When the economy is hot and jobs are plentiful, most do not take the time to analyze industry trends for careers. But when the economy is lukewarm, it pays to research career options.

A recent talk at a hotel with the front-desk clerk indicated concern over what was next for her career. She described herself as a people person, and she did not mind the long hours and cranky guests arriving at 11 p.m. after a long road trip.

Her thoughts were centered on making a better life for her child and pursuing an upwardly mobile career for herself.

Anyone in the hospitality industry will tell you they go into it for the money, but knowing what to expect upfront is a good foundation. U.S. Labor statistics indicate growth in hospitality establishments in 2014 were a solid 2 percent, increasing from 785,000 to 800,000-plus. In the first quarter of 2015, average total compensation in hospitality wages was $13.31 per hour, with the wages and salaries component at $10.41 per hour.

CareerCast annually rates 200 jobs across a variety of industries, below are where some of the jobs in the travel and hospitality field rank for 2015. Even though the income may appear low for some of these jobs, this does not included overtime or bonuses, which are common in the industry.

104. Cashier: "Handles payments from customers purchasing goods and services." Income: $19,075. Stress: 12.69. Hiring outlook: -1.25.

118. Bartender: "Mixes and serves drinks to customers of a tavern, restaurant or lounge." Income: $19,106. Stress: 13.06. Hiring outlook: 8.06.

129. Dishwasher: "Cleans the plates, glasses and silverware used by patrons of an eating establishment, and the pots, pans and cooking utensils used by chefs." Income: $19.050. Stress: 14.50. Hiring outlook: 7.50.

137. Event coordinator: "Responsible for planning all logistics and activities associated with the events for which he or she is responsible." Income: $46,173. Stress: 49.73. Hiring outlook: 30.73.

160. Hotel manager: "Oversees the successful and profitable operation of hotels and motels." Income: $47,217. Stress: 23.17. Hiring outlook: -0.83.

171. Waiter: "Takes customer orders, serves food and drink, and prepares meal checks." Income: $19,088. Hiring outlook: 1.88.

The Statistic Brain reports the cruise ship industry has grown an average of 7 percent annually since 1980, and 2015 statistics indicate it has revenue of $37.85 billion per year and employs 314,000 people.

Consider the jobs within a cruise ship inline with those of a hotel jobs, event planning, a variety of different types of restaurants with the cadre of careers, food and beverage, entertainment from live music, shows, casinos and theaters. From the 14 new ships launched since 2009 to the 26 new cruise ships still on order, this segment of the hospitality and tourism industry provides good job and career opportunities for those willing to embrace the lifestyle.

With a young family, my friend at the hotel front desk may not be able to sail the seas at this point in her life. However, with the growth in this segment of the hospitality market, booking cruises and other "on-shore" opportunities might provide her the upward mobility that she is seeking.