The downhill direction of the economy has us all thinking about ways we can protect our livelihood. Why not start by getting creative? Consider some little-known career paths that will ensure that you stay competitive and look forward to going to work every morning. Here are seven cool jobs to consider today:

    每況愈下的經濟讓我們不得不思考自己的出路。為什么我們的想法不能更有創造性一點呢?考慮一下那些新興職業會讓你既充滿競爭性又不會對它心生厭倦。以下是7種可供選擇的新興炫酷職業:

    Computational linguist 計算機語言學家

    Computational linguists teach computer systems how to process natural language. For example, if you're trying to order a book from Amazon in Japanese, the site will be able to recommend other relevant similar titles for you. Enter the field with a bachelor's degree in computer science and start with a salary in the high five figures.

    計算機語言學家設計程序使計算機語言轉換為自然語言。例如,如果你想用日語在亞馬遜網站上訂購一本書,亞馬遜網可以推薦幾本相關的書目給你。如果你獲得了計算機科學專業的學士學位,那么你就可以加入這個行業,并獲得高達五位數的酬勞。

    Conservationist 保護管理論者

    Conservationists work with the government, industry associations and landowners to come up with methods for combating damage and for using land without injuring the environment. They generally hold a bachelor's degree in fields such as ecology, agriculture, biology or environmental science.

    保護管理論者為政府部門,工業組織和土地擁有者工作以減少損失和對環境的損傷。他們大多擁有生態學,農業學,生物學或環境科學的學士學位。

    How to check it out: Gain real-world experience. Volunteer or intern at a government agency or environmental or community organization.

    如何擁有資格:要擁有社會經驗。在政府部門、環境組織或者社區機構擔任職員者或實習生才有成為保護管理論者的資格。

    Doula 助產師

    Birth doulas advise on birthing techniques and serve as the mother's advocate during labor. Postpartum doulas assist with emotional and physical recovery from childbirth and teach coping skills to new parents. You don't need a college degree to become a doula, but to be competitive in the field you should be certified by Doulas of North America . The median fee for a birth doula is $700 per birth.

    英國助產師提供生育技巧方面的建議,并在母親生產時幫助催產。產后護士給新生兒提供身心援助并輔導父母如何照顧孩子。成為助產師不需要大學文憑,但要想在此領域擁有很強的競爭力則需獲得由北美助產師協會簽發的證書。一位助產師的中等工資為每助產一個寶寶將獲得700美元的酬勞。

    How to get a jump-start: Get to know established midwives and doulas in your area and ask if you can witness a birth or postpartum counseling session to see if the field's for you.

    如何開始工作:必須熟知你圈子內的接生員和助產師,并詢問他們你是否可以在旁觀看生產過程或參與產后咨詢工作,以此來考慮這份工作是否適合你。

    Futurist 未來預測家

    Using data from the past and present, futurists study how the present will evolve into possible alternative futures and how humans will adapt to the resulting technological, demographic, political, environmental and sociological changes. The majority of jobs require an undergraduate degree in a liberal arts or business discipline, and consulting futurists for companies and governments often command a six-figure salary within a few years.

    未來預測家利用過去和現在的數據,研究現在如何轉變成可能的未來以及人類將如何適應接踵而來的技術人口政治環境和社會方面的變化。這些工作的絕大多數都要求有文學或經貿碩士的學位。為大公司和政府做咨詢工作的未來預測家通常在數年之內工資即可達到六位數字。

    Image consultant 形象顧問

    Image consultants advise people with discretionary income how to make positive impressions -- through appearance, wardrobe, etiquette and communication skills -- in order to get ahead in their careers and social lives, and boost their self-confidence. You don't need a college degree, but organizations such as the Training Institute School for Image Consultants  in New York City offer course work in color analysis, wardrobe and style analysis, and personal shopping.

    形象顧問用人們可任意支配的財產為人們打造可留下美好印象的形象.通過外貌,打扮,言談舉止以及交流技巧等方面的改變從而使人們在職業生涯和社會生活中獲得成功,增強自信心.無須大學文憑,位于紐約城的形象顧問培訓學校開設有色彩分析,服裝選購,風格分析和陪同購物等方面的課程。

    Life coach 人生規劃師

    Coaches love talking to people, figuring out what makes them tick and developing plans to help them succeed in their personal and professional lives. They meet with clients in person or over the phone on a regular basis and listen to challenges, set goals and monitor progress. While anyone can call himself a life coach regardless of education, it's best to be certified by the International Coaching Federation 

    人生規劃師樂于與人交談,指出他人不足之處并為其制定計劃,助其在生活和職業上大獲成功。他們經常與客戶面談或者通過電話交流,傾聽客戶的要求,制定目標,監督施行過程。雖然即使是沒受過教育的人也可稱其為人生規劃師,但獲得由國際指導同盟頒發的證書顯然才是明智之舉。

    How to get moving: Hire your own life coach so that you can gain an in-depth understanding of the coach-client relationship.

    如何快速上路:雇傭一位自己的人生規劃師,這樣就可以獲得關于指導人與客戶關系更深刻的認知。

    Professional organizer 專業裝修工

    Organizers provide personal assistance, planning and products to help people de-clutter their homes and offices. While the National Association of Professional Organizers does offer a certification program involving a mix of paid work hours and course work, most organizers agree that formal education isn't necessary. The average organizer is paid $50 per hour, with individual projects taking a full day or even several days.

    裝修工為人們裝修房屋和辦公室提供幫助計劃和產品。雖然國際專業裝修工協會提供一種包括有償工作時間和課程論文的項目,但大部分裝修工都認為正規的學校教育是沒有必要的。一般的裝修工每小時獲得50美元的收入,而一般一個私人裝修方案的制定需要一整天甚至幾天的時間。

    How to get your foot in the door: Offer to help your disorganized friends and family members for free so that you can create some initial written success stories and be able to showcase "before and after" photos on your marketing materials.

    如何涉足:免費為你朋友或家人提供裝修服務,這樣你可以獲得一些經驗并能夠在市場原料上展示一些“使用前”與“使用后”的對比照片。