I know I may be asking a lot on this first Monday of the New Year, but if it’s at all possible you should take the endless economic forecasts for 2010 that will be pouring out of your radio, TV, newspaper and computer today with a grain of salt.

The many prognosticators will be telling you what to expect out of the job market and the economy at large, but the reality is that few if any know for sure what will happen. Already this morning I’ve read a handful of conflicting reports on what to expect.

Ben Bernake, the Fed Chairman, thinks things will get so much better that he’s planning on raising interest rates so we don’t see another financial bubble. While the New York Times’ columnist Paul Krugman is predicting another Great Depression if the government doesn’t do more to stimulate the economy this year.

Only stories that look back on 2009 are going to give you any real facts because those are based on real data not crystal balls.

I’m telling you this because many of you hopeful to find jobs this year will be keeping a close eye on economic predictions and some will even use them to make job-hunting decisions. It’s always great to have as much information as you can to help you make the best career moves, but for most people I know such predictions do little to help. In fact, they may end up hurting you if you get discouraged because the employment statistics are dismal, or you decide to move somewhere or get job training for a certain “growth” profession because you read a story.

Alas, career decisions have to first be based on your desires, your abilities, your wallet.

If you really don’t know what direction to take, or where to begin as far as job hunting, it will serve you better today if you ..

* pick up a copy of “What Color is Your Parachute”
* spend the day making a list of the things you might like to do.
* get serious about social networking.
* be realistic about your career dreams.
* revamp your resume.

I’m not saying you should stick your head in the sand when it comes to economic fortune tellers. OK, I’ll admit it, I’ve written quite a few projection stories in my day, some of which may have been less than on the money.

The main point is, don’t let any predictions dictate what you do.