In our job center, we encourage a reality check before you head into the job market.

Realistically knowing what your job search options are is half the battle. If you can gravitate toward a career and job where you know in advance there are growing opportunities you're way ahead of the game.

By the same token, guiding yourself away from job situations that are declining and avoiding employment areas where there is negative growth can give you much more confidence in your career choices.

Here are the top 10 jobs with the largest projected losses (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics):

1. Farmers and ranchers.

2. Order clerks.

3. Tellers.

4. Insurance-claim and -policy processing clerks.

5. Word processors and typists.

6. Sewing machine operators.

7. Dishwashers.

8. Switchboard operators, including answering services.

9. Loan interviewers and clerks.

10. Computer operators.

If you're a recent high school or college grad, or you're breaking into the job market for the first time as an entry-level worker, these are the first areas you ought to avoid. If you're recently retired and wish to get back into the workplace, these opportunities are less promising for you.

Regardless of your current situation, if you're planning to go into the job market this year and you haven't been there recently, things have changed! Especially since 9/11 and Katrina.

The old-fashioned, traditional methods are out. Using them can extend your job search from weeks to months. These days the most effective methods are the new 21st Century alternative and non-traditional techniques.

The good news is there's a fabulous job search system available to you that can have you entertaining job offers in as little as two weeks. This is the year to turn your job search into the career adventure of a lifetime with stunning new alternative strategies!