It is hard to get out of bed in the morning any more without being deluged by reports of massive job losses and layoffs. Whole industries seem to be shedding employees like autumn leaves. Unemployment at more than 7%; monthly lob losses in five figures; long lines at job fairs; Congress tripping over itself to “rescue” failing companies as the talking heads solemnly invoke Depression era images of breadlines and unspeakable financial disaster. But if we can take a little break from preparing for the end of “life as we know it”, a startling fact emerges. Some companies are still hiring! Some industries are still growing! There ARE jobs out there. But where?

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According to The Herman Group, a management consultancy focused on future trends in hiring, employment and workplace issues, companies are hiring in a variety of industries right now. “Companies are still hiring,” notes their 28 January Weekly Trend Report.  Among the specific companies cited are Whole Foods, Boston Consulting Group, Scotts Lawn Service, and Fortune Magazines “Best Place to Work” NetApp. Not only are individual companies still seeking employees, but whole industries continue to create jobs. The insurance industry, health care providers of all sorts, wireless telephony companies and … yes… call centers are all still hiring.

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Looking down the road a bit, the report suggests that “highly skilled workers will continue to enjoy opportunities no matter how high unemployment goes.” And regardless of your opinion of the government’s “economic stimulus” plans, massive spending on infrastructure projects are certain to be a part of any legislation. This bodes well for heavy construction and the many industries that support it. Alternative energy projects and “green” initiatives will also likely thrive under the new regime in Washington.

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None of this is to say that times aren’t hard right now. As Ronald Reagan famously said “When your neighbor loses his job, its a recession. When you lose your job its a depression.” But lets not lose sight of the fact that setbacks and challenges are not the same thing as a lack of opportunity. Even in these discouraging times, jobs and opportunities continue to be available.