Mid-Career Crisis? No Way!

By Francine L. Huff
Learning & Life Columnist

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Whether you are looking to change careers or are returning to the workforce after raising children, some extra education can help you land your new dream job. A career in communications or social work may be the right fit to help you make a change.

Get Creative

If you're a creative soul and enjoy working with people, then you may be interested in a job in communications. Writing and editing jobs are ideal for creative types, and they can be found in many industries, including at newspapers, magazines, Web sites, book publishers, and software publishers. Many of these jobs can also be done from home with an Internet connection, and about a third of writers and editors were self-employed in 2004, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Generally, you'll need at least a bachelor's degree in communications or journalism to break into this competitive field, and you can take courses online if you're pressed for time. However, other degrees may be useful for specialized areas, such as technical writing. In 2004, median annual earnings were $53,490 for salaried technical writers, $43,890 for salaried editors, and $44,350 for salaried writers and authors, according to the BLS.

Helping Hands

If you've always been drawn to careers that help others, you should know that employment is growing for social workers, who usually work in healthcare, social services, or government agencies. The minimum education requirement is often a bachelor's degree in social work, but degrees in psychology, sociology and related fields may also work. To advance in the field, keep in mind that many positions in health settings and clinical work require a master's degree in social work--which you can earn online while working at your new job.

Part-time university or online degree programs can allow you to get your credentials while continuing to work or raise a family. Median annual earnings for child, family, and school social workers were $34,820 in 2004, and medical and public health social workers median earnings were $40,080, according to the BLS.

Don't be afraid to explore your career options, and consider online degree programs as a flexible option to get the training you need. With the right education, you'll be ready for a new job in no time.

Source

Bureau of Labor Statistics

About the Author
Francine L. Huff is a freelance journalist and the author of The 25-Day Financial Makeover: A Practical Guide for Women. She has appeared on a variety of TV and radio shows.

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