Have you been working at your current job for years, but you’re preparing for a career change? Changing careers is a significant decision and, in many instances, the perfect move. Knowing why you want to make a shift in your work will help you make a better decision. Perhaps you want a career progression, better pay, or to pursue something you are more passionate about.
Look into new choices once you decide what aspects of your professional life you wish to change. This article will take you through nine great career options if you are preparing for a career change. Let’s jump right in.
1. Teacher
Preparing for a career in education is a great decision because it gives you the chance to have a lasting impact on developing minds. A teacher is a professional educator who imparts knowledge to help students prepare for further education and the workforce. In addition, teachers impart hard skills like technical knowledge and soft skills like time management and listening to their students.
A bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for teaching. The majority of high school teachers have specialized degrees in the subjects they want to teach, such as science, math, social studies, or English. Many people double major in education and another field or add a specialization to a general education major by concentrating in a specific area. Education schools usually offer classes on instructional methodologies, best practices, and teenage development. Teachers also often obtain master’s degrees in education or the subject they intend to teach.
A teacher’s compensation may vary depending on their area of expertise, level of education, number of years of experience, kind of school, and location. According to Salary.com, the average hourly pay for a public school teacher in the US is $28 as of November 2023. While some private or independent schools do not require teaching licenses, all 50 states in the US require public school teachers to possess one. State-specific requirements differ, but generally, obtaining a bachelor’s degree and passing one or more tests is sufficient to get certified in a particular subject or grade level. With opportunities ranging from elementary to high school levels, you can specialize in subjects that resonate with your passion, potentially leading to some high paying jobs in education.
2. Lawyer
Preparing for a career in law is a great choice for people passionate about using the legal system to help people. It is the crucial responsibility of lawyers to interpret and apply the law to uphold equality and justice. Lawyers usually enroll in law school to acquire the skills and knowledge required for their positions. For full-time students, law school typically takes three years; however, if you intend to study part-time while continuing your current job, it can take longer.
Law has a wide range of specializations. You have the option to specialize in a particular area of law or explore broad legal professions. Attorneys may practice in specialized fields, including corporate, criminal, or civil law; employment and labor law; family law; or entertainment law. For instance, a criminal defense attorney specializes in criminal cases, while immigration lawyers deal with cross-border and immigrant issues.
Attorneys are well-paid. In addition to employer-sponsored benefits, including paid time off (PTO), retirement plan options, health, dental, and vision insurance, and parental leave, the average annual pay of a lawyer in the United States is $73,998, according to Indeed. Depending on a lawyer’s job location, experience level, and area of practice, the actual pay may supersede this salary range considerably.
3. Mechanic
Preparing for a career as a mechanic involves mastering the art of autobody repair. A mechanic troubleshoots, diagnoses, and fixes problems with vehicles using extensive technical and mechanical skills. Mechanics can also carry out preventive maintenance to preserve a vehicle’s efficiency.
Being a mechanic typically doesn’t require formal education. A technical or vocational program is enough to land a career as a mechanic. Usually, these courses run between one and two years. A lot of mechanics also decide to pursue an associate’s degree in automotive technology or autobody repair. Acquiring an associate’s degree typically requires a maximum of four years.
A mechanic’s projected average pay will vary based on their experience level, employment, and region. An entry-level mechanic working in a small auto repair business will likely make less money than a technician with advanced certifications working for a large dealership. The average annual salary for an auto mechanic in the US is $49,181, according to Glassdoor.
4. Elder Care
Elderly care providers help the elderly with their everyday needs and are employed by public or private healthcare facilities. They often reside in the patient’s home or a senior living facility to provide ongoing care. Caregivers for the elderly are overseen by a doctor or nurse when administering or tracking medication. In addition, they instruct family members on appropriate bedside care and teach patients how to take care of themselves.
An aging care worker’s role often requires a strong foundation in physical therapy, food preparation, and health and human services. Candidates without formal education, such as degrees, A-levels, or GCSEs, are not required to apply for positions as elderly care workers. Nonetheless, a lot of firms favor applicants with nursing experience and first aid training.
Workers in elder care need to be compassionate and empathetic. They need to actively listen to their patients and treat them with respect when they discuss issues or concerns. The average pay for an aged care worker is $19 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter. Actual pay varies based on several variables, such as company, geography, and experience.
5. Moving Services
Working for a moving company gives you the chance to support people through big life transitions. A mover transports furniture and personal items from one place to another. Movers make sure everything is safe from harm when moving and put it in the right spot. If you are preparing for a career change in moving services, you can work for franchises or independently for local moving companies.
Movers don’t require specialized training, but there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of landing a job. Being a mover doesn’t require a degree, but many employers do require a GED or high school diploma. Some businesses can require a commercial driver’s license to operate moving trucks, depending on the size of the vehicle. Gaining experience as a mover can help you land managerial or leadership roles. The next stage is often to become a leader or supervisor.
Being a mover is a great job for people who enjoy being physically active and traveling. Walking, lifting, carrying, and bending are all part of the job. Although it’s not necessary, having the endurance necessary to engage in physical labor for extended periods is beneficial. According to Zippia, the average annual pay for a mover is $33187.
6. Optician
Preparing for a career in optics means being a vision care practitioner who assists patients in selecting and wearing contact lenses and spectacles. This expert helps clients who have received prescriptions from optometrists or ophthalmologists. They might also replace and repair eyeglass frames to guarantee a proper fit. In addition, opticians instruct clients on lens maintenance and eyeglasses.
A high school diploma, or GED, is a prerequisite for employment in optical services. To be an optician, you must pursue a two-year associate’s degree or a one-year diploma in opticianry. The aim is to become an optical specialist capable of operating lensometers and other optic equipment. An excellent optometrist needs experience with both contact lenses and spectacles. You must be capable of reading and comprehending optical prescriptions.
A significant portion of an optician’s work involves providing customer service, mostly working in vision care centers. Nonetheless, some optometrists who double as opticians practice in medical environments. The average yearly income for an optician in the US is $19.92, according to Indeed Salaries. This amount may vary depending on the applicant’s experience, education, and training, the organization’s size and location, and more.
7. Mortician
Morticians work for funeral homes, getting the bodies ready and holding the services. To perform funeral services for the departed or their loved ones, they might also visit cemeteries, houses of worship, private residences, and other important locations. Preparing for a career as a mortician in the funeral industry involves providing empathetic support to bereaved families.
Morticians need to be certified, have a degree in mortuary science or funeral service, and be at least 21 years old. The minimum educational qualification is an associate’s degree in mortuary science or funeral service, approved by the ABFSE. If you want to work as a funeral manager, you should continue your studies and earn a bachelor’s degree.
In the United States, a mortician makes, on average, $58,203 annually, according to Indeed. The pay for morticians varies depending on their expertise level, region, and employer. Morticians at larger funeral homes usually receive higher compensation than those at smaller funeral businesses.
8. Delivery Services
Helpers who load and unload goods into and out of vehicles are known as delivery personnel. If you are preparing for a career change in delivery services, your main responsibilities will be setting the orders for the day together and loading them. You also classify the orders in their delivery bag and place them in proximity to their location or order of priority. For instance, drivers in the oil deliveries sector receive numerous requests each day.
You must have a current driver’s license to work as a delivery person. It is required that your driver’s license be issued in the state in which you currently reside. A clean license is highly preferred or required by most employers. However, some companies might also accept a license that has been flawless for two or three years. Besides a standard driver’s license, you also require special endorsements to operate specific cars. For instance, operating large vehicles requires a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or a HAZMAT endorsement for the transportation of hazardous materials.
The majority of firms mandate that delivery drivers possess a high school diploma or GED. Depending on your driving record and other credentials, some employers might not demand these certificates, but most will still require a high school degree. Although pay for delivery drivers varies greatly between companies, Indeed reports that the average hourly wage is $16.836. Tips are another way to augment the hourly wage, which can make a big difference to your daily income.
9. Actuary
Actuaries are financial experts who evaluate risk for the insurance sector by calculating the potential financial consequences of unforeseen future events. They assist in creating insurance plans, such as life insurance, and figuring out reasonable premium prices. An actuary must carefully weigh the requirements of maintaining their financial stability with the desire to be competitive in the field.
Employers typically favor actuaries who hold at least a bachelor’s degree in actuarial science, mathematics, statistics, or a related field. You should also obtain a certification from the CAS or the SOA. It may be possible for you to do this by taking a paid actuary trainee position. By demonstrating your qualifications to potential employers, you can increase your earning potential and positional candidacy at this stage.
According to Indeed, a certified actuary makes, on average, $115,284 a year. Actuaries usually work regular business hours. Companies might request you to work extra time, especially during a busy season. Geographical location, educational attainment, and years of relevant experience can all affect your salary.
In summary, it’s important to assess your interests, abilities carefully, and the demand for particular professions in the market when preparing for a career change. Setting off on a new job may be an exciting and satisfying experience, regardless of the path you choose – the rewarding path of a teacher, the demanding field of law, the practical work of a mechanic, or any of the many alternatives mentioned. Take the time to consider these options, picture your future, and make an informed decision to advance your career change successfully.
