Interviews with people who switched from tech to non-tech jobs

How do you make the switch from technology to non-technology job? If you work in the IT department of a company, there’s an assumption that you’ll stay there forever. But some people are able to switch – I talked to three people who did it, and here’s what they said about how they were able to make the change.

Seven keys to finding a job in a non-technical role

There are a few common patterns I've seen among technical professionals who make a successful transition into business roles. Here are some of my tips on how you can find a job in a non-technical role.

Play to your strengths

Before you start applying for those coding gigs, think long and hard about your passion. What do you really love? If you’re more of a creative person, try focusing on roles in that field. If business development makes your heart beat faster, then dive into a job search in that area. Switching careers is challenging enough; narrowing down your focus as much as possible will help you find something faster. No matter what field you’re looking at, there are companies hiring for positions that play to your strengths—it just might take some work to find them.

Market yourself as you would any other product/service

Set yourself apart in a crowded market: You’re likely not alone in your field, so you need to make sure potential employers know that you’re someone worth hiring. Your resume is a great place to start; it should highlight previous experiences and credentials that are most relevant for your desired position. Once you have an idea of what type of role you want, start researching companies that hire candidates like you. Learn more about their culture, day-to-day responsibilities and perks they offer employees. And always take time to personalize your cover letter and resume before applying—it will show that you took time and effort toward ensuring they’re tailored specifically for that company and job title. All these elements together make up a standout application package!

Ask your network

It’s easier than ever to get in touch with former colleagues and contacts, but don’t be afraid to follow up on connections even if you don’t hear back immediately. While you may have gotten in touch for one reason, follow-up emails can open up many more doors (and opportunities). The hardest part is getting started—if you wait until your network is fully developed, you might never get going. There are a number of email templates available online that will make it easy for you to reach out. Just keep an eye out for emails that offer encouragement and praise. Your goal is to come across as professional and courteous, not aggressive or annoying.

Always be on the lookout

It's important to keep your eyes open for other opportunities as you make your way through a career. Even if you love what you do and don't have any immediate plans to leave, it's helpful to know about other jobs—in case an opportunity presents itself in the future. That's not just a good idea for folks looking for new positions. Career experts recommend keeping tabs on outside interests, whether it’s learning how to play an instrument or taking a boxing class once a week. Building up related skills and hobbies can be useful should your career take an unexpected turn down the road.

Use the A word (apply!)

If you're trying to leave your current job, it's essential to tell your boss before you start applying for other positions. A lot of employers appreciate honesty and, if nothing else, might be able help you find a new job within their organization. After all, in some cases staying where you are is better than taking a risk on a new opportunity—especially if you're at an established company that has plenty of room for growth. And while it might not seem like such a big deal now, remember that your industry is constantly changing; if your company folds in five years and there's nowhere else nearby hiring, no one will blame you for taking the most stable path possible at that time. And if all goes well with finding a new job? At least both sides know what happened!

Make sure you have transferable skills

When applying for a new job, make sure your resume lists all of your skills. Once you land an interview, you can explain why these skills are valuable in your new position and illustrate how they transfer over to what you'll be doing at your next job. This will help increase your chances of being hired as it shows that you are enthusiastic about making a career change and that you're willing to learn new things. It also helps employers see value in hiring someone with experience and training that's relevant even if it doesn't directly relate to their company.

Be prepared, even if you are overqualified.

If you are overqualified for a position, it’s likely that your interviewer will ask you why you want a job beneath you. Many job seekers assume that because they have more education or experience than most others in their industry, there are not many other jobs out there for them. While it is important to be proud of your achievements and happy in your career, realize that other companies may view your skills as an asset instead of a weakness. Just because some companies aren’t offering what you want doesn’t mean that no one else is hiring. Be prepared to answer questions about why you wish to change careers and demonstrate what skills you can bring to an organization despite having fewer years of experience than they might prefer.

5 Ridiculously Easy Ways to Teach Online

These days, more and more people are looking to teach online instead of in the classroom, mostly because they can do it from the comfort of their own home. And while teaching online isn’t right for everyone, it can be a great way to earn some extra money and keep your options open about potential career paths down the road. Here are five ridiculously easy ways to teach online if you’re considering it but have yet to dive in headfirst.

Be a tutor

Whether it’s math, English or web design, online tutoring is a growing industry—and there are huge advantages for instructors. You set your own hours and can make money in any city; you’re not tied down by commuting times or working within school hours. To get started, find out if there’s a local community college offering courses. If so, go meet with them and let them know that you want to work as an independent contractor; they’ll help introduce you to clients looking for private lessons (the school will take a cut). Most private teachers earn around $20–$30 per hour. And it won't hurt to contact private lesson companies such as New York Tutors because they do need more teachers of all kinds every year!

Create an on-demand coaching program

If you’re someone who has been doing coaching for a while, you might be able to create an on-demand program that can either serve as supplemental income or even become your full-time job. All you have to do is create a course (or find one online) and market it. You may want to check out sites like Elance and PeoplePerHour since those are two places I’ve hired coaches from, but there are many other great options. A lot of these coaches will also help you set up your course, which is another plus if you’re inexperienced with creating them yourself. I typically budget anywhere from $1,500 - $3,000 per on-demand program.

Start your own blog

Whether you’re considering teaching online as a full-time gig or simply want some supplemental income, starting your own personal site is an excellent way to get started. You can use sites like Tumblr, WordPress, and Posterous for free, which makes it hard to resist! If you think that blogging may be in your future (and even if it’s not) I highly recommend you start by reading 10 Ways to Make Money with Your Website. It covers some basic questions many new bloggers have about making money with their sites—including topics like affiliate marketing and advertising.

Write and publish your own book.

While it may seem scary, or like a whole lot of work, getting your book published can be an incredibly rewarding experience. As long as you’re willing to put in a good amount of research and writing time, there’s no reason why you can’t self-publish something and make some extra money. If you already have a book that could use updating or another is on your business roadmap, take advantage of companies like LeanPub that let you write and publish at your own pace. With hundreds of thousands of titles available on all kinds of topics, it’s never been easier for someone with knowledge to sell their expertise online. All that's left is for you to sit down and start cranking out chapters!

Sell T-shirts, hoodies, mugs with logos

This is a great way to make money on Fiverr, but it’s important that you choose a design that can work for multiple products. This way, if your design doesn’t sell, you can simply change your product and try again! You can also reach out to sites like Merch by Amazon, which will connect you with people who want their shirts printed in bulk. For example, they have a $30 promotion fee (meaning they give you $30 towards merchandise) but print only 1 shirt at a time and let sellers upload as many designs as they want. The risk of failure is lowered since your design has so many possibilities!

Top 5 places to live if you want to be a teacher

It’s not easy being a teacher, but it’s even harder trying to pick where you want to live if you want to be one! Picking the perfect place can feel like having an impossible task, especially since there are so many things to consider – Do you want to live in the city or the country? Does the weather matter? How about cost of living? These five cities will have everything you need and more to live happily as a teacher.

1) St. Louis, Missouri

The average salary for teachers in St. Louis is $44,456 and that's about $10,000 less than Missouri's overall average of $54,928. Still not great, but it will save you some money compared to other major cities on our list. Plus, Missouri offers a tax credit of up to $1,500 off your state taxes (which is good) and up to a $250 local tax credit (which is also good). It may not be as high paying as some of these other cities but St. Louis makes up for it with its low cost of living! #GoCardinals! *Pro Tip: The downside of moving here? You have all four seasons so plan accordingly!*

2) Washington, D.C.

Many big cities are magnets for teachers because they have strong school districts, but there are other reasons why teachers flock to Washington, D.C. Teaching jobs in D.C. tend to pay above average; they’re also easier to find since teaching is more of a need than an option in many areas of Washington. District-wide, 94 percent of students attend public schools and 75 percent qualify for free or reduced price lunch due to low income families. When considering your commute, it’s also important that D.C.'s school district covers 88 square miles making it one of the most densely populated in America!

3) Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville, Tennessee is one of my favorite cities in America. It has it all; an active art scene, great schools and plenty of shopping and dining options. Not to mention, there are plenty of job opportunities in music and education. If you’re looking for a slower pace and low cost of living, then Nashvile might be right for you. Teachers can easily make $50,000 or more while paying less than $500 per month on rent or mortgage payments. There is an abundance of public transportation which makes it very easy to get around town without needing your own car. Nashville is also located in close proximity to mountains where outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, biking and camping year round.

4) Dayton, Ohio

Ohio has more certified teachers than any other state in America. This of course means there are more jobs available for newly-certified educators. In addition, schools in Ohio have higher-than-average starting salaries for teachers at $39,174. That’s compared to a national average of $36,141 (according to state data from 2016). Of course, pay isn’t everything when it comes to finding your dream job—but it doesn’t hurt either! That's why Dayton tops our list of best cities for teachers. In fact, one survey ranked it No.

5) Buffalo, New York

Teaching in Buffalo is an excellent career move for those who enjoy great professional opportunities, low living costs and ample personal time. Some of Buffalo’s highlights include: beautiful scenery (the city sits right on Lake Erie), easy access to other big cities and year-round cultural activities. The average cost of living in Buffalo is much lower than that of other major U.S. cities such as New York or Chicago; meanwhile, housing is quite affordable and taxes are very low, giving new teachers a chance to save money and establish financial stability right away.

How Do You Become a Mathematician?

Many people believe that being good at math is something you are born with. However, this isn’t true — anyone can be good at math, regardless of their natural ability. It takes work to become great at mathematics, and it takes even more work to become an expert in the field of mathematics, but it can be done if you know what you’re doing and you work hard enough to achieve your goals. Luckily, there are plenty of different things you can do to improve your knowledge and skills in mathematics, especially if you want to become an expert in the field.

What is math and what do mathematicians do?

We often hear about math, but what exactly is it? Math is defined as: The study of quantity, structure, space, and change. In other words, mathematical reasoning is used to investigate and solve quantitative problems. This definition can seem rather abstract and general at first glance; however we can create further understanding by discussing mathematics in terms of some specific subfields within it. These subfields include: arithmetic (the study of whole numbers and integers), algebra (the study of symbols), calculus (the study of rates or derivatives) geometry (the study of points in space), set theory (the idea that there are actual infinite sets) among others.

Getting into college

Going to college and earning your degree is an essential step toward becoming a mathematician. While it's not required for everyone, it's almost necessary if you want to land a job in academia, which is one of our favorite types of math jobs. Regardless of whether you attend college for two years or get your PhD, you'll have to take mathematics classes along with core requirements like English and history. These courses will give you a strong background in probability, statistics and number theory—all topics that are important in mathematics. Even if you decide that school isn't for you after all (and there's nothing wrong with that!), don't throw away those notes. They could come in handy!

Choosing your major

The majority of mathematicians are college-educated. If you want to become a mathematician, therefore, it's logical to choose your major in high school and do well in math courses. Although some jobs require an advanced degree (such as master's or PhD), others are open to those with bachelor's degrees. In fact, many mathematicians work as analysts for private companies and don't even have graduate degrees. The main thing employers look for is solid reasoning skills—even if you haven't completed post-graduate schooling in mathematics, if you have excellent analytical abilities and can solve problems effectively (after all, that’s what mathematicians do) then you’ll likely have job opportunities available upon graduation.

Finding a job

Sometimes it can be hard to know where to start looking for a job in math. So how do you get started? Begin by contacting your math professors at local colleges, or search on Google or LinkedIn for mathematics-related companies. Take initiative and reach out directly—it's always better to call someone than sit back and wait for them to contact you! Your direct approach will show you're serious about finding work. And don't forget that once you've completed an internship or summer program, consider sending a quick follow-up email with your updated resume attached; it never hurts to ask! If all else fails, attend conferences and network events—you might even find people who are hiring at their current companies!

Are you cut out for it?

Not everyone is cut out to be a mathematician, just like not everyone is cut out to be an athlete or artist. But for those who have what it takes and want to do it, here’s how you can get there. What does it take to become a professional mathematician? To start with, you’ll need to set your sights on earning at least a bachelor’s degree in mathematics (the degrees differ between countries). And don’t forget about getting good grades! To get into most top-tier schools, you'll need high marks in math. The next step is picking your specialty—there are dozens of careers within mathematics! Some mathematicians use math to tackle daily tasks like accounting; others research biological systems or study stars and galaxies.

A day in the life of a mathematician

A mathematician’s job description varies wildly, depending on which niche of mathematics they work in. Mathematicians who work for private industries or consultancies may spend their days cranking out code and crunching numbers to help clients solve real-world problems. Others serve as professors at universities and teach students both undergraduate and graduate-level math courses. Even other mathematicians find themselves working in a variety of non-traditional roles, such as data analysts, research assistants, even tech developers! If you want to know what it takes to become a mathematician—or how mathematicians spend their day once they’re actually in the field—this is your go-to guide.

The Easiest Job in the World

Want to make money doing nothing? This may be the easiest job in the world. Let’s face it, who doesn’t like to kick back and relax? Well there’s an opportunity out there to actually do just that, and get paid for it! There are hundreds of online companies willing to pay you cash for completing online surveys. It’s easy work and doesn’t require any experience or technical skills. All you need is a computer with internet access.

Who can apply?

You might think that with such a simple job description, only a certain type of person would qualify. You’d be right! This is an online-only position and requires you to use your internet connection at least 10 hours a day, so you’ll need to be comfortable with finding entertainment while surfing—and if you don’t already have it, you may want to invest in DSL or high-speed cable. All applicants must have strong customer service skills; willingness to work any hours (or shifts) between 6 am and midnight EST; and basic computer skills. If these seem like easy requirements for you, then we have exactly what you’re looking for!

What does the job involve?

Take a moment to think about what you want your job to entail. Do you want to be writing code all day or serving customers at a call center? Or maybe you’d like to take pictures of places that tourists typically don’t go or test how well new shoes are able to withstand wear and tear. Even if it doesn’t sound too exciting at first, remember that there are many careers out there—from being an airline pilot or movie star, for example—that don’t require an excessive amount of time on-the-job training. Whatever type of career you decide on, it should be something that interests you enough so that boredom won't set in after just a few weeks.

What are the hours?

When it comes to telecommuting, remote workers are able to set their own schedules. And while there’s often flexibility involved with working remotely, part of your schedule should be reserved for work—and that means sticking to business hours. Since you don’t have a boss breathing down your neck, you might feel like you have complete freedom and flexibility to put in as many hours as you want each day. However, just because you can take on a project whenever doesn’t mean that you should take on every single one.

Will I have to do anything else apart from this?

No, that’s it. Once you’ve recorded your short audio file and uploaded it to our website, your job is done! We will handle everything else and pay you directly into your Paypal account each time we receive money. You can work as many or as few hours as you like – whenever it suits you. This really is an easy way to make cash from home!

What are the pay rates?

One common myth about online writing jobs is that you’ll make a lot of money doing them. While it’s true that some companies do pay very well, many do not. So don’t be surprised if you spend two hours completing an assignment and receive $0.05 in return (though there are a few companies that pay more than $20 for less than 2 minutes of work, so still be selective). I suggest setting your bar somewhere between $10-$15 per hour. If you can manage to get one or two projects like that each week, it should add up pretty quickly. Then, once you start getting assignments from other companies, your income will grow even more quickly!

How do I apply?

If you want to apply for a job as an Internet meme evaluator, follow these simple steps

Is there any way I can get this job faster than usual?

Everything will happen as soon as possible. Just sit back and relax. Your message has been delivered to our management team, who will get back to you as soon as possible. Please be aware that due to high demand, it may take a few days for a response to come through. Thank you!

All the Best Work from Home Jobs for Boys

There are plenty of online jobs for men out there if you know where to look! To help you find the best work from home jobs for boys, we’ve collected a list of what we think are the top 10 best options in 2018. Whether you’re looking to find employment quickly or interested in starting your own side hustle, this list has something that should pique your interest!

Business operations

There are a few major questions to answer before you get started. Will you be selling a product or service? Do you have your own products or services, or will you resell other companies’ goods and services? Most work-from-home jobs require a certain amount of skill. For example, if you’re planning on becoming a health care provider, then you'll need appropriate certifications as part of your licensing process. You can learn all about starting and running your own business with StartUpNation's guide on entrepreneurship . If entrepreneurship isn't your thing, take some time to explore different options available to those looking for work at home jobs. You might decide that working as an agent is right for you.

Customer service

Answering emails, live chats, and phone calls. If you have experience in tech support or a relevant field, then working as a customer service agent could be a good fit. Depending on what you're willing to take on (and how flexible your schedule is), you can make anywhere between $10-$40 an hour as a customer service agent. On average, work-from-home customer service agents make between $12-$18 an hour.

Sales/ Marketing/ Biz Dev

Make a lot of money fast? Working as a sales rep, freelance marketing expert or business development agent can be quite lucrative. Though it does require time and effort to get started, once you have an established client base you’ll find it very hard to stop working (due to your large paycheck). These types of positions are better suited for people that are highly confident and willing to put in a lot of hard work. If you’re okay with working 40+ hours per week and don’t need/want vacation time, you might consider one of these positions. Just remember that in some cases (depending on your area) college may be required!

Tech support

As far as work-from-home jobs go, tech support is one of those that doesn’t necessarily require a high school diploma. You just need to be pretty decent with computers and smart enough to troubleshoot when something goes wrong. Most companies who hire for tech support positions do a basic technical test over the phone, so you can practice with multiple tech companies. It’s always good to have your own computer at home or access to one at home if you want some more practice in IT, but that’s not completely necessary if you get creative and find other people who will let you help them out. There are a lot of online resources that offer virtual computer labs where you can practice on real equipment without any risk to someone else’s system.

Writing

Are you a boy who loves to write? If so, you’re in luck—there are plenty of work-from-home writing jobs that can be done as a side hustle. You can choose to either freelance or become an on-staff writer. In both cases, you get to work on your own schedule and take control of your income potential. Some common fields include blogging, social media management and even technical writing (depending on your skill set). Most positions require experience (or at least a portfolio) in that field—but not always. If you enjoy researching and learning about topics related to what you love (sports, video games, travel etc.), then consider pursuing freelance writing as a side job!

Teaching (virtual tutoring)

If you love being in front of students and enjoy helping them with their studies, becoming a virtual tutor could be a great option to earn some side income. Tutors are in high demand on sites like VIPKID — which connects tutors to Chinese students looking to improve their English skills — as well as Udemy, where you can build your own online class and set your own rate. If you have your Master’s degree or PhD (or even an undergrad degree) and especially if you have any sort of teaching experience, joining one of these websites can be a quick way to start making money online. For more details about how each site works and how much tutors make on each site, check out our full reviews: VIPKID review Udemy review .

Photography/Graphic Design/Illustration

Whether you’re just looking to earn a few extra bucks or want to start up your own business, being able to freelance as a photographer, graphic designer or illustrator is invaluable. Not only will you be able to take control of your own schedule and get paid well for what you love doing, but having these skills will give you an edge in any job hunt. Check out Skillshare or CreativeLive to learn how to hone these skills and build your portfolio in such a way that potential employers can find it (hint: marketing yourself well on social media also helps). And if you really think about it, isn’t $20 an hour worth it for something fun like photography? It sure seems like a dream come true!

Transcriptionist

Becoming a transcriptionist doesn’t require an extensive background in healthcare, but some medical terminology knowledge will certainly help you succeed. However, building a successful business requires more than just decent typing skills. Your clients will want to communicate directly with you, so communication is key. Some companies may require you to take additional courses on medical terminology and transcription (it varies). You might also consider taking a public speaking course to gain skills that would make you comfortable doing online presentations or handling call-in questions. If your employer needs it, you may need certification for all or part of your work at home job—check out Medical Transcription Certification Training through FlexJobs! Realize when working from home that not every job is 9-5; some companies allow flexible schedules.

Data Entry Specialist

Data entry positions are available for boys as young as 10. There are lots of great work-at-home data entry jobs out there, and they’re easy to find. Simply search data entry on any job board or site that lists remote or freelance opportunities. Look through job descriptions, requirements, and companies’ websites to find a good fit—most data entry jobs require little-to-no experience and can be done remotely on your own schedule. Plus, you get paid! Some companies even offer a base salary plus commission if your work is deemed to be exceptional.

Virtual Assistant

If you have a knack for computers and are looking to make some extra cash, doing some work as a virtual assistant may be a great option. Companies like Uber, Capital One, and UHaul hire virtual assistants to help keep their offices organized, provide customer service support, handle data entry and more. You can find part-time or full-time opportunities depending on your availability. In fact, FlexJobs released a study showing that part-time remote jobs are on the rise in terms of popularity. As mentioned above, sometimes you can even get paid to travel! Remote OK currently has 200+ job listings posted online with salaries ranging from $10 - $250 per hour or higher depending on experience.

5 Great Jobs for Female Part-Time Workers

Part-time work has become more and more popular over the past few years, as people seek to maintain both flexible schedules and the ability to work from home or other convenient locations. To help women with their job search, we’ve compiled this list of the best part-time jobs for female workers. Each of these positions has flexibility built in, whether it’s through part-time hours or telecommuting opportunities, and each of them offers great pay and benefits too!

1) Freelance Writer

For those of you who want a flexible schedule, freelance writing is a great option. You set your own hours and can write from anywhere, provided that you have a computer. Freelance writers are in demand since major media outlets are looking to pay less for content. If you’re good at conducting research and writing in an engaging way, freelancing could be a good part-time job for you. To get started, check out Mediabistro’s jobs page and apply to various positions from there.

2) Brand Ambassador

Corporate events and trade shows are an excellent way to make some extra cash and gain exposure. As a brand ambassador, you'll help set up displays, chat with attendees, distribute swag and provide live demonstrations of products. Expect long days with a lot of walking and at least one night event per week—and have fun! You can charge $10–$25+ per hour as a brand ambassador.

3) Event Staffer

The great thing about working at an event is that you often get to interact with a lot of different people. And if you’re working in customer service, that means you’ll be interacting with customers all day long. Since you can easily network at events, it’s a great place to find a part-time job that lets you meet new people and connect with potential employers. Other jobs have similar social opportunities—baristas, restaurant servers, and receptionists often spend their days chatting up customers and coworkers alike. And since these are usually fairly low-stress roles (excepting any duties related to serving food or drink), they make great entry points into customer service work as well as fields like sales or project management.

4) Personal Shopper

Many companies, including Macy’s and Nordstrom, offer personal shoppers—who coordinate with you to find items you like and then purchase them on your behalf. If you don’t have time to shop (or simply hate it), hiring a personal shopper can be useful. The shoppers can also assist with ordering flowers and gifts in advance of birthdays or other celebrations—for an additional fee, of course. Side note: This may be one of those jobs where it helps to know someone who knows someone. Working as a personal shopper has been popularized by TV shows like Sex in The City and The Devil Wears Prada.

5) Social Media Manager

As technology continues to advance, so do people’s habits. For example, more people are using their smartphones and tablets to find information and make purchases. As a result, social media managers are in demand and can often work part time as well as full time hours. If you’re good at interacting with others online and want to work in an environment that involves social media, then maybe a social media management position is right for you. But if you don’t want your employment to be contingent on your presence on social networks such as Facebook or Twitter, then maybe another position would suit you better.

The 10 Best Jobs in the World

There are millions of jobs in the world, but some are just more rewarding and enjoyable than others. Here are ten of the best jobs in the world, ranked by their ability to make money and also because they’re just plain fun!

1) Air Traffic Controller

Despite long, erratic hours and stressful working conditions, Air Traffic Controllers have some of the best job satisfaction. You get to travel all over, you’re well respected by your peers, and there’s virtually no limit to what you can earn with experience. No wonder it ranks as one of U.S. News & World Report’s top 10 jobs for 2013! The median annual salary for an Air Traffic Controller is $121,860 (source: BLS), and it's one of those rare careers that is growing faster than average (7% from 2012-2022). Plus—as I learned when I took a tour of DFW Airport—you get to wear cool glasses!

2) Military General

In tough economic times, what could be better than a job that protects your country while still earning you a pretty penny? The average salary for military generals is $181,000 per year, with some making well over $200,000 annually. Generals have a lot of freedom when it comes to their schedule (as long as they get their job done). Most of their time is spent at meetings where they discuss operations and strategy; however, once that's done for the day, generals are free to go about their business. If you like people but hate working 9-to-5 jobs with strict deadlines and quotas, being a general may be just what you're looking for.

3) Astronaut

Ever wanted to blast off into space? Now you can—sort of. If you’re a pilot, engineer or technology specialist, an astronaut may be your ideal job. High salaries, traveling to exotic locations and making a difference are just some of the perks that come with helping NASA explore new worlds and push back our boundaries. There are also fewer than 200 astronauts working today so competition for jobs is steep. Before applying for an astronaut position, get your degree in aerospace engineering and learn how to fly planes if possible. Always apply directly through NASA; sending them your resume won’t do much good unless they decide they want to hire you as a civilian employee (which has never happened before).

4) Football Player (American)

No surprise here. Football players might not get paid as much as their professional baseball and basketball counterparts, but they can earn millions during their careers thanks to a steady influx of revenue from endorsement deals, appearances and more. Add that to an average career of three-to-five years (according to Sports Reference) and you can see why we'd rank football among America's best jobs. The only thing better than playing pro football is watching it... with tickets starting at less than $20 for nonconference games and around $65 for conference games (not including stadium entry fees). And if you're really lucky, your home team might even win a Super Bowl or two during your lifetime!

5) Athlete (Olympic/Paralympic level)

Being a top athlete at an elite level is more than just being able to dunk a basketball, throw a perfect pitch or run a six-minute mile. It’s about putting in thousands of hours of hard work into your craft and making millions of dollars doing so. But for all its perks, it takes mental toughness to maintain peak performance over many years, traveling around the world and living under extreme pressure. To be an Olympic or Paralympic athlete requires not only physical prowess but also emotional resiliency—and that makes it one of most rewarding careers out there.

6) Professional poker player

Sure, there's a lot of luck involved. But if you're smart and play well, poker can be an extremely lucrative profession. One of its benefits is that you can do it from anywhere as long as you have access to an Internet connection and some cash to invest. It's also a game where having superior mental skills -- like reading people and situations -- can give you a competitive edge over others who are playing just for money. A professional poker player earns about $300 per hour for his game against amateurs, according to PokerCruncher . On average, he'll play two games daily that earn him around $600 each; with 500-1,000 hours played per year on top of that...you see where we're going with this one!

7) Geneticist/Biologist

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that jobs for geneticists and biologists will grow 19 percent by 2022, much faster than average. The median annual wage for these professionals was $63,790 in May 2012. If you're interested in a science career, it's smart to earn your bachelor's degree at a college or university with a strong biology program and stay on top of industry trends—particularly if you want to focus on research rather than lab work. As an added benefit, almost all employers provide some type of health insurance for their employees (whether they're full-time or part-time).

8) Geologist

Most people aren’t aware of it, but geologists are responsible for maintaining some of our most important public services, including natural disaster prevention and public safety. Geologists use a variety of tools and methods to study geological formations. They travel all over world to inspect our planet for valuable natural resources. Because of their contributions to society, geologists earn about $120,000 per year on average.

9) Architectural Designer or Drafter

If you’re thinking about going into architectural design or drafting, and have a natural talent for building structures (or can develop that talent), you might enjoy working as an architectural designer or drafter. There’s a huge variety of job opportunities available, with salaries ranging from just above minimum wage to well over $100,000 per year. As a bonus, many jobs are projected to grow at an average rate of 34% over the next decade. This makes it one of our best careers for 2017. To give you an idea of what's involved and where these jobs are located, we’ve put together some information on becoming an architectural designer/drafter

10 ) Programmer/Software Developer

If you have a passion for computers and working with cutting-edge technology, then a career as a software developer may be for you. Programmers are highly valued employees. Although that’s not surprising considering how much we rely on technology to get through our daily lives these days, it's actually becoming harder to find qualified professionals to fill open positions—and pay is booming. According to Glassdoor, a programmer can expect to make an average of $102,000 annually, or about $50 per hour. What’s more? Due to demand and relatively low supply, employment growth opportunities in programming are expected to be faster than any other job category out there—growing 14% by 2020. Learn more about what it takes to become a programmer here.

5 Tips to Finding your Next Job

When you’re looking for your next job, it can be hard to know where to start. Not only do you have to consider what industry and what type of job you want, but also where in the country you want to work, how much money you want to make, and if you’re willing to relocate if necessary. Follow these five tips from the experts at [industry] Review to help increase your chances of finding your next job with little effort on your part.

1) Refresh Your Resume

If you’re changing industries or roles, it might be time for a new resume. If you’ve been out of work for a while, you may need to update your resume and portfolio with some new projects. When it comes to updating your resume, one size does not fit all; different jobs will require different information in order to appear qualified for that position. Also keep in mind that many hiring managers—particularly in more competitive fields—are likely looking at hundreds of resumes a week, so choose wisely when deciding what information will help and which is best left off.

2) Update Your Listings

If you’re like most job seekers, you have a resume on job boards and your personal website, but that might not be enough. It’s helpful to start by making sure those sites are updated with current information; add any additional skills or accomplishments that may help you stand out from other candidates. You also want to make sure your profiles are tailored to each position (if there are specific qualifications or qualities listed in a posting, for example). Remember: The more you can customize, the better! As you update these sites, it’s also a good idea to check out sites similar to LinkedIn and update those accounts as well. That way, when recruiters search LinkedIn for applicants with certain skill sets, they can find you immediately.

3) Research Related Companies

Before you can tailor your resume and cover letter, you need to do some research on related companies. How many employees does it have? What is its focus? This way, when you contact them and present yourself as a viable candidate, you’ll have plenty of ideas about how your skills could help them. Researching will also help increase your networking possibilities; with a couple of inroads already in place, it’s easier to find someone who can make a personal introduction for you if you haven’t met through an event or professional association.

4) Attend Events

Networking events (or mixers) can be a great way to meet like-minded people—and, potentially, future employers. Search job boards and networking sites for upcoming events in your area. You can even set up an informational interview or two with people who work at companies you admire; if you’re lucky, they may even have open positions that might fit well with your interests and experience. Plus, it’s a good idea to check out any career fairs hosted by companies you already work for—especially if they plan on attending them themselves.

5) Get Current with Technology

According to a 2016 CareerBuilder study, more than half of hiring managers (56 percent) plan to use social media in 2018 for recruiting purposes. Social media is a big part of how people connect today, and it’s easy for potential employers or employees to get in touch with each other. Additionally, many employers are using their LinkedIn pages as virtual job boards these days, even if they don’t post all open positions there. With so much digital interaction, it’s important that you have an up-to-date presence on all your social networks – start by cleaning up any embarrassing photos or questionable content! Employers want candidates who represent their company well and having out-of-date information gives off an unprofessional vibe.

Want a Full-Time Job? Try Part-Time

Whether you’re looking to supplement your income, take a break from your nine-to-five or have given up hope of finding full-time employment, part-time jobs are the way to go! In this article, you’ll learn what skills you can use to transition into part-time work and how to find openings in your area. Once you’ve got your foot in the door, you can leverage that experience to find full-time work down the road. Good luck!

4 Ways To Ace The Interview

The first step to getting a job is, of course, getting an interview. Here are four ways you can make sure you ace your interview and get that offer. 1) Dress To Impress: The way you look when interviewing has everything to do with how you will be perceived in that moment. Employers are looking for someone who fits their company’s culture, so by dressing appropriately for your interview, you’re instantly communicating interest in and appreciation for their business. So dress nice! (There’s no one specific rule about what makes nice but there are rules on appropriateness.) Nice enough to show respect while not overdressing or distracting from your purpose—job hunting.

What to Know Before You Apply

The term part time can be misleading, as it doesn't necessarily mean 30 or 40 hours per week. According to PayScale, roughly 15 percent of part-time workers log between 20 and 29 hours each week, while 12 percent work fewer than 20 hours. Whatever you do, don't leave your employment history off your resume. Employers might think you're hiding something if they see no history of previous jobs. Also remember that everything from freelance work to baby sitting can look like employment gaps on your resume.

Where To Look

If you're in a professional field, whether it's law or marketing or information technology, there are certain questions your interviewer will likely ask. Things like: What is your greatest weakness? and Where do you see yourself in five years? Learn these common questions, so that when interviewers ask them you can give well thought out answers. If you don't know what questions to expect, Google them—but try to find common variations of them (most people don't actually ask what is your greatest weakness). The more practice answering these kinds of questions, the better off you'll be.

Who to Talk To

If you’re looking for work but don’t want to sign up for classifieds, chat with friends and family. Post on Facebook or Twitter, too—you never know who knows what. If you find one job that interests you, let people know. You might end up talking to someone else down the line who can give you more information about it or refer you in for an interview. And if someone says they don’t know of anything that might be available, ask them how they keep their ears to the ground. Maybe they have connections at places that are hiring—or maybe they just have friends who are willing to put in a good word.

How To Answer The Most Common Questions

One of the first questions a hiring manager will ask you is, Tell me about yourself. If you’re like most job seekers, that’s probably not your favorite question. But it’s not so bad—most hiring managers aren’t out to trick you. In fact, they usually have some idea of what they want in an applicant and would like to get on with it. For that reason, don't worry too much about constructing an impossibly elaborate story or presenting yourself as someone who's ready for anything. One good way to approach things is to think through some potential scenarios: What if I'm asked why I left my last job?

Following Up On Your Interview

A few days after your interview, send an email thanking your interviewer for his or her time and outlining one or two reasons why you’re interested in working for the company. It’s also a good idea to reiterate what you discussed during your interview—the highlights of your experience and skills that are relevant to their position—as well as emphasizing any information they may have shared with you. Be sure to include how they can reach you should they need further clarification on any points. You don’t want to make an assumption about what could be an important detail (such as availability, skill level, etc.) so be sure to ask follow-up questions where necessary.