Experts are predicting that the current financial climate will adversely affect jobs in Australia, with the worst affected being in the finance sector. Real estate, banking and construction are other industries that will be affected adversely, because those are the sectors in the US where the problem emanated from in the first place.

While traditionally a recession has most affected those on low incomes doing untrained work, this time – so the experts say – white-collar workers and those on high incomes will be affected first and foremost. While this is good news for those who are already struggling, their turn will come, with the recession affecting all sectors before finally taking itself off when the economy improves. At least that is what the doom and gloom-sayers predict.

However there is always hope of getting more work with all the advances in modern technology. Those who lose their jobs may quite easily pick up other work via online classified job sites. And these job opportunities will only increase because even though companies may lay off employees, the work still needs to be done. So they will look to outsource their work hoping to pay less than they would otherwise be paying.

Say a company sacks a big percentage of their employees but still wants to remain in business. One way they will save is by downgrading their office space. They won’t have to pay super or suffer loss through their employees’ sick days or holiday pay. But the work must still be done so they will advertise on those online classified jobs sites.

And even if they do want the employees to come into the office to work, they will have advertised the job for less remuneration than they were paying before. Therefore, those who are looking for jobs via online classified job sites are in luck because more job opportunities are likely to be coming their way.

So while unemployment may be unsettling many of us for some time to come, it is still possible to have hope, both for getting more work and for the recession to be over one day not too far down the track. And you never know but what it might impact you positively in the long run. That is, by getting you a different job and lifestyle – one you didn’t realize that you would enjoy a great deal more than the old one.

Temporary office admin jobs are a great alternative for those backpackers who have tired of the hospitality industry. It could be that you don’t like the late hours required or smoke filled atmosphere you have to work in if you become a bartender or waiter. Working as a temp in office admin could be just the thing to fund your trip around Australia.

What skills do you need for an office job? Basic computer skills, good communication skills and some office experience are the three most obvious. If you also specialise in another area such as accounting, reception, payroll assistance or data entry, then you will certainly never be found wanting a job. The only other things you need are a couple of smart working outfits. Blue jeans are generally frowned on in most offices.

By applying for an office admin job, backpackers may find themselves welcomed with open arms anywhere from a skyscraper in Melbourne to an office somewhere in the urban sprawl. These positions could last from a day to a week or even three to six months. If you are flexible in where you work, you could find that you need to up stakes and leave for a different destination at very short notice.

If you have more experience in an office than the average person you may be able to get more specialised work such as legal, medical or general secretary, or personal or executive assistant. These office jobs are more likely to be of the longer term, lasting for 3-6 months. This will give you time to make friends in your new city and really get to know it, rather than just seeing it at a superficial level before moving on.

Since your whole reason for being in Australia is to see something of this great country, working as a temp will certainly help you do just that. The normal working hours of a temp may suit you a great deal better than other types of jobs. Work as a fruit picker requires someone who doesn’t mind working hard physically while out in the heat of the day. Working as a bartender means you must keep late hours and may have to deal with agro drunks.

How much more pleasant to spend the day in the air-conditioned comfort of an office, doing work that is physically easy so that you can go and sight-see during the weekends or in between jobs. The time you spend working as a temp while backpacking will be sure to fill your life with many cherished memories.