Economy

According to a new survey, jobs lost in the recession won't return until 2012 or beyond. The survey, conducted by the National Association for Business Economics, reported that the over 7.2 million jobs lost will likely make a recovery, but it will be a very gradual process.

Of the 44 economists polled for the survey, only a small portion thought we would see a full recovery before 2012. Here is a breakdown of the poll:

• 8 percent polled thought we would see a full job recovery before 2012.
• 54 percent thought the job loss would be fully reversed by 2012.
• 33 percent project that we would see a reversal until 2013.
• 5 percent thought recovery would take even longer.

The reason that the majority of economists foresee recovery no earlier than 2012 is because it will take some time for the financial markets to bounce back. Most of the panel didn't foresee this occurring between 2011 and 2013. Also, companies are still laying people off, meaning unemployment hasn't even reached its peak yet.

The economists do predict recoveries in other areas earlier than 2012. For instance, they predict the housing market will have a 2 percent gain in 2010. They think it will be a major contribution to the overall growth of the economy.

The good news is that there are some jobs out there that are hanging in there despite this tough economic time. So if you're looking to switch careers or expand on your current one, here is a short list of the best jobs in America that are still in high demand and pay, according to Payscale.com:

• Anesthesiologist (Median pay: $292,900; Top pay: $408,000)
• Psychiatrist (Median pay: $177,000; Top pay: $279,000)
• Sales Director (Median pay: $140,000; Top pay: $239,000)
• Actuary (Median pay: $129,000; Top pay: $275,000)
• Software Architect (Median pay: $117,000; Top pay: $166,000)
• Insurance Broker (Median pay: $114,000; Top pay: $273,000)

While the job market may be moving slowly, it's good to know some industries are still hanging in there - and still offer higher-than-average pay for your hard work.

With such a frightening year for finances, we thought it only appropriate to feature the blingin'-est costumes.Whether you've lost a lot in the Recession or found Lady Luck on your side - here's our picks for the best finance-themed Halloween costumes:

1. Golddigger

   The perfect "career" option if you're surviving a layoff or took a beating in the market this year.

   

2. Investment Banker Bum

   An easy last-minute costume that makes a clever commentary on the financial state of the nation.
   

3. Money Flusher

   A toilet costume made even more appropriate with "NASDAQ" scrawled on the seat and money overflowing from the bowl.
   

4. Bank Robber

   You may have considered becoming one this year already and if you look like her, there's probably plenty who will be happy to oblige a little robbery.
   

5. Mount Rushmore

   For when you're feeling short on dead presidents in your life.
   

6. Pimp

   There's always this option for the jobless.
   

7. Matthew Lesko

   He's the man behind the "Free Government Money" books a.k.a. "That Question Mark Guy."
   

8. Donald Trump

   Be a real jerk and tell your 1 in 10 already unemployed friends, "you're fired!"
   

9. Money Bag

   Whose baby isn't one?
   

10. Credit Card

    The perfect costume for when you want to express your happiness over the new credit card regulations.
    

11. Robin Hood

    Who doesn't love a guy who steals from the rich to give to the poor?
    

12. Money

    There's no costume more money than money, unless your name is Bill.
    

13. Blingin' Gangsta Rapper

    You can always fool people into believing that you're not slumming with a few CZs and flossin' your swagger.
    

14. Uncle Sam

    A fitting way to celebrate our tax credits, like the soon-to-end first-time homebuyers tax credit.
    

15. Lady Luck

    We all could use a little from this maiden.
    

16. and... if splurging on a costume seems a bit too fiscally irresponsible, you can settle for this shirt:

    

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