The title above is the front page headline in the September 21, 2009 USA Today newspaper. The article goes on to state that "more skilled immigrants are giving up their American dreams to pursue careers back home, raising concerns that the U.S. may lose its competitive edge in science, technology and other fields." This process is being called "reverse immigration."

The article also states that "what was a trickle has become a flood" and that "in the next five years 100,000 immigrants will go back to India and 100,000 to China…for the first time in America history, we (U.S.) are experiencing the brain drain that other countries experience."

What does this news mean to you, if you are one of those older workers wanting to stay active in the work force or if you are someone who may have retired early but now needs to return to work? It is another strong indicator that there is a growing opportunity for you to still use your skills, talents and abilities. It means that your experience and education still has application to helping the country's economy recover and grow.

This also means that the opportunity to launch your own business becomes a stronger option. Tough economic times always drive the entrepreneurial instincts. Whether it is a franchise with established systems and support or it is something brand new and perhaps revolutionary, your opportunity is always better when economic times are more challenging.

When looking out the window at the world around you, it may be easier to see the faults and negatives of high employment, business failures and reduced opportunity versus the hints of opportunity. The above fact that we are losing talented people to reverse immigration is one of those negatives. But, when you put this fact in its proper perspective, it is really an indicator of opportunities.

In summary, do not look for opportunities where there is already a crowd. Use your age, experience and education as assets to help a company or business grow, This can also separate you from lesser experienced people. Look for indicators in less obvious places where there are fewer people, where people are leaving and where your experience and education could be more appreciated and needed. If working for someone else or going out on your own, focus on finding creative ways to fill a need by offering to be innovative and open to new ideas. Then as people leave positions or move out of the country, you will still have many options for continued income.