If you're tired of putting in long hours day in and day out, with no flexibility in your schedule, a career change may be in order. Believe it or not, there are well-paid, stimulating careers that you can organize around your own schedule--particularly in the design industry.
Changing careers may seem overwhelming at first, but with the right education you may find yourself working fewer, more flexible hours at a job you love. For example, jobs that involve drafting and creativity, such as
interior and
graphic designing, allow you to pursue a successful career on your own time and often from the comfort of your home.
On Your Own
Although many graphic and interior designers are employed by large advertising or design firms, others prefer to freelance or work for smaller consulting firms. These designers work on a contract basis, organizing their work around their personal schedules and those of clients. Many are able to conduct business from their homes or personal offices, allowing them to manage the responsibilities of taking care of a family. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, three out of every 10 graphic designers are self-employed.
Design Your Education
Graphic and interior designers usually start out with a
bachelor's degree in a related field such as studio art, principles of design, or commercial graphics production. Advanced degrees, such as the MFA in graphic design, provide students with the complex skills necessary to prepare sketches or models that capture the vision of a proposed design.
The Future of Design Careers
Increasingly, education in graphic and interior design involves thorough training in layout and graphics computer software. In addition, many design professionals are making the leap into Web design, which is expected to grow rapidly as Internet media increase in importance. Graphic designers with
training in Web design and computer programming will enjoy a significant advantage in the coming decade.
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Graphic Designer
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Interior DesignerMore Creative Career Articles 
