As the economy continues to repair itself after the fallout of the 2008 mortgage crisis, many workers are finding that a new career, or a career switch is becoming an ever-more attractive idea. There are many ways to switch careers or begin new paths in life, and here are just a few career options for people hoping to make a positive impact on their future job satisfaction and earnings.
1) Software Developer
Looking at job listings for working in software, you’d hardly know the world is suffering from a recession. Software development is a skill that can be developed at a university, or outside of one (self taught IT workers are very common), and salaries can be very strong. If computers are your passion, this may be the path for you. Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or other device. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Software Developers in 2010 earned an average of $90,530 per year. The BLS projects that the job outlook for 2010 -2020 expects much faster than average growth for the field.
2) Graphic Designer
Aspiring workers in graphic design can expect to encounter one of the most creative jobs in the world. Relying on their own aesthetic sense, and choice of imagery and type, graphic designers allow their job to provide access to the fun of play and the seriousness of a rewarding and well-paid career. Graphic designers create visual concepts, by hand or using computer software, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, or captivate consumers. According to the BLS, Graphic designers in 2010 earned an average of $43,500 per year. The BLS projects that the job outlook for 2010 -2020 expects 13% growth for the field.
3) Copywriter
If you’ve always dreamed of earning a living by your pen, or you’ve always had a knack for making sentences sound right, copywriting may offer you the career of your dreams. Copywriting differs from being an author or journalist in that it involves writing company materials and advertising materials rather than articles and stories. Copywritiers are often paid based on performance i.e. depending on the response rate of their advertisements. Good copywriters are always in demand and can continue to earn residual commissions as long as their ad continues to run. This can result in a good copywriter earning well over 6 figures while the average “Reporter” or Journalist earns $36,000. Technical writers, on the other hand, produce instruction manuals and other supporting documents to communicate complex and technical information more easily and earn an average of $63,280 per year.
4) Dental Hygienist
There are many roads to becoming a dental hygienist, and many degrees that provide access to the field. One thing that is certain, is that professionals in this area of patient care are in demand and well-compensated. They also serve a key role in society in keeping people healthy, and helping others when they are most in need. Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for oral diseases such as gingivitis, and provide other preventative dental care. They also educate patients on ways to improve and maintain good oral health. According to the BLS Dental Hygienists in 2010 earned an average of $68,250 per year. The BLS projects that the job outlook for 2010 -2020 expects much faster than average growth for the field.
5) Real Estate
Real Estate offers a variety of different career paths, everything from Brokers to Sales Agents to Appraisers and Property managers. Opportunities vary based on location. For instance, high density development in Utah offers realtors both close proximity to the great outdoors (a veritable dreamscape for hiking, skiing, or mountain-biking aficionados), as well as a bustling metropolis in Salt Lake City. The BLS estimated that in May of 2012 that the average (median) real estate agent earned $39,140. While those in the 90th percentile earned $95,540 so real estate agents salaries are highly tied to performance i.e. how well you relate to people and your sales abilities.
If you’re considering one of these career paths, know that the benefits are many, and the jobs reliable and highly compensated. Shaping your resume to fit the field you hope to enter by gaining and emphasizing relevant experience can greatly help, and if further qualifications are needed, a good degree or certificate will help immensely.
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- Highly Skilled Worker Shortage in a Recession?
- Job Hunting Success: How to Make Yourself More Employable
Image courtesy of watcharakun / FreeDigitalPhotos.net”.
