SYDNEY -- Fairfax Media (ASX: FXJ.AX) Chairman Roger Corbett has told ABC's The Business that a good number of sectors of our economy were in trouble, and that the mining boom was the only reason for Australia's good growth and job numbers. He was referring to the so-called "two-speed economy," where if you are not in a section of the economy enjoying the benefits of the resources boom, then you are in the slow lane.

You only have to read about the numerous job cuts are making across a number of industries, while the resources industry is struggling to hire enough skilled staff, to see the logic in his statements. The fall into administration of Hastie Group and the loss of about 2,000 jobs only compound the issue.

Retailers are doing it tough, with profit downgrades from David Jones (ASX: DJS.AX) and Myer Holdings (ASX: MYR.AX). Advertising revenues are falling, and the media sector is struggling: Fairfax recently announced a restructuring of its businesses, a greater focus on digital media, and up to 1,900 job cuts.

In June, media forecaster Ross Dawson suggested on Sky News Business that print newspapers will be effectively extinct sooner than later.

For the building and construction industry, things appear to be just as bad. Boral's(ASX: BLD.AX) chief executive recently said conditions in the sector were the worst in 20 years. In 2011, new building starts fell by more than 11%, and the Housing Industry Association has forecast an 11.5% fall in 2012.

Not two-speed, but 10-speed
Meanwhile, Cameron Clyne, CEO of National Australia Bank (ASX: NAB.AX), has said that talk of a two-speed economy is damaging -- by hurting confidence. He suggested that the constant reference to two speeds made people feel like they were going backward if they weren't in the express lane. He went on to say that confidence, not interest rate cuts, was the key to boosting the economy, and Australia was more like a 10-speed economy, with different sectors traveling at different speeds. (Which makes me wonder if he included any reverse speeds.)

Mr. Clyne also suggested that the economy is in transition, which has happened many times in the past and will happen again many times in future.

As I see it, economies are always in transition as we evolve and our industries progress. Some will fall by the wayside, while new industries will spring up. The fall of print newspapers and the rise of the digital age is the perfect example.

What investors need to understand is that evolution occurs all the time. In 10, 20, 50, and 100 years' time, the economy, industry, and business will likely be very different, and the issues businesses now face will likely be forgotten.

The issue for us Fools is trying to determine those businesses that will survive and thrive over the long term. Companies that provide essential products and services are a good place to start, and that's one of the reasons why the world's most successful investor, Warren Buffett, has invested in companies like Coca-Cola, American Express, Kraft Foods, and BYD, a Chinese manufacturer of rechargeable batteries.

If you're in the market for some high-yielding ASX shares, look no further than our "Secure Your Future with 3 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks" report. In this free report, we've put together our best ideas for investors who are looking for solid companies with high dividends and good growth potential. Click here now to find out the names of our three favorite income ideas, but hurry -- the report is free for only a limited time.

More reading