This just in: Unemployment is really high!

I’m sure most of you have seen the headlines screaming that the U.S. economy lost 5240,000 jobs in December alone. And if you look back four months, it’s almost 2 million. Unemployment is up to 7.2 percent nationally. In December, 11.1 million Americans were unemployed.

“There is no end in sight in terms of layoffs,” said economist Ken Mayland, president of ClearView Economics.

Laid-off workers attend a “transition orientation” class.

So, 11.1 million unemployed Americans and counting. For some, a layoff simply means they must find a different job in the same field, if one ever opens up. For others, it can be a life-changing experience.

Life after layoff

The cuts being made in the country’s labor force are so deep that people who have invested decades in their careers are losing their jobs. Layoffs leave many people stunned and wondering what to do. For people whose jobs were cut because the industry in which they worked is tanking, they have to stop and ask themselves if it’s time for a change.

It’s a tough choice, and everyone will make it differently. But as I was thinking of the 11.1 million (and counting) Americans who might be going through this, I came across a few articles in U.S. News and World Report that might help get the juices flowing for people looking to make a brand new start. It can take a while to rebuild a life, and it generally takes some capital. During transitional times, payday loans can be a big help when the backup funds are gone. But let’s move on to … your future!

Plan A: Start a whole new life

My roommates  are a good example of this. They have decided that they are going to sell all of their possessions and move across the country.

So, for people looking to make a new start in a different location, here are the seven best states to start a business, in order: Washington, Virginia, Colorado, Texas, Nevada, Utah and Florida. The report used several factors, including economic climate and regulations, to come to this conclusion.

Based on the factors that went into determining this list, I figure these states are not just good places to start businesses, they are good states to work in, too. Plus, if people follow this trend, maybe they will hire you to work for them after they start their business!

Plan B: Start a business

Now that you have decided where your business will be, what kind of business should you start? U.S. News has come up with the 15 best small businesses to start today.

One common sentiment is that starting an online business saves a bundle on start-up costs. The list suggests Online Art Dealer, Online Consignment and Online Farmers’ market as businesses that you can run without having to pay for office space.

Here are some other highlights from the list: Career Counselor, Computer Services, Higher Education Services, Home Healthcare, Tutor.

Plan C: Start a new career

So maybe you were in journalism, manufacturing, the auto industry or one of the other industries that is currently going bust. It might be time to enter a new field. But what field?

Sure enough, U.S. News has the answers. I did some cross-checking and noticed some common themes between the “best businesses” and “best careers” lists. For  your convenience, here is what I found.

Mix and match

The best industries right now appear to be higher education and health care. Now, don’t just think teachers and nurses. There are a lot of jobs that fall outside what you might instinctively think of.

Here are some items from the “best careers” list: Biomedical Equipment  Technician, Curriculum/Training Specialist, Health Policy Specialist, Higher Education Administrator, Pharmacist, Physical Therapist, Physician Assistant, School Psychologist.

Other industries that have hits on both lists are computer expertise and politics.

Ready, go!

So now you can pick a flourishing industry and a growing state and start your new life! Oh, if only that were easy. But it can’t hurt to know what your best options are.

To keep updated on economic trends, check back with your  payday loans source.