5 Old-school Careers That Still Bring Success and Fulfillment

In a time when technology has such a strong presence, you may wonder if old-school careers still matter. While some of them have faded, plenty are still popular and can provide you with a fulfilling career.

Teaching

Although online schools and courses have become more popular, the traditional classroom still has a major role in society. Furthermore, instructors are needed to facilitate these online learning channels. If you decide to pursue teaching, you could opt to teach in a special field or to teach at any grade level. From children who are toddlers to learners who are adults, students are eager to learn. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) teaching positions of all levels (Elementary through High School) should grow about 6% from 2014-2024 which is about average. To become a teacher requires at least a Bachelor’s degree to start. Teachers salaries average $55,490 per year for Kindergarten through Elementary School. Salaries for Middle School Teachers average $56,720 per year and High School Teachers average $58,030 per year.

Librarian

The end of books and the growth of the internet has put a damper on the need for Librarians with the BLS estimating only 2% growth for the profession. The median annual wage for librarians was $57,680 in May 2016. And most librarian positions require a masters in library science degree. InfoToday has an interesting article on the future of Librarians which states that one of the major functions of Librarians has always been curation of information. And it is still a very important function with roughly 350,000 books published each year by the big publishing houses and that’s not counting the over a million self-published titles each year.

Nurses

The field of nursing is one that is often booming in many different economies and locations. The median annual wage for registered nurses was $68,450 in May 2016. Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 16 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. As the understanding of certain medical conditions grows, so does the need for nurses in additional health care facilities that are constructed and established. Opting to pursue a career in nursing might mean that you work at a nursing home, a hospital or a doctor’s office. You could also look into openings for nurses at schools in your area. Registered nurses usually take one of three education paths: a bachelor’s degree in nursing, an associate’s degree in nursing, or a diploma from an approved nursing program. Registered nurses also must be licensed.

Sports Officiating

Whether you love to watch baseball games at the stadium with your friends or you eagerly await for basketball season to start, working as a sports officiant can bring you into an athletic environment that you love. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for umpires, referees, and other sports officials was $25,660 in May 2016. Employment of umpires, referees, and other sports officials is projected to grow 5 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Job prospects are expected to be good at the youth and high school levels. You could decide to start by acting as a referee for games in the community, and you may find that you can work your way up into college athletics or the professional sporting field.

Clergy

If you are a religious or spiritual person, then you may want to live a life that is dedicated to serving God. Clergy serve in a variety of places although you might think first of a Minister at a Church, there are also Chaplains in the Military, in Hospitals, and in Jails and other institutions. It is difficult to quantify the actual salary Ministers get because they often receive non-traditional compensation such as housing perhaps in a Church owned “Parsonage” or in the form of a housing allowance. They may also receive a car or travel allowance, phone allowance, etc. Plus they often get special tax breaks. With that being said, the BLS estimates that the average median salary for a Clergy person is $47,710 if they work for a religious organization, $51,730 if they work for a Hospital, $47,530 if they work for a Nursing Home, and $43,910 if they work for a school. In addition to the “Head Pastor” many larger Churches will have Ministers of Music, Ministers of Youth, Ministers of Senior Adults, Children’s Ministers, and Associate Pastors. Often you will need a Degree in Theology or Bible, or in whatever area you wish to specialize in.

Finding a career may seem like an arduous journey. However, it can become simpler when you realize that these possibilities still exist.

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