haven't had a lot of opportunities to pursue. However, there are other avenues to pursue by working independently with contracting or in providing business to business services. In these areas, there are actually more opportunities as companies have increased the number of jobs they are outsourcing to other companies. This is a way for them to save on health care costs, workers' compensation, and other expenses they aren't responsible for when they outsource jobs.

In order to market your skills you will first need to determine what they are. Consider the jobs that you have held in the past and the education that you have. What types of jobs can you perform that will put your skills to the best use? Evaluate the qualifications that you have and find a way to sell yourself to other businesses. You might be surprised to find that you have some highly marketable skills that are in high demand.

While contracting may not be the best choice for your circumstances, it may be the best choice for you during the current job market. If it comes down to deciding between a traditional job at a company or a contracting job that doesn't offer the benefits you need for you and your family, it may not be the best choice. If you can't find any opportunities for regular employment, then contracting might be the best option you have available.

There are many features of working for yourself that can be a bonus. You will have the personal freedom to make your own choices and, depending on the type of work you do, to set your own schedule. It will give you more freedom to give priority to other things such as your personal life and you don't have to worry about repercussions if you have to take time off to be sick.

When you put yourself out there as someone who is willing to share n the expense and responsibility alongside another company, you will become increasingly valuable to other businesses. You may find that when the opportunity presents itself to get a regular job that you want to continue in your new field of expertise in addition to the new job or in place of it.

Anyone with a job history has developed some type of skills that can be used for to benefit other companies. It's up to you to find what yours are.