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That is the challenge -- figuring out where the next boom will be. I got laid off last year. I quickly determined that what I was good/skilled at was not what was in demand in the job market. I figured this out by looking at the skill requirements listed in job postings. I grabbed up the books, took some juco classes, and got my skills up in the areas that were in demand. Don't waste your time thinking about what you can't do, ask "what can I do to be more valuable?"

I got laid off last year.

I grabbed up the books, took some juco classes, and got my skills up in the areas that were in demand.

What type of advanced skills one can pick in a few months of "juco classes"?

I did the same -- picked up a C/C++ compiler and refreshed my programming skills.

Unfortunately, I discovered that, even though many job descriptions listed C/C++, there were thousands of programmers that had experience that I lacked. And with my other skills, I looked way over qualified for an entry-level programmer position. Besides, programming is one of the skills that is being outsourced. Probably not a good "new career" choice.

I also trained myself in video editing, rendering, and DVD mastering which has been a hobby/business. I have not moved to the next level with this business because I was waiting a job in my profession.

The good news is that I finally found a job in my profession and start next Wednesday.