The job market has changed dramatically over the past year.

People have lost their jobs, opportunities have evaporated, the gig economy has surged—and only time will tell how long many industries will continue to feel the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But few of us can afford to wait and see how things shake out. If you’re facing joblessness right now, whether due to a layoff or other reasons, what are your options?

Dealing with the challenge of taking on a new career can seem frightening. We know you still have your family, livelihood, and other responsibilities to think about.

The truth is that finding a job, or even maintaining one, can feel like a job all on its own when the market is good and the economy stable. In the current age though—where layoffs in some fields are surging and many Americans are simply trying to find a way to survive—you may be looking into your future and wondering what comes next.

That’s not to say that we won’t see a bounce back to normalcy at some point. But in the meantime, there are plenty of industries who are hungry to hire new (and qualified) people. If you’re looking to begin a new chapter in your career, not all hope is lost.

You could even think of this change as an opportunity to dream bigger and think of what will be best for your next chapter, instead of simply doing what seems expected or the expected next step.

Often, taking a new next step means pursuing an education to help get you there. But that doesn’t necessarily mean committing to four years in the classroom or the scheduling rigors associated with a traditional degree program.

Luckily, there’s a simpler and more direct option available. Career colleges are a great way of gaining not just an education, but the very skills you’ll need in your new career path. You can get hands-on training to help you specialize toward a new track without wasting time on general education requirements or courses that aren’t related to your new field.

And many of the trades that career colleges can prepare you for are eager to bring in new workers who have the right training. Contractors, plumbers, information security specialists: people will be retiring from these fields and there aren’t enough skilled workers ready to replace them.

Plus, these are often good jobs that pay well and are typically more stable than other fields—even in difficult times. And as someone with a certificate or degree, you’ve got a competitive advantage that can also mean a boost in your lifetime earnings.

There are many programs that career colleges offer to help you gain training in a matter of months or just a couple of years to help you launch your next chapter. They can even put you on track to participate in internships, externships, or on-the-job training.

From culinary arts to auto mechanics and nursing to information technology, a career training program can help you learn new skills, explore a new industry, and prepare for the workforce. It’s truly a way to invest in your future—even if it’s the one you weren’t planning for before.

If you’re ready to start exploring opportunities for the next chapter of your career, the Imagine America Foundation has a robust database of schools we partner with to provide the hands-on training students like you are counting on. Search by location or program type here, and then be sure to apply for one of IAF’s scholarship and grant programs today!