Are you prepared to get a better-paying job? They're out there, and although the economy isn't what it used to be, finding a better job is possible. You have to plan your job search differently and recognize what your future employer needs.

Management Consultant

Business managers are concerned with three things in a precise order. They don't want to be blamed. They don't want to overpay. They don't want to look bad. You would be astounded at the amounts of money people will pay to avoid these three things. Be a management consultant. Show them how to avoid those three things. You'll be able to charge any amount you want.

Truck Driver

If you had your own truck and could haul loads anywhere in North America, do you have any idea how much you could make? You might be surprised. There has never been a time when businesses needed to move more stuff from one place to another. Becoming an integral part of the supply chain for these businesses means you can name your price. The more efficient you get, the more you make. The more clients you get, the more reliable your income gets.

Small Business Deal-Maker

Almost all high-paying jobs are finding out what someone needs and getting it for them. Michael Ovitz built his business on "packaging" movies for big studios. He did all the footwork and delivered it right to their front door. He became the most powerful man in Hollywood in the process. You can do the same thing for your local businesses. Find out what they need and get it for them. It's really that simple. You'd be amazed at what they will pay.

Stockbroker/Financial Advisor

With a little study and successfully passing a couple of standard tests, you could become a broker. You could help people plan their investments. You could recommend investments to new families, business executives or retired couples. You could help people build wealth and become quite wealthy yourself in the process. This is very similar to the Deal-Maker suggestion above. What you're doing is finding out what people need and getting it for them. You get a commission on every sale.

More and more often, employment is going to become self-employment. You will need to learn to be as self-sufficient as possible and to provide services that others haven't considered. Working a job is likely to lead to unemployment. Working for clients means your income is up to you.