With nearly 10% of the population unemployed (not counting those who have given up) there are literally millions of people out of work. If you are one of these people what can you do to improve your odds? Other than being diligent about following up on available opportunities you qualify for in your area you can also consider:

1. Moving To Where There Is Opportunity.

I recently had the opportunity to visit the Bakken Oil Field in Western North Dakota and was blown away by the level of activity out there. If I were 20 years younger or had home building, welding, plumbing, electrical or engineering skills that is where I would be headed. In fact, anyone with a strong back or a commercial drivers license can make hundreds of dollars per day in the oil fields. It may be a tough environment but it beats being unemployed in this dreary economy that encompasses most of this country.

2. Upgrading Your Skills.

If moving is not an option the next best thing you can do is upgrade your skill set. Information technology, web development and health care are where the growth is occurring in our economy. The areas of finance, mortgage, real estate and home building have all taken a major hit and most people from those industries are struggling to find their next career move. Those who do not upgrade their skills tend to be forced further down the food chain and that is what is causing a drop in income for many people.

3. Think Like An Entrepreneur.

Even if you have to take a lesser job for the moment, begin looking for opportunities. What are people buying? Think iPhones and Droids as well as all the services that people can access through them. Online coupons that can be accessed through a smart phone is the most powerful marketing tool in this economy. Subscription services such as Groupon or Living Social have also exploded since the downturn began in 2008. Do something in your spare time that is productive whether it’s writing articles or networking with people. Most people spend way to much time watching TV and talking to people who can’t do anything for them. Make some new associations.

The main thing you need to consider is there are options and you are in control. You can learn a new skill that is in demand or move to an area where your current skills are in demand. If you want to stay where you are and your career is dead, you need to find something different to do. If you don’t improve your skills, the odds are you will be taking a job that pays less than you used to make. That doesn’t make like much fun!