When transitioning out of the military, it's important to think about your future career options. Some people choose jobs they're passionate about, some choose a career with high earning potential and some take whatever they can get.
If you're completely unsure about what to pick, think about careers with staying power. You might not have considered it, but a lot of industries are prone to going away, and taking every career involved along with them.
Check out the 10 most endangered jobs in 2014, compiled by Forbes. If job stability is a concern, you might want to avoid anything on this list.
1. Mail Carrier
Excelling at being a mail carrier requires diligence, good time management and a driver's license. The job doesn't come with too much unpredictability or danger, but if you got through the monotony that comes with military service, you should do just fine delivering mail.
- Median Salary: $53,100
- Hiring Outlook: -28%
2. Farmer
Modern farming is far removed from the rakes and sickles of old. These days, farmers use heavy and specialized equipment to maximize crop yields and minimize the amount of manual labor required to get food to dinner plates everywhere.
Despite modernization, the job can be labor intensive. The nature of farming is such that a plethora of tasks need to be accomplished, so be ready for shifting requirements.
- Median Salary: $69,300
- Hiring Outlook: -19%
3. Meter Reader
Meter readers do just what their name implies -- study, analyze and report on household meters. The job comes with a little more nuance, but it can be fairly tedious, depending on the specific task that needs to be performed. Meter readers have the ability to repair or replace broken meters.
- Median Salary: $36,410
- Hiring Outlook: -19%
4. Newspaper Reporter
It's been said for the past few years that print media is losing ground fast, and newspapers are definitely included. It's hard for print media to beat the timeliness and interactivity of the internet, but that doesn't mean newspapers are completely shut down yet. This job requires strong interpersonal skills as well as writing and editing ability.
- Median Salary: $37,090
- Hiring Outlook: -13%
5. Travel Agent
Travel agents must have two abilities: a strong knowledge of travel destinations and the ability to sell. Travel agents specialize in creating and selling travel packages, whether for vacation or otherwise.
- Median Salary: $34,600
- Hiring Outlook: -12%
6. Lumberjack
Like most blue-collar workers, lumberjacks have a much more technical job than they did in the past. Heavy machinery and advanced tree-cutting techniques necessitate a more nuanced approach, but hard labor is still required.
- Median Salary: $24,340
- Hiring Outlook: -9%
7. Flight Attendant
Being a flight attendant is not an easy job. Attendants are usually on their feet throughout the flight, have to be responsible for managing scores of passengers and need to shuffle food and drink carts down cramped aisles. They tend to receive great travel-related benefits.
- Median Salary: $37,240
- Hiring Outlook: -7%
8. Drill-Press Operator
Drill-press operators are specialists who work machines designed to press holes into various materials. Caution is one of the most important attributes of this job, since the large machinery can be very dangerous if used callously.
- Median Salary: $32,950
- Hiring Outlook: -6%
9. Printing Worker
Printing workers are the folks who produce all forms of printed media. They must operate specialized machinery to print and bind a variety of print, including books and magazines.
- Median Salary: $34,100
- Hiring Outlook: -5%
10. Tax Examiner and Collector
Tax examiners and collectors don't have an easy job. These professionals are responsible for figuring out who hasn't accurately paid their taxes and contacting them to seek accurate payment. This job requires a strong affinity for math and economics, as well as communication skills.
- Median Salary: $50,440
- Hiring Outlook: -4%
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