Careers

Could Landscape Architecture Be the Career for You?

May 28, 2019 by Tim McMahon

Landscaping is more than glorified lawn care. It is an artistic occupation that balances beauty with function in a home’s outside property area. This can range from a small section of land that can be cultivated into a garden, to a large yard in the front, side, or back of a home. With numerous styles to offer, landscaping is an exciting career that provides opportunities for creative design and purposeful lawn management. Here are four reasons you may want to consider this career.

Landscaping Exercises the Imagination

While some people may consider physical labor to be mind-numbing or boring, the opposite is closer to the truth. Viewing natural resources like land, water, and woodlands as the tools of an artist, and the lawn or garden as the expectant canvas, a landscaper can unleash creativity to design stylistic elements that fulfill the homeowner’s style preferences. From elegant to fun-loving, there are countless lawn themes to be developed and implemented that will suit anyone’s taste.

Landscape Architects

If you want a career that is high tech but gets you out of the office part of the time you might enjoy being a landscape architect. It involves creativity, computer design work and some onsite activity so you get the best of both worlds.

Meaningful Outdoor Work Enriches Body and Soul

Working in fresh air and sunshine, surrounded by grass, trees, shrubs, and flowers, a landscaper’s work often [Read more…] about Could Landscape Architecture Be the Career for You?

9-to-5 Freedom! 4 Careers that Don’t Keep You behind a Desk

May 21, 2019 by Guest Contributor

For years, you’ve been told that working a sedentary job is bad for you. In fact, it can increase your risk of diabetes, heart disease and even depression. But in a world where plopping down in front of a computer for eight hours is still considered the norm, what do you do when you want to get moving?

The answer is simple: find a job that keeps you on your toes and stimulates your mind.

Whether you’ve got ants in your pants or simply are looking for a career change, here are four jobs that take you from cubicle potato to an active working professional.

Digital Marketing Manager

Online advertising is a booming industry and even the smallest of startups are always looking for new talent.

Although you still need a computer to work, becoming a digital marketing manager, SEO specialist or even paid search expert allows you to work from anywhere. Even as a full-time employee, you still have a lot of wiggle room when it comes to flexibility.

Landscaper

If you’ve always had a green thumb, swap your pencils for potting soil and become [Read more…] about 9-to-5 Freedom! 4 Careers that Don’t Keep You behind a Desk

Art Not Paying the Bills? 4 Tech Jobs for Highly Creative Individuals

May 7, 2019 by Tim McMahon

The arts carry a stigma of a dead-end, useless degree to pursue. Don’t believe it. While art isn’t paying the bills for most people, don’t’ sacrifice your passion for money. Marry passion and profit by finding the right occupation to feed the soul and the wallet. Four career paths will change the way you view art.

Work as a Web Designer

The internet changed the way we interact and communicate, and part of the reason is the fantastic web design. It is the first impression for companies to attract web traffic and generate sales. A web designer develops that first impression, creating web pages, websites and website templates for individuals and companies. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics web designers/web developers earn an average of $33.38 per hour. Employment of web developers is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand will be driven by the growing popularity of mobile devices and ecommerce.

Work as a Graphic Designer

The graphic designing industry is vast, offering a comfortable salary and room to evolve within the occupation. Create graphic T-shirts, company logos, personal logos, album covers, and packaging design based on individual and company ideas. Work in the branding, packaging, and advertising department at several companies. Choose to work for a graphic design company. A third idea is starting a graphic design business for more control and flexibility. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Graphics Designers earn an average of $24.21 per hour but Employment of graphic designers is projected to grow slower than the average for all occupations. Graphic designers are expected to face strong competition for available positions so you may need to think outside the box and create your own niche.

Work as a Multimedia Artist

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Four Great Reasons to Consider a Career in Healthcare

April 13, 2019 by Guest Contributor

With so many exciting, rewarding, and challenging jobs to choose from, it can be difficult to narrow things down to just one field you want to focus on. This is part of the reason why statistics show that the average person changes jobs 12 times in their life. Picking just one stream can limit your overall options. And since your interests, skills, and needs will change throughout your lifetime it can be smart to pick a field that offers a lot of variety, one that can evolve and grow with you, so that you can remain in that one field but change jobs along the way.

A career in healthcare can offer the kind of variety you’re after, as well as a number of other benefits and advantages. Here’s a look at four reasons to consider a career in healthcare.

The Industry is Growing

When you’re picking that perfect career path, it’s always good to keep an eye open for those that are experiencing growth and demand. The healthcare industry checks off both those boxes, especially as the large baby boomer population continues to age, requiring more medical attention. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the healthcare field is projected to grow by 18% between now and 2026. Not only is that good news for anyone eyeing the industry, but it’s also well above the national job growth average in general.

You can boost the number of jobs that are open to you by making sure that you get a healthcare-focused master’s degree such as these Boston MHA programs, which offer a Master of Healthcare Administration.

A Chance to Give Back and Make a Difference

If you’re the type that measures job happiness and success by how it makes you feel, then the healthcare industry again can check off all the boxes. Working in this field allows you to truly give back and make a real difference in people’s lives. It’s the kind of job you can take pride in.

There Is Flexibility with Your Work Hours

The healthcare industry is also great for those who want flexibility with work hours. Sure you will find plenty of jobs within the industry that will be Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm, but there is also a lot of shift work and even part-time hours if you prefer. These kinds of hours can work well for busy families where one parent wants to be home with the kids as much as possible, so flex hours and part-time hours can help.

Salaries Are on the Rise

Then there is the fact that salaries in the healthcare field are on the rise by an average of 17.8% since 2006. This is great news for anyone that is currently struggling with a lower paying job and is looking to make more money in a new field.

Plenty of Pros for Looking at the Healthcare Industry

This is just a small look at the many pros and advantages to pursuing a career in the healthcare industry, and why it may be a great option for your future.

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4 Entry-Level Jobs that Pay Higher-Level Wages

April 12, 2019 by Tim McMahon

Everyone wants a “good” job that pays enough to live on, but that’s not always attainable in today’s market. With minimum wage jobs paying far below the cost of living, and with so many jobs requiring years of experience to even apply, finding a job that you qualify for and that pays what you need can be daunting. However, there are jobs available that pay good wages and are easy to get started in.

Air Traffic Controller

ATC operators have the important job of managing and monitoring a wide range of commercial flights. They communicate with pilots and other airport control operators on a daily basis to make sure flight paths are clear and everything is running smoothly. Although you can increase your ATC salary as you complete different phases of training on the job, the starting wages for this industry already pay better than minimum wage in most cases. Most air traffic controllers have a bachelor’s degree or a degree through the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative program, which is administered by the Federal Aviation Administration. Whatever your current education, you need to pass the Air Traffic Controller Specialists Skills Assessment Battery and gain admittance to the air traffic controller training course at the FAA Academy located in Oklahoma City. The FAA does not accept candidates for training over the age of 31 but does give preference to military veterans. The good news is that the median annual wage for air traffic controllers is $124,540 and even the lowest 10 percent earned about $68,000.

Shipping

The process of shipping physical goods from one location to another involves many steps, which means many jobs. One of the jobs you might be suited for is transporting those goods using a heavy vehicle rig. These types of jobs usually only require a high school diploma to start. In many cases, the employer will direct you to the necessary truck license training you should have for the job. At the moment, the demand is very high for truck drivers. See Considering a Career in Trucking?

Other jobs in the shipping industry can be with [Read more…] about 4 Entry-Level Jobs that Pay Higher-Level Wages

Considering a Career in Trucking?

March 19, 2019 by Guest Contributor

Truck driving can be a very rewarding and fulfilling career if you are passionate about getting out and sightseeing. It can be fairly well paid career path and only requires a limited amount of training. This makes it an ideal choice for someone who wants to learn a new skill but isn’t quite interested in dedicating several years towards completing a degree. The following information provides a more in-depth look at four advantages associated with truck driving positions:

Benefits

Typically, most truck driving companies offer their employees great benefits. This includes different types of insurance, such as life, medical, and dental. They may also offer retirement plans, which can really help you later in life.

Flexibility

Usually, truck drivers are able to determine how far they would like to travel. If you are interested in traveling long distances, this is definitely a career option that will give you that opportunity. You may also get to choose to drive locally as well, which means you won’t be away from home for extended periods of time.

4 Tips for Avoiding a Workplace Accident in a Blue Collar Environment

March 12, 2019 by Tim McMahon

If you recently got hired to work a blue-collar job, there are some things that you should know if you want to stay safe at work. Industrial environments are known to have additional hazards that you’ll likely not find in office jobs, so it’s especially important to be diligent when it comes to looking after your well-being. These four tips can help you avoid a workplace accident in your blue-collar environment.

Use All Safety Equipment

If hardhats, safety goggles, and other types of safety equipment are available at your work, you should use them. Many job sites require that you wear a hardhat and not doing so can result in your termination. Your work environment may also have earplugs or headphones that can protect your hearing if you work in a noisy environment. Some employers even give employees the option of using back supports when lifting heavy objects. Your employer should provide instructions on how to use the safety equipment properly so that you can keep yourself better protected.

Avoid Taking Shortcuts

You might be tempted at some point to take shortcuts to finish your work quicker, but doing so may prove to be dangerous as you can see from the video below. If you try to complete a certain task while skipping important steps, you run the risk of causing an accident that could result in bodily harm. It’s important that you take the time to follow each process correctly, even if it means falling behind in your schedule. If your employer tries to pressure you into working faster and causes you to suffer an injury, you may have legal grounds to file a lawsuit. If you can’t work and need money there are now companies that offers settlement advances until a settlement has been reached. But be cautious, some companies offer lawsuit loans, or pre-settlement loans which you might have to repay if you lose your case. You should seek a non-recourse lawsuit settlement advance. That way, you owe nothing if you lose your case.

https://youtu.be/CfaozYDFxdY?t=15

Need Employment? 4 Jobs that are Always Hiring

February 18, 2019 by Guest Contributor

Being unemployed for any amount of time can be stressful. Whether you have a degree in your pocket or are just starting out, however, you’ll still be able to find employment if you know where to look. There are certain industries that are known to hire new employees regularly, and some that are currently suffering from a shortage of applicants. By searching any of these four industries for open positions, you may end up landing a stable job that will pay your living needs and beyond for as long as you need.

Medical

You don’t have to be a doctor to find a good job in the healthcare field. Nurses and medical assistants are always in high demand, but you may need additional education to be hired. Working as phlebotomist, which involves drawing patients’ blood, is another possible option that doesn’t require a lot of additional schooling. You can also become a medical office manager or an office administrator and play an important role in scheduling appointments, answering patient questions and keeping medical records in order. No matter what your education level, you’ll be able to find a hospital or clinic that is hiring and happy to have you on their team.

Technology

Skilled workers in technology are needed constantly to help companies keep up with modern demands. Information technology (IT) experts are often in high demand for their ability to solve basic computer problems. If you are interested in fixing the “guts” of a computer you should look into getting an A+ certification. On the other hand if the programming side is more your thing a Microsoft Certification will certainly help speed along your job search. You can also provide support through call centers in customer service, which is always hiring and rarely requires any prior experience. Even if you [Read more…] about Need Employment? 4 Jobs that are Always Hiring

Like to Be on the Move? 4 High-Paying Transportation Careers

February 5, 2019 by Tim McMahon

If sitting behind a desk all day isn’t your thing, a career in transportation may be the perfect fit. There are many transportation career options that allow the freedom to be on the move without having to be stuck in an office. Any of these four high-paying jobs in transportation could be your ideal career.

Pilot

As a pilot, you’ll be able to travel the open skies while earning a respectable living. You can choose to fly commercial, private, or cargo airplanes to national and/or international locations. In addition to undergoing training at an accredited school, you’ll need to obtain a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) license to start working. According to CareerBuilder, commercial pilots make $40.43 an hour on average, and yearly earnings can vary depending on the number of hours that are worked but median works out to about $78,000/yr. There are also Airline pilots who have the added responsibility of passenger safety so they earn significantly more. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers is $137,330.

Helmsman

If a career on the high seas sounds exciting, you’ll likely enjoy working as a helmsman. You’ll be the captain of a ship as you navigate a commercial vessel through seas or rivers. There is always the option of working aboard a cruise ship, or you can choose to navigate freight vessels. You’ll need to undergo extensive training to learn how to operate a boat safely and adhere to passenger safety standards to be successful in this career. Salary ranges in this field often vary, but many positions pay upwards of $50,000 a year.

Joining the Workforce: 9 Licenses and Certifications that Don’t Require a College Degree

January 24, 2019 by Tim McMahon

Do you need a college degree to get a good job?

It’s a question many of us have pondered at some point. Although there are many benefits of going to college, it isn’t your only option when it comes to finding a well-paying, rewarding career. Below we’ll count down nine positions that may require a license or certification but that don’t require a 4 year degree.

Number 9- Cosmetologist

If you have a passion for beauty, why not consider a career as a cosmetologist? To begin working, you’ll have to be a high school graduate and complete a state-licensed cosmetology program. You’ll have various professional personal care services experiences throughout the program, with opportunities to learn how to do things like cut hair, give manicures and apply makeup professionally. Once you graduate, you can apply to salons with your specific preferences and work in any area of cosmetology you wish to specialize in. Cosmetologists make an average of $24,900/yr.

Number 8- Warehouse Certifications

As companies continue to become more and more available and accessible to people worldwide, forklift and heavy machinery use is growing along with it. Getting a forklift license or heavy vehicle license could open doors to you and your job search. Generally, these courses are cost effective and can be earned in a short amount of time. Licenses like these can help you get jobs with higher pay and pave the way to further career development. The BLS does not list forklift operators separately but instead lumps them together as Material moving machine operators and says “Material moving machine operators use machinery to transport various objects. Some operators move construction materials around building sites or excavate earth from a mine. Others move goods around a warehouse or onto container ships.” They earn an average of $34,830 per year.
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