A closer look at the fast-growing technology field

We live in a technology-driven society, always awaiting the next big technology breakthrough. We wait in line for the newest phone, only to do it all over again once the next version debuts. Handwritten notes have been replaced by emails, which are quickly being replaced by texts and instant messages. A flat-screen TV is nice, but one equipped with 3D technology is even better.
This thirst for the newest, most innovative technologies isn't likely to be quenched anytime soon, ensuring that the need for workers in the technology field will continue to grow. According to workforce and staffing solutions company Kelly Services, U.S. computer-related or technology occupations are expected to grow at a much stronger rate (21.8 percent) than overall employment (14.3 percent) through 2020.  These occupations make up 49 percent of overall STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) employment, and STEM jobs are seen as essential to a growing economy and vital to the nation's competitiveness.
If you want to know which IT jobs are growing, what they pay and the skills they require, here's a closer look:

The fastest-growing IT jobs
Demand for these workers is being driven by the increased need for businesses, government and other organizations to design, adopt and leverage the latest technologies. Yet some IT occupations are growing at a faster pace than others. The five fastest-growing IT jobs through 2020 include:
1. Software developer, systems software
Percent growth: 32.4
2011 average annual salary: $100,420
2. Database administrator
Percent growth: 30.6
2011 average annual salary: $77,350
3. Network and computer systems administrator
Percent growth: 27.8
2011 average annual salary: $74,270
4. Software developer, applications
Percent growth: 27.6
2011 average annual salary: $92,080
5. Computer systems analyst
Percent growth: 22.1
2011 average annual salary: $82,320
Markets with the most opportunity
Technology jobs can be found in virtually every U.S. market, and given the nature of the work, many roles may allow for telecommuting. However, certain U.S. markets have a strong concentration and a substantial volume of IT jobs compared to total employment.
The following 10 metropolitan areas are expected to grow their IT employment by more than 8 percent in the next five years:

• Atlanta
• Austin, Texas
• Baltimore
• Boston
• Columbus, Ohio
• Dallas
• San Francisco
• San Jose, Calif.
• Seattle
• Washington, D.C.

The starting salaries to expect
If you're just starting college, you're not sure of your major, and you've always had an interest in technology, consider pursuing a computer-related degree. Not only is this area growing, but many occupations offer impressive salaries to boot. In fact, two out of the top five starting salaries for all majors went to computer grads. Computer engineering majors earn an average starting salary of $64,499, while computer science majors can expect $63,402.
The skills needed to excel
Workers interested in pursuing an IT or computer-related job should possess strong problem-solving, analytical and communication skills. Yet employers are also looking for individuals who want to push the boundaries of technology by using their imagination and creativity. Given what already has been discovered, who knows what the next generation of IT innovators will create next.



Source: careerbuilder

8 of the best jobs in finance

A business can't function without somebody managing its money, and that need has created a variety of roles in finance. From finding ways to efficiently use funds to ensuring that the business' finances are legally organized, there are more ways than ever before to manage a company's assets.
If you're interested in a career in finance, check out eight of the best jobs in the field. These jobs have a median annual pay of $60,000-plus and are projected to grow as fast as or faster than the average for all occupations through 2020.
1. Management analyst
2010 median pay: $78,160
Job outlook, 2010-20: 22 percent (faster than average)
Description: Management analysts, often called management consultants, propose ways to improve an organization's efficiency. They advise managers on how to make organizations more profitable through reduced costs and increased revenues.
2. Financial examiner
2010 median pay: $74,940
Job outlook, 2010-20: 27 percent (faster than average)
Description: Financial examiners ensure compliance with laws governing financial institutions and transactions. They review balance sheets, evaluate the risk level of loans and assess bank management.
3. Financial analyst
2010 median pay: $74,350
Job outlook, 2010-20: 23 percent (faster than average)
Description: Financial analysts provide guidance to businesses and individuals making investment decisions. They assess the performance of stocks, bonds and other types of investments.
4. Logistician
2010 median pay: $70,800
Job outlook, 2010-20: 26 percent (faster than average)
Description: Logisticians analyze and coordinate an organization's supply chain -- the system that moves a product from supplier to consumer. They manage the entire life cycle of a product, which includes how a product is acquired, distributed, allocated and delivered.
5. Budget analyst
2010 median pay: $68,200
Job outlook, 2010-20: 10 percent (about as fast as average)
Description: Budget analysts help public and private institutions organize their finances. They prepare budget reports and monitor institutional spending.
6. Personal financial adviser
2010 median pay: $64,750
Job outlook, 2010-20: 32 percent (much faster than average)
Description: Personal financial advisers give financial advice to individuals and families. They help with investments, taxes and insurance decisions.
7. Accountant or auditor
2010 median pay: $61,690
Job outlook, 2010-20: 16 percent (about as fast as average)
Description: Accountants and auditors prepare and examine financial records. They ensure that financial records are accurate and that taxes are paid properly and on time. Accountants and auditors assess financial operations and work to help ensure that organizations run efficiently.
8. Market research analyst
2010 median pay: $60,570
Job outlook, 2010-20: 41 percent (much faster than average)
Description: Market research analysts study market conditions in local, regional or national areas to examine potential sales of a product or service. They help companies understand what products people want, who will buy them and at what price.
To find more finance-related jobs, visit MoneyJobs, a website that connects experienced financial professionals and matches them with relevant opportunities.



Source: careerbuilder

7 Careers For Foodies

Last November, we ran "Eat, Pray, Find a Job" featuring a delectable selection of our favorite food-based jobs-from dietitian to flavor chemist. Here's a second edition. To turn your passion for edible goods into a successful job, read on for some delicious inspiration:

1. Analyze Food as a Food Scientist
Food scientists develop innovative ways to create safe, durable and tasty food. Instead of a kitchen, you're usually found in a lab or a processing plant, improving packaging methods, experimenting with new preservative techniques or studying food-related illness. In short, you make the world a more healthy, nutritious and flavorful place to live.

• Average Salary: $34,000 – $106,000

2. Celebrate Food as a Corporate Caterer
Company Christmas parties. Holiday conventions. End-of-year galas. If a large group is gathered, you amplify the seasonal spirit with appetizing noshies and decadent meals. Between coordinating servers, dreaming up creative menus and ensuring everything is piping hot, you get to sample your wares-just to be sure you're providing the best possible eating experience.

• Average Salary: $23,000 – $71,000

3. Balance Food as a Nutritionist
While nutritionists are often associated with restriction and the dreaded "D" word (diet), a lot of your work is about sharing new flavors and ways of enjoying food. Using your nutritional expertise, you help clients create healthy menus full of delicious and oh-so-good-for-you ingredients.

• Average Salary: $33,000 – $75,000

4. Glorify Food as a Food Photographer
Food photographers know how to capture the luscious red of a ripe strawberry, the mouth-watering steam rising off a sizzling steak and the creamy radiance of a spoonful of gelato. From blog images to glossy magazine shoots, you're in the business of making breakfast, lunch and dinner shine.

• Average Salary: $17,000 – $63,000

5. Market Food as a Culinary Strategy Consultant
Standing at the corner of culinary arts and business marketing, you steer chefs, restaurants and food companies in the right direction. Working on projects ranging from recipe development, food trend tracking and product rebranding, your fresh advice helps get food into the hands of hungry consumers.

• Average Salary: $17,000 – $63,000

6. Study Food as a Food Anthropologist
Food anthropologists explore how making, eating and thinking about food shapes cultures across history. This wide-ranging field can take you into any number of sub-specialties, as you research the intersection of food, religion, economy, art, migration, agriculture and more. Basically, this is a dream job for intellectually-inclined foodies.

• Average Salary: $31,000 – $89,000

7. Invent Food as a Research & Development Chef
Want to get paid to experiment in the kitchen? R&D chefs mix creativity and culinary science to whip up new dishes for restaurants and food companies. And this job comes with sweet perks: while you'll log a lot of hours in the kitchen, many R&D chefs also take time to travel the world in search of tasty inspiration.

• Average Salary: $34,000 – $106,000

Source: AOL

8 part-time jobs you might have overlooked

When you think of part-time work, jobs in retail, sales or restaurants might come to mind. While hourly employment in those fields is plentiful, you might be overlooking the many other industries that need part timers.
Here are eight jobs you might have missed in your part-time job hunt.
1. Caterer: Perhaps you strive to be a chef or enjoy event planning. A catering role would enable you to gain experience with food preparation, customer service and event execution. Look for employment at restaurants that have catering divisions, full-service event planning organizations or private catering companies. Who knows, once you have some part-time experience under your belt, you may be ready to venture out on your own.
Pay: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2010 median pay for food preparation workers was $9.18 per hour. However, compensation will vary based on the specific job and type of company.

2. Chauffeur: Some people love to drive, while others avoid it as much as possible. If you're part of the former group, and you're looking for a part-time job that gets you cruising, consider becoming a driver or chauffeur. According to the BLS, workers in this role transport passengers via limousines, vans or private cars. As a chauffeur, you may work for a private business, a family, the government or yourself. Hours vary greatly, and you may need to make pickups early in the morning or late at night.
Pay: The 2010 median pay for chauffeurs was $10.79 per hour, as listed in the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

3. Dog walker: If you're an animal lover who knows the basics of caring for a pet, consider a part-time position as a dog walker. Dog walkers are often employed by owners who work full-time jobs and aren't able to come home during the day to give their pooches some exercise and allow them to relieve themselves. Dog walkers usually have more than one pet to take care of, so be sure you're strong -- and patient -- enough to wrangle a bunch of rowdy dogs.
Pay: Dogwalker.com, a website that connects owners with local walkers, says that factors determining pay vary, but the typical dog-walker rate is anywhere from $10 to $30 per 30-minute walk.

4. Fitness instructor: While many people consider exercising a necessary evil, if you're one of those people who enjoy working out, why not channel that energy into the role of fitness instructor? As an instructor, you'll be responsible for everything from creating the class format, to instructing participants on the moves, to ensuring the exercises are being done properly and safely. Depending on the gym, classes usually run throughout the day, so you can plan your schedule around other commitments. Plus, opportunities for trainers are only getting better; the BLS predicts that employment will grow by 24 percent from 2010 to 2020, a pace that's faster than average for all occupations.
Pay: Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors make an average of $17.38 an hour, according to the BLS.

5. Massage therapist: To become a massage therapist, you'll need to complete a training program that can require 500 hours or more of study and experience, notes the BLS. Most states require that massage therapists have a certificate in order to practice professionally. If you're interested in pursuing work as a part-time massage therapist, you'll need physical stamina, strength and dexterity, and empathy to ensure a positive client experience. Employees in this field typically work in private offices, spas, hospitals, fitness centers or shopping malls. The majority work part time; only 25 percent work full time.
Pay: According to the BLS, massage therapists make an average hourly wage of $19.19.

6. Mystery shopper: Mystery shoppers are hired to pose as regular shoppers and visit retail stores to evaluate the customer experience. While this role is good for someone who enjoys shopping, contrary to popular belief, you aren't being paid to shop. According to the Mystery Shopping Providers Association, it's a serious business, and you'll be expected to make specific observations about such things as the environment, product quality and level of customer service. Upon leaving the establishment, you'll be asked to complete a report that ultimately will help the business improve training programs, better articulate expectations to employees and improve client interaction.
Pay: While fees may vary, the MSPA reports that mystery shoppers can make between $8 and $20 for the "typical" shopping scenario.

7. Translator: If you're fluent in one or more languages, consider part-time work as a translator. The BLS predicts that this field will grow by 42 percent -- much faster than average – between 2010 and 2020, reflecting an increasingly diverse U.S. population and the rapid global expansion of businesses. Translators often work from home, which is convenient since hours fluctuate greatly -- alternating between periods of limited work and long, irregular hours. Education backgrounds for translators vary, but it's important to be fluent in English and at least one other language. Some may need to complete job-specific training programs.
Pay: Translator jobs can pay well, with median pay at $20.82 per hour, according to the BLS. 

8. Umpire, referee or other sports official: Sports lovers, listen up. Whether you're a retired player or coach, or just someone who is passionate and knowledgeable about a particular sport, this might be your perfect part-time job. According to career exploration website O*Net, this role involves officiating sports events, games or competitions to maintain the standard of play and ensure that rules are observed. It may also require inspecting equipment, judging and awarding points and resolving claims of rule infractions, among other duties. While hours vary, and most work part time, you have to be willing to give up your nights, weekends and holidays. 
Pay: As of 2011, the median annual salary for umpires, referees and other sports officials was $23,190, as reported by O*Net.



Source: careerbuilder

14 jobs that pay 6 figures

Six-figure salaries are usually designated for the highest positions in particular fields and reward the amount of education and career experience it takes to earn them. From science to health care to finance, nearly every field offers opportunities to earn six figures.

Browse these 14 jobs that pay six figures, and determine if your career path may lead to one of these attractive paychecks.

1. Advertising, promotions and marketing manager*
What they do: Advertising, promotions and marketing managers plan programs to generate interest in a product or service. They work with art directors, sales agents and financial staff members.
2010 median pay: $108,260
2. Air traffic controller
What they do: Air traffic controllers coordinate the movement of air traffic to ensure that planes stay safe distances apart.
2010 median pay: $108,040
3. Architectural and engineering manager
What they do: Architectural and engineering managers plan, coordinate and direct activities in architecture and engineering, including research and development.
2010 median pay: $119,260
4. Chief executive officer
What they do: Chief executives devise strategies and policies to ensure that an organization meets its goals. They plan, direct and coordinate operational activities of companies and public- or private-sector organizations.
2010 median pay: $101,250
5. Computer and information systems manager
What they do: Computer and information systems managers, often called IT managers or IT project managers, plan, coordinate and direct computer-related activities in an organization. They help determine the IT goals of an organization and are responsible for implementing the appropriate computer systems to meet those goals.
2010 median pay: $115,780
6. Dentist
What they do: Dentists diagnose and treat problems with a patient's teeth, gums and other parts of the mouth. They provide advice and instruction on taking care of teeth and gums and on diet choices that affect oral health.
2010 median pay: $146,920
7. Financial manager
What they do: Financial managers are responsible for the financial health of an organization. They produce financial reports, direct investment activities and develop strategies and plans for the long-term financial goals of their organization.
2010 median pay: $103,910
8. Lawyer
What they do: Lawyers advise and represent individuals, businesses or government agencies on legal issues or disputes.
2010 median pay: $112,760
9. Natural science manager
What they do: Natural sciences managers supervise the work of scientists, including chemists, physicists and biologists. They direct research and development projects and coordinate activities such as testing, quality control and production.
2010 median pay: $116,020
10. Petroleum engineer
What they do: Petroleum engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from deposits below the earth's surface. Petroleum engineers also find new ways to extract oil and gas from older wells.
2010 median pay: $114,080
11. Pharmacist
What they do: Pharmacists dispense prescription medications to patients and offer advice on their safe use.
2010 median pay: $111,570
12. Physician and surgeon
 What they do: Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses in patients. Physicians examine patients, take medical histories, prescribe medications and order, perform and interpret diagnostic tests. Surgeons operate on patients to treat injuries, such as broken bones; diseases, such as cancerous tumors; and deformities, such as cleft palates.
2010 median pay: Equal to or greater than $166,400 per year
13. Physicist
What they do: Physicists study the fundamental nature of the universe, ranging from the vastness of space to the smallest of subatomic particles. They develop new technologies, methods and theories based on the results of their research that deepen our understanding of how things work and contribute to innovative, real-world applications.
2010 median pay: $105,430
14. Podiatrist
What they do: Podiatrists provide medical and surgical care for people suffering foot, ankle and lower-leg problems. They diagnose illnesses, treat injuries and perform surgery.
2010 median pay: $118,030



Source: careerbuilder

Top 10 Worst And Best Jobs This Year

If you've ever watched a TV news reporter deliver a live report and thought, "that'd be a great job," think again. Broadcast journalists, along with their print brethren, newspaper reporters, are among the worst professions in the U.S., according to new survey by CareerCast.

One reason those two positions rank as low as, say, butchers and dairy farmers, is simple: the pay is low. Broadcasters earn an average $27,324 a year, while newspaper reporters -- at $35,725 -- do only slightly better. Butchers and dairy farmers, meanwhile, earn about the same: $29,156 and $33,119, respectively.

It isn't only meager earnings-potential, however, that makes these jobs and other low-rated professions among the worst jobs of 2012, the job-search portal says. Other factors include poor working conditions, high stress and long hours.

That's likely one reason that enlisted military personnel for the first time were included among this year's worst jobs. The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq resulted in many military members being deployed multiple times to areas of conflict, exacting a toll on both their professional and personal lives. Further, at an average annual income of $36,261, no one in the enlisted ranks is getting rich.

But it isn't all doom and gloom. On the other end of the spectrum, there are jobs that -- as CareerCast Publisher Tony Lee puts it -- "have few physical demands, minimal stress, a good working environment and a strong hiring outlook."

Those include jobs such as software engineer (average annual salary, $88,142), which topped this year's list. Other winners include: human-resource manager ($99,191); dental hygienist ($68,109); and financial planner ($104,161).
Those jobs, as with many others that ranked high, generally require a college degree, suggesting that despite the recent debate about the value of attending college, those who do tend to have better jobs.
"While it's true that some people are happy washing dishes, waiting tables or slicing meat as a career, job seekers who want to compete for the nation's best jobs need to gain a competitive edge by expanding their knowledge and skill set with a college education," Lee says.

He adds that many of the nation's worst jobs don't even require a high-school diploma.

 To see how the best and worst jobs of 2012 fared, check out CareerCast's latest rankings.

Best Jobs in 2012 vs. How They Fared in 2011; Midlevel Income

• 1. Software Engineer (no change); $88,142
• 2. Actuary (up 1); $88,202
• 3. Human Resources Manager (new job for 2012); $99,102
• 4. Dental Hygienist (up 6) $68,109
• 5. Financial Planner (up 10); $104,161
• 6. Audiologist (up 3); $67,137
• 7. Occupational Therapist (up 10); $72,110
• 8. Online Advertising Manager (new for 2012); $87,255
• 9. Computer Systems Analyst (up 4); $78,148
• 10. Mathematician (down 7); $99,191

Worst Jobs in 2012 and How They Fared in 2011; Midlevel Income

• 200. Lumberjack (down 2); $32,114
• 199. Dairy Farmer (down 15); $33,119
• 198. Enlisted Military Personnel (new job for 2012); $36,261
• 197. Oil Rig Worker (up 3); $32,132
• 196. Newspaper Reporter (down 8); $35,275
• 195. Waiter/Waitress (down 56); $18,088
• 194. Meter Reader (down 2); $35,171
• 193. Dishwasher (down 26); $18,044
• 192. Butcher (down 10); $29,156
• 191. Broadcaster (down 63); $27,324

Source: AOL

Best Employer In America Is

For all the high-profile woes Facebook has encountered in recent months because of its botched $16 billion stock offering last spring and complaints by users about privacy, the social-media powerhouse remains an attractive company to work for. In fact, Facebook Inc. topped the latest list of best employers, as compiled by employment-information company Glassdoor Inc.
Facebook faces several legal challenges after a technical glitch on the initial day of trading in May prevented some trades from going through, angering investors and reducing interest in the shares. After lining up to pay the initial offering price of $38 a share, investors today are paying much less -- around $28 a share.
Despite the Silicon Valley company's stumbles, founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg remains at the forefront of social-media innovation and popular among his 3,200 employees. Trust in the 28-year-old's leadership abilities was one reason that Facebook employees rated the company so highly.
Pay Is Awesome, Even For Interns
As BusinessInsider notes, even interns at Facebook are paid handsomely, earning about $5,602 a month, or an annual salary of about $67,000, based on 28 reviews published on Glassdoor's site. That's about $25,000 more than the average U.S. worker, who earns $42,976.

According to Glassdoor, Facebook employees also appreciate the companies' many perks and benefits, and believe in its commitment to "hacker culture" and ability to enhance the lives of the more than 1 billion current Facebook users.
But those characteristics aren't unique to any one company or sector, which may explain why on the same day that Glassdoor released its Top 50 Best Places to Work for 2013 list, competing website CareerBliss.com unveiled its 50 Happiest Companies of 2013, which didn't feature Facebook at all.
But Pfizer Tops A Rival's List
Topping CareerBliss' rankings? Pharmaceutical-giant Pfizer Inc., which has been plagued by lay offs.
In naming Pfizer the "Happiest Company in America," CareerBliss said its data showed that Pfizer employees particularly "enjoy the people they work with and the support they get" on the job.
The rival websites say they use different methodologies to determine scores and rankings, which account for the disparate outcomes, though the factors considered are similar. They include such things as pay, benefits, work/life balance, company management, and corporate culture and values, culled from reviews of employees posted on their respective sites.
Based on Glassdoor's data, here are the 10 companies that topped its Best Places list. (The complete list is here.)

10. Boston Consulting Group
    Glassdoor score: 4.2
    Number of employees: 1,958 (U.S.)
    Headquarters: Boston


9. In-N-Out Burger Inc.
   Glassdoor score: 4.2
   Number of employees: 10,000+
   Headquarters: Irvine, Calif.


8. National Instruments Corp.
   Glassdoor score: 4.3
   Number of employees: About 6,300
   Headquarters: Austin, Texas


7. Edelman
   Glassdoor score: 4.3
   Number of employees: 4,500+
   Headquarters: New York


6. Google Inc.
   Glassdoor score: 4.3
   Number of employees: 32,500
   Headquarters: Mountain View, Calif.


5. M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
   Glassdoor score: 4.3
   Number of employees: 18,000
   Headquarters: Houston


4. Bain & Co.
   Glassdoor score: 4.5
   Number of employees: 5,000+
   Headquarters: Boston


3. Riverbed Technology
   Glassdoor score: 4.5
   Number of employees: 1,610
   Headquarters: San Francisco


2. McKinsey & Co.
   Glassdoor score: 4.5
   Number of employees: 17,000+
   Headquarters: New York


1. Facebook Inc.
   Glassdoor score: 4.7
   Number of employees: 3,200
   Headquarters: Menlo Park, Calif.

Source: AOL

10 jobs that pay $85,000

Money means different things to different people, but many would likely agree that a paycheck of around $85,000 is a good thing. Check out these 10 high-paying jobs covering a variety of fields:
1. Actuary
What they do: Actuaries analyze the financial costs of risk and uncertainty. They use math, statistics and financial theory to assess the risk that an event will occur and to help businesses and clients develop policies to minimize the cost of that risk.
Median annual pay: $87,650
2. Compensation and benefits manager
What they do: Compensation managers plan, direct and coordinate how and how much an organization pays its employees. Benefits managers do the same for retirement plans, health insurance and other company-provided benefits.
Median annual pay: $89,270
3. Economist
What they do: Economists study the production and distribution of resources, goods and services and apply economic analysis to issues in a variety of fields, such as education, health, development and the environment. Some economists study the cost of products, health care or energy. Others examine employment levels, business cycles or exchange rates. Still others analyze the effect of taxes, inflation or interest rates.
Median annual pay: $89,450
4. Electrical and electronics engineer
What they do: Electrical engineers design, develop, test and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems and power generation equipment. Electronics engineers design and develop electronic equipment, such as broadcast and communications systems.
Median annual pay: $87,180
5. Elementary, middle or high-school principal
What they do: Elementary, middle and high-school principals lead teachers and other members of school staff. They manage the day-to-day operations of their school. They set goals and objectives and evaluate their school's progress toward meeting them.
Median annual pay: $86,970
6. Industrial production manager
What they do: Industrial production managers oversee the daily operations of manufacturing and related plants. They coordinate, plan and direct the manufacture of a wide range of goods, such as cars, computer equipment or paper products.
Median annual pay: $87,160
7. Medical and health services manager
What they do: Medical and health services managers, also known as health-care executives or health-care administrators, plan, direct and coordinate medical and health services. They might manage an entire facility, specialize in managing a specific clinical area or department, or manage a medical practice for a group of physicians.
Median annual pay: $84,270
8. Physician assistant
What they do: Physician assistants practice medicine under the direction and supervision of physicians and surgeons. They are formally trained to examine patients, diagnose injuries and illnesses and provide treatment.
Median annual pay: $86,410
9. Sales engineer
What they do: Sales engineers sell complex scientific and technological products or services to businesses. They must have extensive knowledge of the products' parts and functions and must understand the scientific processes that make these products work.
Median annual pay: $87,390
10. Training and development manager
What they do: Training and development managers plan, direct and coordinate programs to enhance the knowledge and skills of an organization's employees. They also oversee a staff of training and development specialists.
Median annual pay: $89,170





Source: careerbuilder

Eight Hot Careers To Watch In 2013

Keep your eye on the bouncing career: These jobs will be here through 2020.

Is it time to peer into the future of your ideal career? Which jobs will offer you the best opportunities in exchange for your education and training?
While we don't have a crystal ball, we do have some information on this decade's hottest career fields that will help you plan your personal and professional goals for 2013.
Dorothy Tannahill-Moran, a career change and jobs expert, says that overall, technical and medical jobs will experience the fastest growth rates from now until 2020. "Technical jobs will continue to grow, and these careers will most likely have the edge as far as growth in 2013 and beyond."
Of course, there are a handful of other growing careers in other fields that are booming, too.
Intrigued? Keep reading to learn which careers you should keep your eye on in the New Year.

Career #1: Medical Assistant

Are you the kind of person who offers sick people around you cold-remedy advice? Well, your friends may not appreciate your patented cod liver tea cure-all, but you could still redirect those best intentions toward a promising career in the medical field.
Medical assistants help heal the community by asking questions about a patient's condition, taking blood pressure, scheduling appointments, and maintaining financial records, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Growth Watch: Medical assisting is definitely going places. Why? "Medical providers such as doctors and nurses are transferring routine record-keeping and basic care to medical assistants to alleviate the time and skill of the physician," says Tannahill-Moran.
Laurence Shatkin, scholar and author of "Best Jobs for the 21st Century," sees other reasons for the boom: "Paperwork in medical clinics is growing because each insurer has its own forms and procedures. And since the Affordable Health Care Act is based on private insurance, the need for medical assistants seems unlikely to reverse," says Shatkin.
Still not convinced? Let's do the numbers: The Department of Labor projects that medical assisting will grow at a rate of 31 percent between 2010 and 2020, adding almost 163,000 new jobs.
Education Options: Although there are no educational requirements for medical assistant positions, employers prefer candidates who graduate from formal education programs, says the Department. This means as little as two years to complete an associate's degree or as little as one year to complete a certificate or diploma, according to the Department.

Career #2: Software Developer

If you've ever thought about creating your own video game or devising a new application for your cell phone, you're in luck. Career experts and the U.S. Department of Labor say software developers are in demand now, and will continue to be in the future.
Growth Watch: In today's technologically driven world, software developers are needed to design software for a variety of systems and applications. "The expansion of computing power to smartphones and electronic tablets has created a need for new applications to take advantage of the portability of these new platforms," Shatkin says.
What does all this mean in real terms? Jobs for software developers are expected to grow by 30 percent through 2020, with over 143,000 job openings, notes the Department of Labor.
Education Options: Software developers typically have a bachelor's degree in software engineering or computer science or a related field, says the Department. Employers may also prefer candidates with a master's degree for some positions.

Career #3: Dental Hygienist

If you're interested in a high-paying medical field that calls for a lot of hands-on care, dental hygiene may be a good choice for you.
Dental hygienists educate patients about proper dental care, and provide preventative oral hygiene, says the U.S. Department of Labor. They may also take dental x-rays, remove dental tartar, and apply sealants to help protect teeth.
Growth Watch: The job outlook for dental hygienists is excellent. Shatkin says that demand will continue to grow because of the greater emphasis on health care. "New technologies are permitting detection of oral health problems and baby boomers are more committed than previous generations to keeping their teeth into old age," he says.
And the numbers don't lie. According to the Department of Labor, dental hygienist is among the 30 occupations expected to grow the fastest from 2010 until 2020. With a growth rate of 38 percent and 68,500 job openings, this field could provide career longevity.
Education Options: To pursue a career as a dental hygienist, candidates usually need an associate's degree in dental hygiene, says the Department. In addition, all states require licensure.

Career #4: Personal Financial Advisor

Do you love the worlds of finance and business? Do you want to take your knack for investing to the big leagues and help clients make important financial decisions? Personal financial advisor might be a career to keep your eye on in 2013.
Personal financial advisors meet with clients to talk about financial goals and make investment recommendations, says the U.S. Department of Labor. They also provide tax advice and information to help people plan for retirement.
Growth Watch: At least one good thing has come out of the recession. According to Shatkin, "The recent turmoil on Wall Street has given baby boomers extra motivation to get professional advice. As this population ages, they will want help arriving at wise decisions about stretching their monetary assets beyond retirement."
The Department of Labor also projects that this field will grow by as much as 32 percent from 2010 to 2020, and could create more than 66,000 job openings.

Education Options: A bachelor's degree is usually needed for personal financial positions. According to the Department, you could prep for this career by pursuing a degree in business, finance, economics, mathematics, accounting, or law. And if you end up buying or selling stocks, you'll have to be licensed.

Career #5: Public Relations Specialist

Do you like being in the limelight and promoting events or issues you feel are important? Perhaps a profession in public relations is the winning combination for you.
The U.S. Department of Labor reports that work as a public relations specialist might include handling an organization's communications with the public, but could later involve writing speeches or developing a corporation's public image.
Growth Watch: The evolution of media and technology has done a lot to change the field of public relations - for the better. "With instant access to social media, it is more important than ever for individuals and organizations to get professional help maintaining a positive public image," says Shatkin. "Specialists who work well with this new media are needed to build a reputation or save someone from scandal."
Employment for public relations specialists is projected to grow by 23 percent between 2010 and 2020, and Department of Labor officials expect to see more than 58,000 job openings.

Education Options: If it's your goal to switch to a career as a public relations specialist, you may want to consider earning a bachelor's degree. According to the Department, candidates usually need a bachelor's degree for these positions, with public relations, communications, journalism, English, and business being the fields of study preferred by employers.

Career #6: Social Worker

Is it easy for you to empathize with others who are going through rough times? Perhaps a career in direct-service social work is right for you.
Direct-service social workers help people transition through crises or challenges, such as child abuse, unemployment, or illness, says the U.S. Department of Labor. People are always needed to take on the great responsibility of these positions, which is partly why they will continue to be in demand.
Growth Watch: What else is causing social work to grow? "The driving force behind the expansion of this profession is the aging baby boomers," says Shatkin. "They will need help adapting to lifestyle changes such as assisted living facilities and nursing homes." Shatkin also mentions that the move toward rehabilitating rather than imprisoning drug addicts will also create further demand for social workers who specialize in substance abuse.
This career is projected to add over 161,000 jobs between 2010 and 2020, notes the Department of Labor. That's a growth rate of 25 percent.

Education Options: "A bachelor's degree is required for most direct-service social work positions, but some positions and settings require a master's degree," says the Department. Although a bachelor's in social work is the most common requirement, some employers might hire candidates with a bachelor's in psychology or sociology.

Career #7: Biomedical Engineer

If you like to solve problems and help people live better lives, you might want to explore a career in biomedical engineering.
Specialities within this field might include focusing your expertise into rehabilitation engineering; cellular, tissue, and genetic engineering; or medical imagery, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Growth Watch: Why will the future need more biomedical engineers? People are living longer. "The growth of this field benefits from the simultaneous increase in older people who need replacements for failing bodily systems, and advances in technology that create heart pumps and knee implants," says Shatkin.
With a projected growth rate from the Department of Labor of 62 percent, it's clear to see why Shatkin believes biomedical engineering to be one of the fastest growing fields of the decade.
Education Options: To pursue a biomedical engineering position, you usually need to earn a bachelor's degree directly in the field from an accredited program, according to the Department. If you prefer to pursue a bachelor's degree in another field, you may need to get on-the-job training or a graduate degree in biomedical engineering.

Career #8: Veterinary Technologists and Technicians

Pets are more popular than ever, and some cherished animal friends get treated like humans. If you're a pet lover, and like helping both people and animals, veterinary technology might right for you. There is an ever-increasing need for technicians to assist professional veterinarians.
Working as a veterinary technician - a vet's right-hand man - you could perform medical tests and lab analyses to help treat and diagnose diseased or injured animals, reports the U.S. Department of Labor.
Growth Watch: Pets are more important to our lives than ever before, which is part of why the need for professionals who can treat them is high. "Many people regard their pets as part of their family, so they are willing to pay for diagnostic tests formerly used only on humans," says Shatkin. "And with advances in technology, new analytical tests are constantly being developed."
The Department of Labor confirms: Veterinary technician careers are projected to grow at a rate of 52 percent between 2010 and 2020, with more than 41,000 positions opening.

Education Options: To pursue a career as a veterinary technician you will need to get an associate's degree in veterinary technology, says the Department. But if you're interested in technologist positions, you'll need to take it up a notch and prep with a bachelor's degree. Depending on your state's requirements, you'll also need to be certified or licensed and, in some cases, registered.


Source: Yahoo

10 jobs whose workers need coffee the most

Nothing is more motivating than the aroma of fresh coffee floating through the air. It's the invigorating scent that confidently says, "We're going to get this done today!" and starts streaming energy through you. Like getting to work on time and finding no long list of emails to tackle, a cup of coffee can make a big difference in a worker's morning.

A new survey commissioned by Dunkin' Donuts and CareerBuilder shows just how many workers rely on an eye-opening and mind-cranking cup of strong coffee: 43 percent of those surveyed said they are less productive without a cup of joe. For those who make coffee a regular part of their workday, 63 percent drink two cups or more a day, and 28 percent drink three cups or more.

In celebration of the beverage that fuels the nation's productivity, Dunkin' Donuts and CareerBuilder sought to find out which jobs rely on coffee the most and what else is going on in the coffee mugs of workers across America.

Part of the job
Coffee seems to be a necessity on the job in a wide variety of careers. Workers who stated they are less productive without coffee were found in many different fields, though the highest numbers of workers who need coffee to get through the workday are:
1. Food preparation/service workers
2. Scientists
3. Sales representatives
4. Marketing/public relations professionals
5. Nurses (nurse, nurse practitioner or physician assistant)
6. Editors/writers/media workers
7. Business executives
8. Teachers/instructors (K-12)
9. Engineering technicians/support
10. IT managers/network administrators

The worker's daily grind
A worker's day can be just as individual as his coffee preference, but among the coffee-drinkers' community, the survey showed definite trends in just how essential the caffeine bean really is:

• Sixty-three percent of workers who drink coffee drink two cups or more each workday, and 28 percent drink three cups or more.
• The majority of younger workers need coffee for energy and motivation. Sixty-two percent of workers 18 to 24 say they are less productive without coffee, and 58 percent of workers 25 to 34 make the same claim.
• Fifty-five percent of workers say they drink at least one cup of coffee each workday. Geographically, 64 percent of workers in the Northeast drink at least one cup per day, compared with 54 percent in the South and 51 percent in the Midwest and West.
• Overall, 43 percent of workers who drink coffee say they are less productive without their cup of joe. Forty-seven percent of female workers say they are less productive without coffee, compared with 40 percent of male workers.

Source: msn.careerbuilder

The 5 most in-demand creative jobs

If you think creative jobs such as design or writing are impossible gigs to get, think again. Creative staffing agency Vitamin T compiled the top five most in-demand creative jobs in North America, as well as the skills needed to get the job. Companies of every size and type need creative individuals to help their business grow, and these roles top the list of most needed.
"We've seen a surge of new job opportunities in the creative space requiring high-demand digital skills," says Susie Hall, president of Vitamin T. "Our fastest-growing areas are creative talent who bring strong user experience and frontend development skills, with growth rates of 51 and 75 percent respectively over the prior year."

Here are the five most in-demand creative jobs:
1. Design and user experience
Key skills needed: Ability to employ design principles to reach a targeted audience of users effectively.
Average annual salary: Design -- $81,000, user experience -- $94,000
What they do: Designers develop and obtain images for creative projects such as advertisements, brochures, corporate identity, packaging, presentations, websites, promotional displays and signage. Their responsibilities may include managing the design, layout and formatting of materials, as well as developing concepts and communication with other creative roles.
User-experience designers use data to generate interactive experiences for specific audiences. They are responsible for understanding what the user wants and incorporating user-analysis information and feedback into the mechanics of a website. Their responsibilities may include testing and improving the usability and quality of a user experience. They must have an expert understanding of graphic design and web technologies.

2. Frontend development
Key skills needed: HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript, with the ability to design for multiple user platforms, including mobile.
Average annual salary: $75,000
What they do: Frontend developers work with Web-based applications and website maintenance. They often collaborate with designers to create websites, microsites, HTML emails and interactive ads. Their responsibilities may include writing Web pages and coding, and they must be proficient in Web technologies such as user-interface design.

3. Content development
Key skills needed: Copywriting for a wide range of deliverables, from print ads to blogs to social media.
Average annual salary: $70,000
What they do: Web content managers and writers develop online projects and create website content, including articles, product descriptions, online advertisements, promotional copy, e-newsletters, blogs and podcast scripts. These roles also ensure that content is consistent with company branding. Responsibilities may include writing and editing copy for print and the Web, as well as developing marketing efforts such as email marketing campaigns.

4. Project management
Key skills needed: Knowledge of digital technologies, and outstanding time management and persuasion skills.
Average annual salary: $74,000
What they do: Project managers oversee production of creative ideas and manage the logistics. Their duties may include project planning, workflow management, vendor negotiation, print buying, cost control, quality control, logistical coordination and press checks. This role often requires experience working under tight deadlines and budgets, as well as a thorough understanding of corporate/brand guidelines.

5. Digital marketing
Key skills needed: Ability to integrate online marketing across all outlets, from websites to social media, and strong analytical skills.
Average annual salary: $67,000
What they do: Digital marketing includes a variety of roles, such as digital strategist, interactive marketing manager, digital marketing strategist and digital project manager. Responsibilities may include developing website user experience strategies and leading website usability testing across all phases of site development.




Source: msn.careerbuilder

15 companies hiring in December

December is filled with making lists -- grocery lists for holiday parties, lists of gifts for family and friends. And of course there's the naughty and nice list, but that one might just be for Santa.If you're a job seeker, create one more list with everything you should do for your job search throughout the month. Items to add include updating your résumé, sending holiday cards to professional contacts and researching companies that are hiring.To help you cross that last one off your list, here are 15 companies hiring in December:



1. BASF Corp.
Industry: Chemical/engineering
Sample job titles: Scientist, chemist, supply chain, sales, engineering, production
Location: Nationwide
2. Civil & Environmental Consultants Inc.
Industry: Engineering
Sample job titles: Civil engineer, project manager, landfill gas field technician, wastewater engineer
Location: Pennsylvania, Ohio, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Arizona, West Virginia
3. Comfort Keepers
Industry: In-home care services/senior care
Sample job titles: State tested nursing assistant, caregiver/companion, certified nurse's aide
Location: Nationwide
4.  EZCorp
Industry: Retail/finance
Sample job titles: Customer service, manager trainee, Amazon e-commerce sales
Location: Nationwide
5. Gold Buyers at the Mall
Industry: Retail
Sample job titles: Retail sales, sales associate
Location: Nationwide
6. Heartland Dental Care
Industry: Dental
Sample job titles: Dentist, dental assistant, dental hygienist, business assistant, administrative assistant
Location: Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin
7. OnHealthcare
Industry: Health care
Sample job titles: Certified nursing assistant, dental assistant, optometrist, dentist, podiatrist, audiologist, nurse practitioner, ophthalmic technician
Location: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania
8. Portfolio Recovery Associates
Industry: Financial services
Sample job titles: Account representative, systems analyst, applications developer, human resources business partner, operations manager
Location: Las Vegas; Norfolk, Va.; Rosemont, Ill.; Birmingham, Ala.; Hutchinson, Kan.
9. Scotts Miracle-Gro
Industry: Retail/professional services/sales
Sample job titles: Door-to-door sales, agriculture sales, inside sales
Location: Across the U.S., including Tampa, Fla.; Chicago; Denver; Dallas; Columbus, Ohio
10. Senior Life Insurance Co.
Industry: Insurance
Sample job titles: Outside sales representative -- insurance agent (senior market)
Location: Nationwide
11. Total Quality Logistics
Industry: Sales
Sample job titles: Logistics sales account executive
Location: Chicago; Tampa, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, Fla.; Denver; Indianapolis; Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Dayton, Ohio; Erlanger, Lexington and Louisville, Ky.; Charlotte, N.C.; Charleston, S.C.; Austin, Texas
12. Vanity Shops
Industry: Retail
Sample job titles: Director of sourcing, buyer, sales consultant, team lead, assistant store manager, store manager
Location: Nationwide
13. Visiting Angels
Industry: Home health care
Sample job titles: Caregiver/companion, certified nursing assistant, home health aide, scheduler, registered nurse
Location: Nationwide
14. Westfield Insurance
Industry: Insurance
Sample job titles: Graduate development program, insurance internship (all entry level)
Location: Westfield/Cleveland, Ohio
15. Youth Villages
Industry: Nonprofit/social services
Sample job titles: Foster care counselor, teacher assistant, administrative assistant, behavioral youth counselor, bilingual transitional living specialist -- Spanish, youth counselor, registered nurse
Location: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Oregon, Texas, Tennessee, Washington, D.C.

Source: careerbuilder

Careers For People Who Like to Work Alone

If you're a loner looking for a career that suits your personality, consider one of these options.

Does your idea of a perfect workday include more alone time and less interaction with clients and co-workers?
You aren't alone in preferring a more solo-based career.
In fact, "a significant portion of our working population prefers to work alone," says Pamela Slim, a business coach and author of "Escape From Cubicle Nation: From Corporate Prisoner to Thriving Entrepreneur."
Ready to find the right career fit for your loner personality? Check out these six options that could offer the alone time you desire.

Career #1 - Accountant

Think you'd prefer to spend more quality time with a calculator versus colleagues? Perhaps you should consider pursuing a career as an accountant.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, accountants are often responsible for computing taxes, preparing tax returns, examining financial records, and improving profits.
Why it's fit for a loner: "Depending on the type of accounting, most of the work in this field is done independently," says Dani Babb, founder of the Babb Group, an online educational consulting firm.
In fact, "often accountants are left to crunch numbers or generate reports on their own, with independent deliverables that often are not team-based," says Babb.

Education options: Does this career sound like a good match for your solitary personality? Know this: Most accountants are required to have a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field, according to the Department of Labor. Some employers prefer to hire candidates with a master's in accounting or business administration with an accounting concentration, adds the Department.

Career #2 - Software Developer

If you are a loner who enjoys spending one-on-one time with your computer, a career as a software developer may be a good fit for you.
Software developers are the geniuses designing computer programs and developing applications and systems that run on computers and other types of devices, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Typical duties include designing and testing software to meet the needs of users and upgrading and performing software maintenance.
Why it's fit for a loner: According to Babb, "once code or development assignments are made, each programmer usually works independently on his or her component."
But developers won't always be alone. In fact, "software developers that work in companies often work with a team of developers," adds Babb.

Education options: Think that this career fits your loner personality? According to the Department of Labor, software developers usually have a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. But for some positions, employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree.

Career #3 - Paralegal

Do you have an interest in the law and enjoy doing research on your own? Perhaps you should consider pursuing a career as a paralegal.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, paralegals generally provide support to lawyers on a variety of tasks, including writing reports to help them prepare for trials, conducting research on laws and regulations, and updating case-related information in computer databases.
Why it's fit for a loner: "Much of what a paralegal does is researching and writing," says Babb. "While they may need to meet with clients or attorneys, documents and other filings paralegals create are usually done on their own."

Education options: Think this career might complement your desire to work independently?According to the Department of Labor, most paralegals have an associate's degree in paralegal studies. Or if you already have a bachelor's degree in another field, you could earn a certificate in paralegal studies.

Career #4 - Graphic Designer

Think you'd prefer spending more time interacting with images on your computer rather than collaborating with co-workers in an office? If so, a career as a graphic designer could be a good choice for you.
By creating visual concepts with computer software or by hand, graphic designers generally communicate ideas that enlighten or inspire consumers, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. With this combination of art and technology, they can develop graphics for logos and websites or create images for a product.
Why it's fit for a loner: According to Babb, "once the creative work begins, this is often a solo job."
But even if most of a graphic designer's work can be done independently from a home or office computer, keep in mind that a designer may face some interaction with clients. "Graphics designers need clients to survive, so they will be working with clients," notes Babb.

Education options: If you want to sharpen your artistic skills and pursue this career, keep in mind that a bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related field is usually required, according to the Department of Labor. Already have a bachelor's? Look into technical training in graphic design to qualify for most job requirements, says the Department.

Career #5 - Medical Records and Health Information Technician

Want to work in the health field but prefer a more behind-the-scenes position? A career as a medical records and health information technician could complement your desire to work alone.
How? As a medical records and health information technician, you could be responsible for organizing and maintaining data for clinical databases, reviewing patient records, and recording data electronically, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why it's fit for a loner: "In many cases, medical records technicians are sitting in their offices or cubicles helping to organize and manage the vast amounts of information that is sent through health information systems," says Babb.
Just keep in mind that while these technicians will almost always work solo, they still have to be part of a larger team for bigger providers, adds Babb.

Education options: Does this career offer the alone time you desire? According to the Department of Labor, medical records and health information technicians typically need a post-secondary certificate or an associate's degree in health information technology. In addition, most employers like to hire technicians with professional certification, such as Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).

Career #6 - Computer Programmer

Looking for a tech-related career with plenty of alone time? A career as a computer programmer might be a good choice.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, as a computer programmer you could write instructions (or code) that a computer can follow to perform specific tasks. Common duties include debugging programs, writing programs in different languages like Java or C++, and updating existing computer programs.
Why it's a good fit for a loner: Since writing code can be done anywhere, chances are a programmer might be able to work from home, notes the Department of Labor.
Just keep in mind that while a majority of a programmer's tasks can be done solo, programmers can't completely shut out the world. "Computer programmers need to be able to work on initiatives with other team members, but are most often free to code solo," says Babb.

Education options: Want to get in on this loner- and tech-friendly career? According to the Department, most programmers earn a degree in computer science or a related field. And while a majority of programmers have a bachelor's degree, an associate's degree could be sufficient for some employers, adds the Department.




Source: Yahoo

Best And Worst Seasonal Jobs

Seasonal jobs can be a good way for students to earn money while on break from their studies. But for many adults, including parents and retirees, temporary jobs are a reliable source of much-needed extra income during the holiday season.

Seasonal job seekers will find it a bit easier this year than last to find a part-time gig. Overall, employers are expected to boost hiring by 3 percent compared to last year, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The key, of course, is finding a job that pays decently and isn't too physically or emotionally demanding.
Using these criteria and more, CareerCast.com recently compiled a list of the Best and Worst Seasonal Jobs, derived from its Jobs Rated reports. Check out the list below and share.

Best Seasonal Jobs Are:
Santa Claus: The star of the season is in high demand. Becoming a Santa Claus stand-in can pay handsomely. One PayScale estimate says top Clauses can earn more than $100 an hour.

Retail Sales Clerk: The National Retail Foundation estimates that retail outlets will add about 600,000 new jobs this holiday season, including at many of the nation's largest retailers. For those looking for permanent retail work, a seasonal job often can lead to a full-time job.

Volunteer: Yes, this is unpaid. But volunteering in a food bank or hospital is good karma -- and can lead to paid positions as, say, a volunteer coordinator.

Package Delivery Workers: The U.S. Postal Service, UPS and FedEx all bolster their employment numbers during peak shipping seasons to meet the demand for prompt package delivery. Last month, FedEx said it planned to hire as many as 20,000 seasonal workers this year, while UPS announced plans to add 55,000 temporary staff.

Food Server: Restaurants welcome an influx of guests during the holidays, which is why more than 45 percent of the part-time positions this season are in food service.

Candy Maker: More than 1.7 billion candy canes are produced annually and consumed almost exclusively during the holiday season. Christmas marks one of the high points in the year for chocolate consumption as well.

Seasonal Jobs To Avoid:
Santa's Elf: As author David Sedaris all-too-hilariously detailed in an essay that debuted on NPR in 1992, directing sometimes frightened children and exhausted parents through the crowds is a much less glamorous gig than being Santa himself. Elves typically earn minimum wage, and competition for the jobs is fierce, especially among high-school students trying to earn money for gifts.

Christmas Tree Lot Attendant: Attendants who staff makeshift Christmas tree lots must endure exposure to wind, rain, snow and cold throughout the workday -- not to mention sticky tree sap from lugging pine trees to customers' cars. A sampling of job postings on Craigslist in the Chicago area showed wages of about $10 to $12 an hour, but most attendants rely on tips to further their earnings.

Airport Helper: Travel during the holiday season to spend time with family leads to long lines and increased anxiety at airports. This makes for a stressful work environment; the pay tends to be minimum wage; the hours definitely aren't standard; and the likelihood of turning the job into full-time employment is very slim.

Taxi Driver: Driving a taxi is a difficult enough job even when the roadways aren't congested and passengers aren't anxious. In fact, this job ranks as one of the nation's most stressful year round, and continues to be a job susceptible to much higher crime rates. Further, the pay isn't stellar. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that the median wage for taxi drivers and chauffeurs is $10.79 an hour, or slightly more than $22,400 a year.




Source: AOL