ESPO & The Economy (Part 1)

From the April newsletter (Amber Watts, Secretary):

ESPO & The Economy (Part 1): Outlook, Impact, & The Recovery & Reinvestment Act

Many emerging scholars are seeking employment or research funding. Academia and aging research & service are among the many industries that have been affected by the economic crunch. Many university budgets have seen major cut backs. Competition for grants has been stiff. This month we focus on the possible impact of the economy on emerging scholars. Next month’s issue will address what emerging scholars can do to improve their chances at making it in the current economic climate.

We interviewed C. Joanne Grabinski, author of 101 Careers in Gerontology, to get her take on the situation.

Outlook
Her first message is to avoid an outlook of “doom and gloom.” Given the aging of the population, there is still demand for careers related to aging. The need for aging experts & professionals is not declining. In fact, the effect of the changing economy on older adults presents opportunities for gerontologists to help. Some areas that may see new opportunities are training older workers on computer & technology skills, assistance with job transitions, and unemployment counseling. For example, centers for work & families deal with credit counseling, consumer counseling, and helping older adults transition back to productive living after being laid off. Advocates will be needed for mental health, homelessness, and other human service fields.

Impact
When a shift occurs in the economy, some jobs may be lost while others may remain relatively stable. Lower level positions like paid caregivers may see higher rates of unemployment. However professionals like social workers, nurses, and geriatric physicians probably have more job security. There is also a need for educators to train new professionals in these fields. There will likely be new jobs in the health work force at all levels.

Pay rates for those beginning new jobs are likely to be lower than in recent years, especially at the masters, bachelors, and associate degree levels. They are likely to be wage-based and have more limited benefit packages. Full time jobs may be cut back into part time positions. Many will need to consider two part time jobs. Academic salaries and benefits are likely to remain fairly competitive, but employees may pay more for their insurance. The number of open positions may decrease for a time, but late-career academics will still be likely to retire and create new openings.

Recovery & Reinvestment Act
The current president’s economic plan is focused on creating jobs across the spectrum.
Some of the aging-related areas targeted by the Recovery & Reinvestment Act:
$100 million for senior nutrition meals
$34.3 million for independent living services (including for older blind adults)
$120 million for employment for low-income older Americans
$700 million for training of health professionals (at all levels)
and many others

Emerging scholars looking for research and job opportunities may want to consider some of these fields that are growing and new areas that have received recent funding increases.

Next month’s issue will have tips for how to make yourself stand out in the job search and survive these tough economic times.

Special thanks to Kelly Niles-Yokum for connecting ESPO with C. Joanne Grabinski.

C. Joanne Grabinski is President/Educator & Consultant for AgeEd, a private consulting firm and a Lecturer of Gerontology at Eastern Michigan University.


Websites with more information:

• http://newageofaging.org/content/american_recovery_and_reinvestment_act_2009
  
• http://recovery.gov
  
• http://www.NCOA.org