Birth order and astrology signs may play a part in career choice, compensation and job satisfaction. A higher number of first-born workers, according to a survey by CareerBuilder.com that questioned 8,700 employees, earned $100,000 or more a year compared to their siblings. The majority of middle children consider themselves in the annual $35,000 or less bracket. And the youngest children were the least likely to earn six figures a year.

The job fields of government, engineering, pharmacy and science seem to contain more first-borns, while art/design, sales and information technology favor the last-born. The middle child is more probable to pursue nursing, law enforcement, fire-fighting or machine operation.

Senior management positions tend to be held by first-born children, and middle siblings, the most satisfied with career choice, favor professional/technical staff level jobs. Clerical/administrative positions are more likely to identify with the youngest sibling, who feels the most unsatisfied when it comes to their job.

Astrological signs may direct a person toward a specific profession. Here are the careers that draw certain signs:

— Aquarius: sales, military, engineering, mechanic, food preparation

— Pieces: social work, personal care, IT, facilities management, mechanic

— Aries: government, construction, hotel/recreation, IT, education

— Taurus: nursing, engineering, attorney/judge, marketing, public relations

— Gemini: art/design/architecture, nursing, sales, law enforcement, firefighter

— Cancer: government, legal services, advertising, higher education, machine operation

— Leo: government, architecture, engineering, entertainment, real estate

— Virgo: social work, sales, hotel/recreation, editing, writing

— Libra: social work, advertising, machine operation, law enforcement, sales

— Scorpio: legal services, engineering, science, education, construction

— Sagittarius: editing/writing, marketing, public relations, entertainment, hotel

— Capricorn: architecture, nursing, science, IT, sales, food preparation

Scorpio, Leo, Taurus and Cancer signs lead the pack when it comes to compensation; they are most likely to earn $100,000 or more per year. On the other hand, Aquarius and Capricorn signs tend to make the least amount per year. Although Capricorns may not make the big bucks, they are one of the signs most satisfied in their careers; the other two are Pieces and Sagittarius.

For more information, visit www.careerbuilder.com.

OLDER WORKERS FAVORED

Despite the amount of job losses, older workers seem to be gaining more positions than those employees younger than 45 years old. Older employees aren't left helpless by the sluggish economy, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc., a global outplacement agency that analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment among those 55 years and older increased by 3.7 percent in the past year, while jobs for 20- to 44-year-olds decreased by 1.3 percent.

"The fact is pared-down companies may increasingly rely on seasoned veterans to get them through the downturn," says John A. Challenger, chief executive officer. "They may cost more in salary and benefits, but their experience and knowledge make them highly valued."

One growing industry that continues to need older workers is information technology.

"This is a win-win for employers and potential retirees," says Challenger. "The employer gets the benefit of retaining experienced personnel who will have more time to pass along their corporate knowledge to younger workers. Aging workers benefit by not being thrust into retirement before they are mentally and financially ready."

Other myths regarding older workers include: taking more sick days, lacking ability to be trained, clashing with younger workers and looking forward to retirement.

Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. offers tips to older job-seekers:

— Stress past incidences of employee/employer loyalty.

— Emphasize experience; age shouldn't affect learning new concepts.

— Show your creativity and flexibility.

— Remain up-to-date and embrace technology. Take a class to learn more about computer programs.

Older job candidates are more welcome in health care, teaching, consulting, non-profit organizations, customer service and small businesses.

For more information, visit www.challengergray.com.

To find out more about Amy Winter and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.