

It's great to be a realist during pandemic times, but there are also reasons to be optimistic when it comes to considering the jobs front this year. Last year dealt many of us a wicked blow to our pockets and our careers, but experts are reporting that though there's been a "short-term jump" in unemployment, the outlook is set to improve by the end of the year. Though some positions are not set to come back after cuts, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are still some jobs in high demand this year and into the future.
If you're looking to change careers, upgrade your chance for job success, or take the next step to advance in your industry, check out these options:
1. Industrial Engineers
At least 30,000 new positions are set to open by 2029, and the median annual income is more than $88,000. Typically, a bachelor's degree is required and you'll have to be into ensuring efficiency in systems that affect mechanics, materials, information and energy.
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2. Human Resource Specialists
This job has a median salary of more than $61,000 per year, and it involves talent acquisition, management and training. If you have a passion for putting the right people in the right roles, cultivating (and enforcing) workplace practices that create cultures that retain the best of the best, and ensuring professionals are able to thrive, this is for you. A bachelor's degree is required.
3. Marketing Managers
You can earn more than $135,000 per year with this job, and the growth is faster than average. A four-year degree in advertising, marketing, or other related media studies is required, and you'll need to be passionate about how audiences consume media, buy into concepts, or get into products and services in order to tap in and be successful working for a brand.
4. Computer Support Professionals
With an annual salary of more than $54,700, this job is one where you are responsible for providing aid to individual computer users and companies to troubleshoot issues, train, or implement new protocols or policies. Some jobs require a bachelor's degree, while others will let you in the door with an associates or other professional certificates.
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5. Licensed Practical and Vocational Nurses (LPNs and LVNs)
The Bureau reports that healthcare industry occupations make up 13 of the 30 fastest growing jobs from 2019 to 2029, and the demand for healthcare services by aging baby boomers as well as people with chronic illnesses will drive the projected employment growth. With that said, LPNs and LVNs are in demand and can earn at least $47,000 per year. You can complete a one-year, state-approved program and then go for your licensure credentials to be qualified for this job. (Registered nurses are required to have at least a two-year degree, and those with bachelor's degrees command salaries of more than $73,000 per year. If you want to get your foot in the door and are not interested in the increased RN responsibilities or education requirements to become an RN, this is a great route for you.)
6. Speech Pathologists
You can earn at least $79,000 a year as a speech pathologist, and you'd be assessing, diagnosing and treating communication and swallowing disorders. A master's degree is typically required for this job, and the prospects for openings are expected to grow a whopping 25% (well above average) due to the growth of the baby boomer generation that are susceptible to issues such as strokes that cause communication and eating challenges.
7. Industrial Machine Mechanics
You can make about $52,000 per year as an industrial machine mechanic, and ladies, don't sleep on this. If you like working with your hands, fixing issues with machinery or equipment, or even have a knack with mechanics and systems, this might be a good fit for you. A high school diploma is the minimum requirement and the outlook for openings is at a 13% growth rate (which is above average.)
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8. Information Security Analysts
Cybersecurity is huge in terms of highly emerging industries, especially with many elements of business and everyday life going 100% digital or virtual. This job involves implementing, managing, and monitoring security measures to protect a company or organization's computer systems and sensitive information, and the outlook for growth is at 31%. You can make more than $99,000 per year in median salary with a bachelor's degree.
9. Specialized Health Industry Instructors
Depending on the level of education in which you teach, you can make from $43,000 to more than $160,000 in median yearly salary as a specialized health industry instructor. Specifically, those who specialize in areas such as dentistry, lab technology, medicine, or pharmacy are in high demand, and you'll need at least a Ph.D. for the post-secondary positions with higher salaries that are set to see growth this year.
10. Financial Managers
These professionals work in a variety of industries, from banking to tech to healthcare, and they can earn a median annual salary of more than $129,000 per year. The job requires a bachelor's degree along with at least 5 years of experience and professionals who enjoy this are into creating financial reports, managing funds, building lucrative portfolios, or helping individuals or groups reach their personal finance goals.
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Adrian Marcel On Purpose, Sacrifice, And The 'Signs Of Life'
In this week's episode of xoMAN, host Kiara Walker talked with R&B artist Adrian Marcel, who opened up, full of heart and authenticity, about his personal evolution. He discussed his days transitioning from a young Bay Area singer on the come-up to becoming a grounded husband and father of four.
With honesty and introspection, Marcel reflected on how life, love, and loss have shaped the man he is today.
On ‘Life’s Subtle Signals’
Much of the conversation centered around purpose, sacrifice, and listening to life’s subtle signals. “I think that you really have to pay attention to the signs of life,” Marcel said. “Because as much as we need to make money, we are not necessarily on this Earth for that sole purpose, you know what I mean?” While he acknowledged his ambitions, adding, “that is not me saying at all I’m not trying to ball out,” he emphasized that fulfillment goes deeper.
“We are here to be happy. We are here [to] fulfill a purpose that we are put on here for.”
On Passion vs. Survival
Adrian spoke candidly about the tension between passion and survival, describing how hardship can sometimes point us away from misaligned paths. “If you find it’s constantly hurting you… that’s telling you something. That’s telling you that you’re going outside of your purpose.”
Marcel’s path hasn’t been without detours. A promising athlete in his youth, he recalled, “Early on in my career, I was still doing sports… I was good… I had a scholarship.” An injury changed everything. “My femur broke. Hence why I always say, you know, I’m gonna keep you hip like a femur.” After the injury, he pivoted to explore other careers, including teaching and corporate jobs.
“It just did not get me—even with any success that happened in anything—those times, back then, I was so unhappy. And you know, to a different degree. Like not just like, ‘I really want to be a singer so that’s why I’m unhappy.’ Nah, it was like, it was not fulfilling me in any form or fashion.”
On Connection Between Pursuing Music & Fatherhood
He recalled performing old-school songs at age 12 to impress girls, then his father challenged him: “You can lie to these girls all you want, but you're really just lying to yourself. You ain't growing.” That push led him to the piano—and eventually, to his truth. “Music is my love,” Marcel affirmed. “I wouldn’t be a happy husband if I was here trying to do anything else just to appease her [his wife].”
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by xoNecole/YouTube
Ashley Versher is known for her work in the Tyler Perry's Beauty In Black series and more recently, she starred alongside Taraji P. Henson in the Netflix film Straw. But she is more than just her acting credits and stunning looks (her hair alone is everything). In an xoNecole exclusive, Ashley dishes on her first celebrity crush, how she spends her downtime, and her go-to haircare products because we need the deets.
Get to know Ashley below.
xoNecole: Where are you from?
Ashley Versher: San Francisco - BAY AREAAAAAA!!!!
xoN: What was your first major acting role?
AV: A 49ers Super Bowl commercial - I think I was 3.
Ashley Versher
Johnny Marlow
xoN: Have you ever had an embarrassing or funny audition story? If so, what happened?
AV: Yes! I was doing a self-tape once and I forgot to take off my bonnet. But the tape was so good I sent it in anyway.
xoN: Your hair is gorgeous. What has it been like navigating Hollywood with natural hair?
AV: Thank you so much! Navigating Hollywood with natural hair has definitely been a journey of self-discovery. Early on, I had to make a conscious decision about how I wanted to show up—not just in this industry, but for myself. Once I fully embraced my natural hair and committed to the journey, everything else began to align. It’s been nothing short of empowering.
Navigating Hollywood with natural hair has definitely been a journey of self-discovery. Early on, I had to make a conscious decision about how I wanted to show up—not just in this industry, but for myself.
xoN: What are your favorite go-to hair products?
AV: Ooooooo, right now I’m loving Camille Rose’s Jai Twisting Butter—it’s super moisturizing and gives me a fun, bouncy twist-out! I’ve also recently gotten into oils, and I’m especially loving sweet almond oil.
xoN: We know you as an actress, but what is another special talent you have that most people don't know about?
AV: I trained as a classical violinist for 13/14years.
xoN: Who is your hero?
AV: My mom. She’s incredible - full stop.
Ashley Versher
Johnny Marlow
xoN: How do you like to spend your down time?
AV: Ha! What’s that!? Jk jk, I love to travel, that’s honestly my favorite thing.
xoN: Who was your first celebrity crush?
AV: Prince.
xoN: What is your dream role?
AV: One day I will play a witch with Harry Potter-like powers!
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Feature image by Johnny Marlow