With the closure of hundreds of Chrysler and GM dealerships across the country, there are going to be thousands of folks joining the ranks of the unemployed. And its not just dealers that will be out of work. Decreased demand and closures will have a rippling effect throughout the workforce as parts manufacturers, detailers, shippers, and other ancillary automotive support industries are pared back in tandem with the closures. Even non-automotive industries will suffer from the maleffects of these closures. I know that the bagel shop, newsstand and lunch counters adjacent to my local automall will all be suffering from fewer salesmen, mechanics, detailers, etc., there each day to buy coffee, newspapers, lottery tickets, bagels and lunches.
The sad part is, many of these jobs will be lost for good. When manufacturing plants close, and large numbers of skilled workers are dumped into the labor pool, it is near impossible to find new positions for these workers. These jobs simply dry up. As painful as this is, it is this function of the business cycle that prompts displaced workers to seek training in industries where there is greater opportunity for growth and job stability.
Traumatized by the loss of a lifelong career path, folks seeking job training typically seek fields that they believe will insulate them against falling victim to this kind of cataclysmic collapse ever again. The medical billing and coding field is a natural match for those seeking to retrain and redeploy into a growing field. With the Baby Boomer generation entering retirement age, the need for healthcare is projected to continue to rise dramatically. As the population continues to age, the security in this field should rise in direct correlation.
So if you’re a victim of the collapse of the US auto industry, you might consider a new career in a secure and growing field. We are sorry for your hardship and loss, but we offer you the hospitality of our community and the opportunity to grow with us.
2 Responses to “Transition from Manufacturing to Heathcare”
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I feel the pain of many Americans; my family is a victim of the collapse of the US auto industry. Living in North West Ohio all my life, many family members (including my father), and friend have been employed either at Chrysler, Ford, or GM. My husband landed a great job for a supplier with all the benefits, high pay, health and life insurance, bonuses, 401k, paid holidays and vacations the whole package! As we began to start a family he was laid off the week before Christmas, and 3 weeks before I was due with our son. We lost everything, job stability, steady income, life and health insurance, and most importantly the future we had planned for our baby. With this shattering news, and the birth of our “little man” I realized it was time to look ahead and prepare for a different future. I am looking forward to a future without uncertainty, but instead a future called “the American Dream.” By attending the Allen School I believe I will obtain the skills and knowledge needed to become a successful and dedicated medical billing and coding specialist. I believe this career choice will land me a job with those benefits we lost some 6 months ago, and regain the future that we lost.
So sorry to hear your story Laura. It is a shame the way the banksters have ruined the game for folks who actually work building things for a living. Congrats on your “new arrival”. He may not know it yet, but he’s got a very smart momma who is taking very positive steps to enter a field where there will be better job security. As for your husband, I hope our society and government supports a “green rebirth” of the manufacturing sector by converting auto plants into plants that build wind turbines or electric cars. Our family stands behind yours and those of all displaced manufacturing workers during this trying time.