You should consider a number of factors before settling on a career path, such as salary, flexibility, and future opportunities for advancement. But if you want to wake up every morning looking forward to your day, you need a career that provides personal fulfillment beyond all of these secondary characteristics. Consider working in education.
Rewarding Jobs
Job satisfaction is defined in lots of ways--but surprisingly, money is not the top consideration for the majority of workers. A 2005 survey by the Conference Board found that more money doesn't necessarily equal happiness at work. Only 14% of professionals earning $50,000 or more were happy with their jobs, while 17% of those earning less than $15,000 claimed to be highly satisfied with their employment choices.
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The key to happiness for many respondents was the opportunity to make a difference. Many workers have found that a career in education can really change the lives of others--without giving up a good salary or job flexibility. As our aging teachers approach retirement, enthusiastic new faces will be needed to educate today's youth.
Your Career Options
Jobs in education span a broad range of age groups and professional tasks.
Educational administrators often hold advanced degrees that train them to provide instructional leadership and deal with the complexities of school management. In 2004, elementary and secondary school administrators earned a median annual salary of $74,190. Although teachers earn less than administrators, educating yourself still generally leads to salary payoffs.
Whether you prefer to work with younger or older children, your initiative can help you get what you want. And teaching is not limited to purely academic disciplines; if you have experience in a work-related subject, you might make a great vocational school instructor.
Train to Teach
Public school teachers are required to have at least a
bachelor's degree in addition to a state teaching license. Many teachers boost their career prospects with a
master's degree in education or a subject relevant to that which they will be teaching. Due to teacher shortages in recent years, many U.S. states offer licensing programs to help attract new teachers. Online programs are also an effective route for those changing careers.
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