Bridge Over Troubled Industries

What does a collapsing industry or career look like? And where will its practitioners be in the decades ahead?

Will some once-popular careers disappear completely, like manuscript inscribers of the Middle Ages and whalers of the 19th century? Or will they endure like the railroad industry: maintaining a lower profile but continuing to contribute to the economy and workforce?

Finance, travel, manufacturing, real estate, insurance, credit cards, clothing, computers, electronics and luxury goods are all in decline and have shed jobs. Are any of these careers destined for the fossil record or the endangered-species list?

Business writer Kevin Fogarty spoke with members of TheLadders who’ve made successful moves from tight spots in finance and real estate as well as a variety of career experts who offer practical insights on how to size up your industry’s chances and your own prospects within them and without them.

TheLadders’ editorial team wants your expert opinion on the state of your industry and what you plan to do about it. Please drop me a line at matthewr@theladders.com to tell us more.