Choosing a career is hard enough when you're 23 and fresh out of college, but if you've recently been thrown into the unemployment pool after being laid off, it may be even tougher.

Rev Up Your Mouse

If you've been affected by the economic downturn, you may want to think about updating your computer skills. The Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS) listed the top 10 fastest growing occupations in 2000 and projected what they would be in 2010. The top five all dealt with computer technology, with the leading job doubling its employment numbers.

1) Computer software engineers -- applications (380,000 to 780,000)

2) Computer support specialists (506,000 to 996,000)

3) Computer software engineers -- systems software (317,000 to 601,000)

4) Network and computer systems administrators (229,000 to 416,000)

5) Network systems and data communications analysts (119,000 to 211,000)

Occupations with the largest job growth, however, are a bit more varied according to the BLS. Food preparation and serving workers top the list with 2.2 million in 2000, and 2.9 million projected in 2010. If dishing out fries isn't what you had in mind, other top choices include customer service, with an estimated 32 percent growth. Or, you could consider going back to school and becoming a registered nurse and be part of the 26 percent anticipated gain in that occupation.

Be Prepared

Don't jump into a career just because your best friend makes a bundle at it. If you plan ahead, you increase your chances of success, as well as the possibility of getting the best fit for you.

At the risk of sounding like a talk-show therapist, look at doing what you love. You are more apt to be successful at something you enjoy than at a job that has no relevance to you. Since a significant portion of your waking hours are spent at work, a job you like will also improve your overall outlook.

Think of the Future

On the flip side, you also need to make a living. Bills don't pay themselves, and if doing what you love is sun tanning or playing video games, you may want to broaden your horizons.

An article about career planning from About.com features a four-level chart to help you get started. The cycle starts by evaluating your skills, preferred environments and interests. That will expose a variety of options for you, making it possible to explore occupations, industries and labour market. The third step in the process is to take what you have learned and match it to possible occupations and explore the alternatives from there. The last step is, of course, taking action. This can include sending off your résumé and cover letter, or possibly going back to school for additional training or degrees.