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:

    每况愈下的经济让我们不得不思考自己的出路。为什么我们的想法不能更有创造性一点呢?考虑一下那些新兴职业会让你既充满竞争性又不会对它心生厌倦。以下是7种可供选择的新兴炫酷职业:

    Computational linguist 计算机语言学家

    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.

    计算机语言学家设计程序使计算机语言转换为自然语言。例如,如果你想用日语在亚马逊网站上订购一本书,亚马逊网可以推荐几本相关的书目给你。如果你获得了计算机科学专业的学士学位,那么你就可以加入这个行业,并获得高达五位数的酬劳。

    Conservationist 保护管理论者

    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.

    保护管理论者为政府部门,工业组织和土地拥有者工作以减少损失和对环境的损伤。他们大多拥有生态学,农业学,生物学或环境科学的学士学位。

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

    如何拥有资格:要拥有社会经验。在政府部门、环境组织或者社区机构担任职员者或实习生才有成为保护管理论者的资格。

    Doula 助产师

    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.

    英国助产师提供生育技巧方面的建议,并在母亲生产时帮助催产。产后护士给新生儿提供身心援助并辅导父母如何照顾孩子。成为助产师不需要大学文凭,但要想在此领域拥有很强的竞争力则需获得由北美助产师协会签发的证书。一位助产师的中等工资为每助产一个宝宝将获得700美元的酬劳。

    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.

    如何开始工作:必须熟知你圈子内的接生员和助产师,并询问他们你是否可以在旁观看生产过程或参与产后咨询工作,以此来考虑这份工作是否适合你。

    Futurist 未来预测家

    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.

    未来预测家利用过去和现在的数据,研究现在如何转变成可能的未来以及人类将如何适应接踵而来的技术人口政治环境和社会方面的变化。这些工作的绝大多数都要求有文学或经贸硕士的学位。为大公司和政府做咨询工作的未来预测家通常在数年之内工资即可达到六位数字。

    Image consultant 形象顾问

    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.

    形象顾问用人们可任意支配的财产为人们打造可留下美好印象的形象.通过外貌,打扮,言谈举止以及交流技巧等方面的改变从而使人们在职业生涯和社会生活中获得成功,增强自信心.无须大学文凭,位于纽约城的形象顾问培训学校开设有色彩分析,服装选购,风格分析和陪同购物等方面的课程。

    Life coach 人生规划师

    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 

    人生规划师乐于与人交谈,指出他人不足之处并为其制定计划,助其在生活和职业上大获成功。他们经常与客户面谈或者通过电话交流,倾听客户的要求,制定目标,监督施行过程。虽然即使是没受过教育的人也可称其为人生规划师,但获得由国际指导同盟颁发的证书显然才是明智之举。

    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:雇佣一位自己的人生规划师,这样就可以获得关于指导人与客户关系更深刻的认知。

    Professional organizer 专业装修工

    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.

    装修工为人们装修房屋和办公室提供帮助计划和产品。虽然国际专业装修工协会提供一种包括有偿工作时间和课程论文的项目,但大部分装修工都认为正规的学校教育是没有必要的。一般的装修工每小时获得50美元的收入,而一般一个私人装修方案的制定需要一整天甚至几天的时间。

    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:免费为你朋友或家人提供装修服务,这样你可以获得一些经验并能够在市场原料上展示一些“使用前”与“使用后”的对比照片。