No matter what’s making headline news these days, it seems like it has a direct effect on your pockets and someone’s job, right? Hurricane Ike’s devastation not only took its toll on Texas and the unfortunate folks living and working in the Texas area, but it will mean higher gas prices throughout the nation. News on Wall Street this morning means a plummeting stock market that will wreak havoc on 401Ks and other investments in the coming days, and the loss of many jobs. And the upcoming presidential election will (hopefully) spark new changes and a positive outlook that will bring about a healthier economy. At least that’s what I’m hoping…

What it all boils down to is the need to protect yourself career-wise from whatever the next week, month, or year will bring. You can achieve that in two major ways:

Choosing a career that has staying power. Fields like health care will always afford lots of job opportunities, especially with an aging population and people generally living longer. The same can be said about technology and “green” careers, which are the hot fields of tomorrow.

Arming yourself with transferable skills that’ll take you to new places should your company fold or a natural disaster rip your place of business apart. There was a time when majoring in business and working your way up the ladder at a big firm was a “sure thing.” And while that may still be true for some, the days of spending a lifetime with one company are over (just ask the folks at Merrill Lynch). Mergers, downsizing, outsourcing — you name it, it’s killing careers. So if you’re a corporate type, don’t be loyal to one employer and keep your eyes peeled for new opportunities. Be sure to network, keep your resume fresh, take advantage of learning and continuing education because you never know where you’ll be next year.