Need A Second Job? 25 High-Paying Part-Time Jobs

When Jeff Frederick lost his architecture job back in 2008, he quickly made up for some of his lost income by finding freelance architecture projects on Elance.com, a website for online freelancers.

His wife was already using the site to earn extra cash as a writer, and he found a steady stream of architecture-related projects. "I bid on some jobs there and started getting them, and it helped sustain us through the downtime," says Frederick, who lives in Troy, Mich. After once again finding full-time employment, he kept up his freelance work through the site to earn extra money and continue building his side business in the evenings and on weekends. Frederick designed a custom deck trellis for a homeowner as well as office space in Omaha. "I didn't want it to lapse because down the road, I really want to run my own business and choose my own projects," he says.

For certain fields, particularly creative ones where work can be completed anywhere with Internet access, the freelance economy is booming: Freelance websites such as Elance.com and Freelancer.com report rapid rates of growth for job postings, especially among Web design, information technology work, and online marketing. Among freelancers who also hold down full-time jobs, Freelancer.com reports that technical skills such as Web design, search engine optimization, HTML coding, and other types of Web development and software work are among the most popular categories.

"The runaway success of well-designed products like the iPad is driving companies to tap into the global pool of creative talent," says Fabio Rosati, chief executive of Elance. Since companies of all sizes need to interact with their customers on computers, smartphones and other mobile devices, "the demand for visual designers, content writers and other creative talent is soaring," he adds.

While multiple job-holding is relatively uncommon among workers as a whole -- just 5 percent of workers hold more than one job -- more educated workers are far more likely to pick up side gigs. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that almost 8 percent of women with advanced degrees hold multiple jobs, twice the rate for workers who hold only a high school degree.

Some part-time gigs are particularly lucrative: these are the 25 highest-paying jobs for part-time, self-employed workers, along with the median hourly pay:

1. Attorney/Lawyer ($147.40)
2. Clinical Psychologist ($125.30)
3. Senior Copywriter ($85)
4. IT Security Consultant ($81.80)
5. Management Consultant ($75)
6. Senior Software Engineer ($75)
7. Human Resources (HR) Consultant ($72.20)
8. Life Coach ($70)
9. Information Technology Consultant ($69)
10. Certified Financial Planner ($61.40)
11. Speech-Language Pathologist ($60.80)
12. Senior Graphic Designer ($60.00)
13. Physical Therapist ($59.20)
14. Public Relations Consultant ($58.90)
15. Interior Designer ($57.70)
16. Education/Training Consultant ($56.30)
17. Real Estate Agent ($55)
18. Licensed Massage Therapist ($49.60)
19. Private Detective or Investigator ($49.60)
20. Marketing Consultant ($49.10)
21. Health Care Consultant ($48.30)
22. Musician or Singer ($48.20)
23. Landscape Architect ($45.20)
24. General Contractor ($45)
25. Certified Public Accountant ($40.30)

Source: AOL

9 outdoor jobs for summer

Looking for a job, but still want to enjoy your summer? Consider one of the following, which will let you spend time in the great outdoors, and earn some extra cash, too.

1. Lifeguard
Lifeguards may get paid to sit on the beach, but there's more to the job than just that. They also must possess the skill and mental acuity to respond quickly to emergencies. Beach lifeguards, for example, must pass rigorous physical tests before receiving their certification, and guards at many amusement parks go through weekly training sessions to ensure that their first-aid and rescue skills are up-to-date.
Salary: $17.46/hour

2. Landscape assistant
Revisit the summer vacations of your youth, spent mowing the neighbor's lawn, and apply for a job as a landscaper or landscaping assistant. While away summer days creating scenic pathways through parks, increasing the curb appeal of a house on the market or beautifying outdoor spaces for shopping centers or college campuses.
Salary: $13.00/hour

3. Bike messenger
Since bike messengers primarily work in urban areas and have time-sensitive deliveries, this job is more extreme sport than leisurely ride. Because bike messengers are on their own making deliveries most of the day, it's also a great job for those who prefer to work autonomously.
Salary: $11.78/per hour

4. Amusement park worker
Spend your summer helping happy customers (who isn't happy to be at an amusement park?) in the sun. It doesn't get much better than that. Jobs at amusement parks range from selling tickets, to serving food, to helping guests on and off of rides.
Salary: $10.14/hour

5. Construction worker
There's no denying that the construction industry has been hard hit by the recession. Recent government stimulus money, however, has been allotted to repair the nation's roadways and provides hope for industry resurgence. The long, warm days of summer also help in making it a good time to look for a construction job.
Salary: $20.08/hour

6. Personal trainer
Shake up the standard gym workout by taking clients on a trail run, a bike ride or for an alfresco workout in the park. Who knows -- you may even find yourself with a new, year-round career: according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the personal training industry is expected to experience a much higher than average rate of growth through 2018.
Salary: $25.19/hour

7. Event planner
Event planners spend their days coordinating everything from weddings to awards ceremonies to corporate parties and conferences. If you want to be outside, look for jobs planning weddings or parties for a restaurant group or venue with outdoor space.
Salary: $39.60/hour

8. Valet parking attendant
Valets park cars of patrons at restaurants, hotels, hospitals and stores where finding a place to park may be difficult or time consuming. The outdoor nature of the job provides the perfect opportunity to catch a few rays, but valet shifts are rarely canceled due to inclement weather, so employees must be prepared to work in all conditions.
Salary: $9.51/hour (not including tips)

9. Golf caddie
Like Happy Gilmore describes it: "Blue skies, fresh cut grass, birds chirping." There are worse ways to spend your summer than on a golf course. While the most basic job function of a golf caddie is to carry a golfer's clubs, caddies are increasingly offering advice and coaching to their golfers.
Salary: $11.30/hour (not including tips)





Source: careerbuilder

Six Careers that are Great for Introverts

Do you enjoy working independently? Check out these six careers that could be a good match for your introverted personality.

Do you prefer working in solitude? Do you find yourself more productive with fewer social distractions? If so, you might feel more at ease in a more behind-the-scenes career.

According to the Myers & Briggs Foundation, a foundation dedicated to the understanding of different personalities, introverts enjoy working alone and are re-energized by their own thoughts.

Keeping this in mind, we have provided a list of six career opportunities where introverts can excel.
Susan Cain, author of "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking," agrees that these six careers could be good choices for introverted personalities.

"Many of these recommended professions are good for introverts because they call for focus, concentration, expertise, and attention to detail," says Cain.

If working in a team of one sounds rejuvenating to you, read on for our list of six careers that could be a good fit for your introverted personality.

Career #1 - Accountant

Do you like the idea of working more with numbers than spending time conversing with co-workers and clients? A career as an accountant could be a good fit for you.

Introvert-friendly factors: While every career requires some human interaction, a large portion of an accountant's job can be done on a computer. In fact, a common workday could include duties like examining financial statements, handling taxes, and organizing financial records for firms and clients, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Mary Jeanne Vincent, a California-based career expert and strategist with over 15 years of experience, agrees that this career could be a good match for introverted personalities.

"This is a good career for introverts, because that's what most accountants are," says Vincent. "They have the opportunity to be behind closed doors, go at their own pace, and not be interrupted."


Education options: Ready to prepare for this introvert-friendly career? According to the Department of Labor, most accountants are required to have at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field. But keep in mind that some employers prefer candidates with a master's degree in accounting or in business administration with an accounting concentration.

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Career #2 - Graphic Designer

Do you want to pursue a career that allows you to express yourself creatively - but not so much verbally? Consider an introspective career as a graphic designer.

Introvert-friendly factors: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, graphic designers could create and design logos for companies either by hand or by using computer software, choose colors and styles for websites, or develop layouts for advertisements and magazines.

And while a graphic designer will need to interact with people at times, there are still some introvert-friendly features to this gig. In fact, graphic designers could enjoy the opportunity to work independently on their projects. 

"Graphic designers tend to work more one-on-one," notes Vincent. "They might meet with a client, but then go and do the work by themselves."


Education options: A bachelor's degree in graphic design or a related field is usually required, says the Department of Labor. And if you have a bachelor's degree in another field, you could look into technical training in graphic design to meet most employers' requirements.

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Career #3 - Medical Records and Health Information Technician

Have an interest in the health field, but prefer not to interact face-to-face with patients on a daily basis? A medical records and health information technician could be a good health care career choice for you.

Introvert-friendly factors: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, medical records and health information technicians could spend a majority of the time behind a computer while reviewing patient records, maintaining databases, and analyzing data.

This could be welcoming news to an introvert who wants to limit face time with people.

"A medical records career is really about the records, not about the people," says Vincent. With more of a focus on information, it doesn't require a lot of interaction with people, she adds.


Education options: Think this career might be a good fit for your introverted personality? Medical records and health information technicians typically need a certificate in health information technology, but an associate's degree in the field is also common, according to the Department of Labor. And remember that most employers prefer to hire candidates with professional certification.

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Career #4 - Financial Analyst

Do you enjoy studying the stock market and other types of investments? A career as a financial analyst could be right up your alley.

Introvert-friendly factors: As a financial analyst, your daily responsibilities could include analyzing the performance of stocks and bonds, studying business trends, and writing financial reports, says the U.S. Department of Labor.

And while this gig does entail discussing investment recommendations with investors, introverts should be happy to know that financial analysts mainly focus on facts and figures, not people.

"Financial analysts are really focused on doing numbers, very solitary work," says Vincent. "They get to meet people at their discretion."


Education options: Financial analysts usually need a bachelor's degree in a related field like finance, accounting, business administration, or economics, according to the Department of Labor. And note that employers often require a master's degree in business administration or finance.

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Career #5 - Computer Programmer

Love working on computers or learning about software programs in your spare time? Consider pursuing a career as a computer programmer.

Introvert-friendly factors: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, typical duties include writing code for software programs and fixing any errors that occur in these programs. Therefore, you will likely spend most of your workday behind a computer screen.

And listen up, introverts: you might even be able to write code from home independently. Since writing codes can be done from any computer, many programmers choose to telecommute, says the Department.
"Computer programmers puzzle things out behind the scenes," says Vincent. "Typically, they don't have to puzzle it out with a lot of people. They might work in teams, but do a lot of the work independently."


Education options: Interested in pursuing this introvert-friendly techie career? The Department of Labor says that most computer programmers earn a bachelor's degree, but some employers will hire candidates with an associate's degree. Look into getting a degree in computer science or a related field.

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Career #6 - Technical Writer

Do you want to pursue a writing career that will allow you to be alone with your ideas and thoughts? Consider pursuing a career as a technical writer.

Introvert-friendly factors: Technical writers could "produce instruction manuals and other supporting documents to communicate complex and technical information more easily," according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

And although technical writers may work as part of a team, some of their work can be done without much verbal communication. In fact, the Department of Labor says that these writers may conduct research through personal observation, library, and Internet research.

Vincent agrees that it is more of a solo career.

"Technical writers only interact with people to get information they need, but then make sense of it on their own," says Vincent. "It is mostly solitary work."


Education options: Eager to pursue this introspective writing gig? The Department of Labor says that employers usually like candidates with a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or communications. In addition, knowledge in a specialized field like engineering or computer science might be helpful.







Source: Yahoo

7 Unusual (And High Paying) Jobs in Science and Technology

Faster software, tastier food, cooler robots, greener businesses-science and technology make the world better every day.

And if you're interested in going after a science or tech career, contributing to a brighter tomorrow is not the only perk: you seriously raise your chances of finding an in-demand, high-paying job. The other good news is that you've got so many career options to choose from. To prove it, here are seven uncommon science and tech careers.

Which one would you choose?


1. Ethical Hacker
Tear apart computer codes for a good cause: by proactively detecting flaws, you help protect your company from hackers bent on stealing information or hijacking your systems. You're one of the front-line fighters in the battle for cyber security.

Average Salary: $41,000 – $114,00


2. Chief Sustainability Officer
This cross-disciplinary C-suite career requires knowledge of business, leadership, science and the greenest environmental practices. You're the brains behind every strategy your company uses to become more eco-friendly.

Average Salary: $165,000


3. Food Chemist
Ever dreamed of creating a perfect piece of sugar-free candy? Or the most scrumptious microwave dinner? In this job, you experiment with the chemical makeup of foods to make them tastier, longer lasting or easier to ship.

Average Salary: $34,000 – $106,000

4. UX Designer
Trying to navigate a clunky website can be insanely frustrating. That's where a user experience (UX) designer can come to the rescue. In your capable hands, websites become more useful, usable and intuitive for every user.

Average Salary: $54,000 – $133,000


5. Science and Technology Policy Analyst
If you've got a strong science or tech background-plus an interest in politics-this career could be the right fit. You put your expertise to good use helping shape science and technology-related public policies.

Average Salary: $48,000 – $155,000


6. Storm Tracker
As an atmospheric scientist, you investigate the science of storms. You specialize in gathering data on severe weather occurrences, including hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms and flash floods.

Average Salary: $45,000 – $132,000


7. Robotics Engineer
Imagine getting to design a robot to explore the depths of the ocean, creating a faster mechanical arm to manufacture cars or engineering a tiny part of animatronic dinosaur for an amusement park. As a robotics engineer, you get to work with some of the world's coolest technology.

Average Salary: $50,000 – $139,000





Source: AOL

Best Jobs For High School Dropouts

When it comes to finding a job, few workers have greater difficulty than high school dropouts. A report released last week by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce reaffirms that those with more education have an easier time finding work than those with less.

While the unemployment rate for four-year college graduates stands at about 4.5 percent, joblessness among those with only a high school diploma is nearly six times that -- 24 percent, according to the report, "The College Advantage: Weathering the Economic Storm" (via U.S. News & World Report).

Still, for many workers the ability to complete a high school education remains elusive, even as their need to bring home a paycheck is paramount. With that mind, AOL Jobs, with the help of PayScale and Bureau of Labor Statistics data, has compiled a list of nine jobs for which it's possible to find employment without a high school diploma.

As PayScale notes, however, though it's possible to land one of these jobs without a high school degree, the odds will be stacked against you. Much of your success will depend upon your skill and ability, whom you know, and working your way up the ladder.

You'll also note that these jobs are in similar fields. Georgetown University's research shows the majority (60 percent) of the jobs that will soon become available to high school dropouts will be in just four sectors -- three of which are dominated by men: transportation, distribution and logistics; architecture and construction; and manufacturing. The remaining sector, hospitality and tourism, is dominated by women.
With these limitations in mind, here are nine good-paying jobs for which a high-school dropout may be eligible.

9. Automotive Service Technician or Mechanic

Automotive service technicians and mechanics, often called service technicians or service techs, inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks. The job frequently involves working with high-tech components, such as computers and electronics, but also involves greasy parts and tools. Some employers may require applicants to have some formal post-secondary education and the need for certification is growing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts average job growth of about 17 percent.

• *Median annual pay: $35,600.
• **Percentage of those employed in this job with a high-school diploma (45 percent) or less (19 percent).

Looking for a job as an automotive service technician? Click here to get started.

8. Welder (and Cutter, Solderer or Brazer)

All of these professions involve joining metal parts and doing finishing work, including filling holes or seams in metal products using handheld tools. These jobs may involve working in confined spaces indoors, or in inclement weather or on scaffolding outdoors. Heavy lifting may also be required. Training for the job varies from a few weeks of school to -- for more specialized jobs -- several years of combined schooling and on-the-job training. Overall job growth through 2020 is forecast at 15 percent.

• Median annual pay: $36,400.
• Percentage of those employed in this job with a high-school diploma (50 percent) or less (23 percent).

Looking for a job as a welder? Click here to get started.

7. Carpenter

Carpenters perform a wide variety of construction-related jobs, including building stairways, door frames, rafters and other products made from wood and other materials. They also may install kitchen cabinets, siding and drywall. It can be dirty and tedious work, and may involve working in all kinds of weather -- from broiling heat to bitter cold -- depending on project deadlines. Most carpenters learn the trade through a formal apprenticeship, though some start as helpers and learn as they go. Despite the ongoing slump in construction, generally, the need for carpenters is expected to grow 20 percent through 2020 -- faster than the average for all occupations.

• Median annual pay: $36,900.
• Percentage of those employed in this job with a high-school diploma (44 percent) or less (25 percent).

Looking for a job as a carpenter? Click here to get started.

6. Heavy Equipment Operator

This job typically involves operating heavy machinery used in the construction of roads, bridges, buildings and other structures. It can be challenging work in part because heavy-equipment operators work in most any weather. A full-time job, it can also involve working odd hours, since some construction projects, especially road building, are done at night. Job growth at 23 percent through 2020, is faster than the average for all occupations.

• Median annual pay: $38,900.
• Percentage of those employed in this job with a high-school diploma (52 percent) or less (25 percent).

Looking for a job as an heavy equipment operator? Click here to get started.

5. Diesel Mechanic

Though hybrid vehicles have caught the attention of many drivers seeking higher fuel economy, diesel engines are becoming more popular among car buyers -- and at some point they will require repair. Add to those the nation's fleet of 10 million diesel delivery and over-the-road trucks (not to mention buses) and you get a pretty good idea why forecasts call for job growth of about 15 percent through 2020 -- about average. As with any mechanic's job, it can be dirty work and overtime may be required. Also, employers increasingly prefer applicants to have completed a post-secondary training program.

• Median annual pay: $38,900.
• Percentage of those employed in this job with a high-school diploma (49 percent) or less (16 percent).

Looking for a job as a diesel mechanic? Click here to get started.

3. Heavy-Truck Driver

This job typically involves moving goods from one destination to another and may mean covering a wide variety of terrain, from bustling city streets to miles of wide-open highway. A commercial driver's license is required, and it's not uncommon for employers to stipulate that applicants have at least two years of experience. Downsides may include spending long hours alone, as well as days and weeks away from home. BLS forecasts call for higher-than-average employment growth among truck drivers through the end of the decade.

• Median annual pay: $39,400.
• Percentage of those employed in this job with a high-school diploma (50 percent) or less (20 percent).

Looking for a job as an heavy-truck driver? Click here to get started.

2. Executive Assistant

Executive assistants typically have some formal education, though requirements to do the job -- office, computer and organizational skills -- don't necessarily mean those with lesser education don't have a shot of landing the job. Within the general secretarial field, forecasts call for demand to increase 12 percent through 2020, about average among all professions.

• Median annual pay: $43,700.
• Percentage of those employed in this job with a high-school diploma (31 percent) or less (2 percent).

Looking for a job as an executive assistant? Click here to get started.

1. General Manager, Restaurant

Restaurant managers, also known, as food-service managers, are responsible for the daily operations of restaurants and other establishments that prepare and serve food and beverages. Though relatively well-paid, restaurant managers are known to log long hours, including weekends and many holidays.

• Median annual pay: $43,900.
• Percentage of those employed in this job with a high-school diploma (30 percent) or less (10 percent).

Looking for a job as a restaurant manager? Click here to get started.





Source: AOL

Birth order and your career

The influence of birth order on personality, intelligence and achievements has long been debated. Austrian psychiatrist Alfred Adler, born in 1870, is said to be one of the first to link birth order to one's personality and direction in life. His research spurred a plethora of other studies, some with overlapping conclusions and others that contradict.

My personal experience as the youngest in a family of three girls matches up with what much of the research says about lastborns. As the baby of the family, my parents were a lot more lenient with me. I tended to get my way, often to the chagrin of my older sisters. I suppose some of that could have been attributed to my knack for whining incessantly until my parents would just give up, but I digress.

According to several studies, I was actually at a bit of a disadvantage as the youngest born, and my oldest sister pretty much had it made. If you're the first born, you generally have an advantage and are often more educated and successful than your latter-born siblings. A study by a group of Norwegian researchers concluded that first- born children have on average a three-point higher IQ than non-firstborns.

Birth order can also impact what career path you take and how successful, at least monetarily, you'll be. A new CareerBuilder study examined how workers compare in terms of chosen profession, title and salary based on birth order and sibling status. According to the survey, my youngest-in-the-family status means I tend to prefer creative roles and navigate toward editing/writing jobs.

Curious to know more? Here is a breakdown of common personality traits and career paths based on birth order:

First born
Personality: First-born children have the advantage of being the only child for a certain period of time; thus, they get their parents' full attention. They are reliable, conscientious and strive to achieve. According to Katherine Crowley, a Harvard trained psychotherapist specializing in workplace issues and co-author of "Working with You Is Killing Me: Freeing Yourself from Emotional Traps at Work," firstborns like to know what the rules are, and once their younger brothers or sisters arrive, they like to take charge.  

Career: The CareerBuilder study found that first-born children are the most likely to earn six figures and hold a C-level position (e.g., CEO, CFO and Senior VP). Firstborns tend to gravitate toward jobs in government, information technology, engineering and science.

Middle or second child
Personality: "Secondborns arrive and someone is already in the forefront -- a sibling," says Crowley. "Their development includes noticing what the first born is doing and trying to carve out their own territory." They tend to be people pleasers, and their middle-of-the-sibling-pack status means they're often pros at negotiation and mediation.

Career: At work, they generally make good team players, facilitators and researchers, notes the CareerBuilder study. A middle child is the most likely to report holding an entry-level position and earning less than $35,000. Middle children lean toward public service and caretaking roles, including law enforcement, fire-fighting, construction, education and personal care.

Last born
Personality: Lastborns often get the short end of the stick when it comes to recognition of their achievements, since their parents have less time to spend doting on them. But since they are the last ones to arrive, they are the "babies," and they can leverage that status to get their own way. Crowley notes these children are the free spirits, entertainers and creative minds of the family. 

Career: Career-wise, the last-born child is the most likely to work in middle management and prefer more creative roles and technology. Crowley notes that lastborns succeed in middle management roles because they are good at both managing up and managing down. Common job types include art/design/architecture, editing/writing, information technology and sales.

Only child
Personality: According to the Child Development Institute, only children tend to be spoiled and self-centered, since they have no siblings to compete with. They are often mature for their age, likely due to the large amount of solo time they spend with their parents.

Career: An only child has a higher tendency toward working in technical and health-related fields and protective services. An only child is also more likely to earn six figures and hold a C-level position. However, they are less likely to be satisfied in their jobs than workers with brothers and sisters. Only children tend to pursue careers in information technology, engineering, nursing and law enforcement.

Of course, there are always exceptions to these theories. And while much can be said about birth order and its impact, there are a variety of other factors that make people who they are and influence what they become.





Source: careerbuilder

Top 10 Jobs With Parent-Friendly Hours

Parenting is a full-time job, and it's one that can make maintaining a career and paying the bills a real challenge. Money is important, but the majority of parents rank flexibility and/or the option of working non-traditional hours, as priority No. 1 when looking for a job.

Here's our list of the 10 best jobs with parent-friendly hours.

1. Nurse
Nursing offers some of the most varied work environment and schedule options available in a career. While nurses can't generally leave in the middle of a shift, they can choose from Monday-through-Friday doctor's office positions, 12 hour shifts, weekends, evenings, and even work-when-you-can on call positions.

• Find Nursing Jobs

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2. Teacher
Teachers do not generally enjoy adjustable schedules, but what the job lacks in flexibility it more than makes up for in convenience -- parents can work while their kids are in school and be off when their kids are off, including summers and holidays. In some cases it may even be possible to work in the same building as your children.

• Find Teaching Jobs

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3. Day Care Provider
Day care providers have some flexibility to set their own schedules, but for the most part must accommodate other working parents. This includes working weekday, evening, and some weekend hours. However in exchange for longer hours and reduced flexibility, day care providers can care for their own children as well, eliminating the need for them to make other arrangements.

• Find Day Care Jobs

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4. Real Estate Agent
Real estate agents are often on the move but can schedule appointments to show properties based on their preferences, many times in the evenings and on weekends. Other duties, such as doing research and making phone calls, can easily be done from a home office, and agents can work as little or as much as they need to.

• Find Real Estate Jobs

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5. Bookkeeper/Data Entry
Bookkeeping and data entry largely involve solo tasks and can often be done from a home computer at odd or haphazard hours -- although attention to detail and accuracy are key, so distractions should be minimized. If working from home isn't an option, many hospitals and other companies staff bookkeepers and data entry specialists during evening hours and even for overnight shifts.

• Find Date Entry Jobs

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6. Personal Trainer
Personal trainers set their own hours and schedule appointments, either at a gym or in private homes, around their own personal preferences -- during the day, in the evenings, or on weekends. Also due to the one-on-one nature of the work, those with established clients may enjoy additional flexibility in terms of last-minute appointment changes.

• Find Personal Trainer Jobs

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7. Sales
Parents with excellent people skills and an outgoing personality can enjoy a flexible schedule as a sales representative. Job requirements vary greatly across the field; but many salespeople are able to set their own hours, work based out of a home office, work part- or full-time in a wide variety of industries, and if successful enjoy a higher-than-average salary.

• Find Sales Jobs

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8. Public Relations
Public relations is a high-powered field that's often parent-friendly because it's about connecting with people and disseminating information, neither of which requires sitting in an office. Answering phone calls and e-mails, writing press releases, and building relationships can happen at home during odd hours, while face-to-face meetings can be set in advance at times that work for you.

• Find Public Relations Jobs

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9. Graphic Designer
Graphic design can be done anywhere and at any time of day, provided that deadlines are met. Client meetings can be scheduled when convenient; most communication is done over the phone or e-mail; and the work is results-oriented and largely conceptual. Therefore ideas can be brainstormed while waiting in the car or at line in the grocery store, and work can be done while kids are napping, at school, or in bed.

• Find Graphic Designer Jobs

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10. Tutor
Tutoring is a great option for teachers looking for increased schedule flexibility or adjustable hours, or for other professionals with people skills. Tutors can work in schools or private homes and can select clients and set appointments at whatever times are convenient.

• Find Tutoring Jobs

Source: AOL

The Top 25 Companies To Work For If You Want To Have A Personal Life

As employees are logging more hours, work-life balance has become an increasingly important factor to overall satisfaction in the workplace. To find out which companies support work-life balance, we turned to Glassdoor, which put together a list of the top 25 companies that encourage their workers to also have personal lives.

“In today’s highly-connected world, striving for work-life balance can feel virtually impossible given greater access to our jobs around the clock,” says Rusty Rueff, Glassdoor career and workplace expert and co-author of Talent Force: A New Manifesto for the Human Side of Business. “Companies that make sincere efforts to recognize employees’ lives outside of the office will often see the payoff when it comes to recruiting and retaining top talent.”

Some of the companies that made it onto this list also made it on Glassdoor's rankings of the best companies to work for, and 11 tech companies are represented in this report.

To break any ties, Glassdoor calculated ratings to the thousandth decimal. "This is why, for example, Facebook, which has a 4.1 rating, did not crack the Top 25 this year," Scott Dobroski, Glassdoor's spokesman, told us. "They were very, very close, but when we look at ratings to the thousandth, other companies beat them.

Hence, the rankings reflect that."
Company ratings are based on a 5.0 scale.

25. FLUOR

Jim Migdal

Work-life balance rating: 4.1 What employees think: 
“Fluor so far has had the best benefits, vacation, and compensation package I have had. I am disappointed I no longer work for this caliber of a company and highly recommend working for them.” – Fluor Mechanical Engineer (Sugar Land, TX)
“Employees can even apply to work abroad at the many Fluor offices around the world. Some other cool perks: Every second Friday off, and quarterly gathering of all employees for food and drinks.” – Fluor employee (Calgary, AB, Canada)
Source: Glassdoor

24. W.L. Gore

Mozilla crew circa 2007

Flickr/fmg2001

Work-life balance rating: 4.1 What employees think: 
“Freedom and flexibility make working at Gore more rewarding. Fellow associates quickly become your best friends.” – W.L. Gore Corporate Services Employee (Newark, DE)
“The work-life-balance is great and I don't feel overworked or stressed.” – W.L. Gore Product Development Engineer (Flagstaff, AZ)
“Good work/life balance. Technical innovation and freedom to be creative. Power of small teams and strong peer to peer community.” – W.L. Gore Employee (Newark, DE)
Source: Glassdoor

23. NAVTEQ

Glassdoor

Work-life balance rating: 4.1 What employees think: 
“Understanding boss, great co-workers, never a dull moment in the job; you stay active and makes the shift fly by.” – Former NAVTEQ Traffic Editor (Pittsburgh, PA)
“Good work /life balance . . . No high pressure to work overtime” – NAVTEQ Manager (Boston, MA)
“Laid back environment, Good work life balance” – NAVTEQ Staff Accountant (Chicago, IL)
Source: Glassdoor

22. Bain & Company

Glassdoor

Work-life balance rating: 4.1 What employees think: 

“Great place in terms of work/life balance. Managers are very fair about letting employees use their vacation time and are understanding when unexpected scenarios present themselves.” – Bain & Company Employee (Boston, MA)
“Work-life balance -- obviously consulting stinks but at least Bain tried (weekly health checks, meetings on how to make life better).” – Bain & Company Employee (location n/a)
Source: Glassdoor

21. Southern California Edison

Kelly Jang

Work-life balance rating: 4.1 What employees think: 
“Great place to work while raising kids because of the flexible work schedules” – Southern California Edison Financial Analyst III (Rosemead, CA)

“Company has good benefits, pay, and work life balance and is a great place to work while raising kids because of the flexible work schedules” – Southern California Edison Financial Analyst III (Rosemead, CA)
“Edison has been a work-life balance company. By nature of the organization, Edison offers numerous opportunities in different locales across various disciplines.” – Southern California Edison Employee (location n/a)
Source: Glassdoor

20. Hitachi Data Systems

Glassdoor

Work-life balance rating: 4.2 What employees think: 
“You are expected to come in do good work, and then go home and have a life. The company really seems to care about employee health and well being. Everything from the gym, healthy food, to health check incentives.” –Hitachi Data Systems Senior Platform Engineer (Santa Clara, CA)
“Very flexible and friendly. Flat structure. It’s like a family. The CEO and Leadership team are very accessible.” – Hitachi Data Systems Sales Director (Sydney, Australia)
Source: Glassdoor

19. Citrix Systems

Glassdoor

Work-life balance rating: 4.2 What employees think: 
“Very flexible work schedule. Working from home options. I work from home twice a week. If you do good work, your manager leaves you alone to do your work without micro management.” – Citrix Systems Employee (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
“One of the best companies in terms of work culture and environment and less pressure on the employee. He can balance between work and life.” - Citrix Systems Software Dev-Test Engineer (Bangalore, India)
Source: Glassdoor

18. WayFair

Glassdoor

Work-life balance rating: 4.2 What employees think:
“There is a very strong team culture in the Ads/BI department. They are flexible with many different things which makes working there very rewarding and allows a strong work life balance.” – WayFair Paid Acquisition Analyst (Boston, MA)
“There is both an appreciation of work hard / play hard and a strong work/life balance in the company.” – WayFair Employee (Boston, MA)
“The workplace culture is very good at providing work-life balance and there is a very strong team culture.” – WayFair Acquisition Analyst (Boston, MA)
Source: Glassdoor

17. Morningstar

Glassdoor

Work-life balance rating: 4.2 What employees think:
“Good work life balance and you are not expected to work long hours. Work with other smart, young, energetic people.” – Morningstar Director Business Development (Chicago, IL)
“Work and life is well balanced.” – Morningstar Applications Developer (New Delhi, India)
Source: Glassdoor

16. Discover

Flickr/Laughing Squid

Work-life balance rating: 4.2 What employees think:
“Work to life balance is excellent. People are friendly. Place is modern and has lots of opportunity.” – Discover Project Manager (Riverwoods, IL)
“Laid-back culture, the work schedule is 9 to 5, no need to work overtime most [of the] time, good gym.” – Discover Manager (Riverwoods, IL)
Source: Glassdoor

15. Slalom Consulting

Glassdoor

Work-life balance rating: 4.2 What employees think:

“Highly flexible work environment - you can really live the consulting lifestyle here! No travel unless you want to. Great salary and vacation.” – Slalom Consulting Consultant (Portland, OR)
“Balance Life concept is enforced, this helps workaholic like me.” – Slalom Consulting Senior Solution Architect (Dallas, TX)
“There is more flexibility than with many companies on dealing with life balance issues.” – Slalom Consulting Management Consultant (Seattle, WA)
Source: Glassdoor

Read more at "The Top 25 Companies To Work For If You Want To Have A Personal Life"

Source: businessinsider

9 Jobs For Creative People

Ever since you were allotted a blob of Play-Doh to build anything your kid-size imagination could come up with, you've always had a bit of a creative side.

But even if you can't commit to the lifestyle of a starving artist or don't see yourself as becoming the next Brad Pitt, there are plenty of creative jobs that keep your right-brain in shape and allow you to think differently.

With the help of career-portal Glassdoor and Bureau of Labor Statistics data, AOL Jobs has compiled a list of nine jobs that have creative potential. The list is subjective and isn't meant to be definitive. As Glassdoor notes, there are certainly dozens more jobs that have a creative component.

Still, these nine careers cover a range of aptitudes in the hope of providing something for everyone. There may be a few you haven't thought of:

1. Teacher
What could be better than being a kid again and working with children whose imaginations are limitless? Teachers deal with this every day, including finding creative ways to keep kids engaged. Even physical education teachers are challenged to be creative every day, working increasingly within funding constraints and kids who are increasingly strapped to computer screens and mobile devices.

• Median annual pay: $51,380 (kindergarten and elementary); $53,230 (high school).*
• Typical education: Bachelor's degree.*

Looking for a job as a teacher? Click here to get started:

2. Fashion Designer
You've seen the wild ride on Project Runway. Breaking all the rules with risky colors, mixing and matching, and over-the-top accessorizing -- all leading up to seeing your gallery of sketches come to life as it walks down a bright runway. In fashion, you take a sewing machine, some thread and create a masterpiece.

• Median annual pay: $64,530.
• Typical education: Most fashion designers have some formal education, but a college degree isn't required.

Looking for a job as a fashion designer? Click here to get started.

3. Chefs/Cooks
Don't let your failed 10th grade art class crush your dreams of being an artist. At Subway, sandwich preparers are actually referred to as "sandwich artists," who thoughtfully craft a palate of ingredients and flavors into one big mouth-watering snack. Really, though, all chefs lead incredibly creative lives, as all the steps from preparation to presentation are truly a careful blend of art and science.

• Median annual pay: $19,100 (food preparation workers); $40,630 (chefs).
• Typical education: Less than high school and high school graduates, though additional education in the culinary arts is common.

Looking for a job in food preparation? Click here to get started.

4. Software Engineer
Think engineers aren't creative? Think again. Though not traditionally thought of as a creative job, many engineers actually do think of themselves as artists creating content, design, animation and interactive sites out of thin air. As they say on WordPress, "Code is poetry."

• Median annual pay: $90,530.
• Typical education: Bachelor's degree.

Looking for a job as a software engineer? Click here to get started.

5. Management Consultant
Yes, business, but definitely not your cog-in-the-machine type of business. Consultants are actually some of the most creative thinkers out there, as their job is to think outside-the-box and offer creative solutions where conventional ones have failed. As a matter of fact, questions such as, "Give me 20 things you can do with a paper clip," aren't uncommon for consulting firms to ask and test your creative thinking in a job interview.

• Median annual pay: $78,160.
• Typical education: At least a bachelor's degree, but certification may boost employment chances.

Looking for a job as a consultant? Click here to get started.

6. Landscape Architect
As a landscape architect, your job is to paint color into a city or space and bring it to life. Bringing a breath of nature into more urban areas, keeping sites environmentally friendly, and beautifying the concrete jungles of the world are all part of your job.

• Median annual pay: $62,090.
• Typical education: Bachelor's degree.

Looking for a job as a landscape architect? Click here to get started.

7. Public Relations Specialist
In public relations, you're there to tell a story. How do you give depth, color and personality to a company and help it communicate its message and values to its customers? Brainstorming ways of engaging fans in events and putting company funds to good causes also allows you to be imaginative and resourceful. On the flip side, dealing with bad press and crisis situations require quick problem solving and creative approaches.

• Median annual pay: $57,550.
• Typical education: Bachelor's degree.

Looking for a job as a public relations specialist? Click here to get started.

8. Human Resource Specialist
If you work at a competitive company like Google Inc. or Mitre Corp., you have a lot of human capital to attract, and a lot of different ways to do it. Many companies offer family events and company parties, while some even deck out the office with pool tables, slides, and graffiti-filled walls. Whatever your company's culture, you can let your entire office be a blank canvas on which to express it.

• Median annual pay: $52,690.
• Typical education: Bachelor's degree.

Looking for a job as a human resource specialist? Click here to get started.

9. Game Designer
Right -- is that even allowed to be a real job? Not only do you get to spend your days playing games for "testing" and "research," but you actually get to come up with all the big ideas about what is going to be fun and entertaining in the next generation of games you've always been passionate about.

• Median annual pay: $58,510.
• Typical education: Bachelor's degree.

Source: AOL

Actually, These Are The Real 10 Unhappiest Jobs In America

We recently published a list of the 10 unhappiest jobs in America based on a report compiled by CareerBliss, but then we found a similar list conducted by the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago. 

After comparing the two lists of unhappiest workers, we concluded that the NORC list was more accurate because the results are based on nearly 200 of the most common occupations in America, instead of based on CareerBliss' user reviews.

These surveys were taken from 1998 to 2006 and most of the least satisfying jobs are "low-skill, manual and service occupations, especially involving customer service and food/beverage preparation and serving."

The mean score is from one — very dissatisfied workers — to four — very satisfied workers, and the job satisfaction percentage asked workers how satisfied they were with their jobs. We also included median pay, education level, work environment and a description for each occupation.

10. Expediters

The BLS

Mean score: 2.97

Percent satisfied: 37 percent
Median pay (2010): $24,100 per year
Entry-level education: High school diploma
Description: Keep track of information to keep businesses and supply chains on schedule. They ensure proper scheduling, recordkeeping, and inventory control.
Work environment: Most spend significant time in warehouses. Many have standard Monday-through-Friday shifts, although some work nights and weekends or holidays when large shipments arrive.
Source: Universityof Chicago and the BLS

9. Food Preparers

USDAgovvia flickr

Mean score: 2.95

Percent satisfied: 23.6 percent
Median pay (2010): $19,100 per year
Entry-level education: Less than high school
Description: Perform many routine tasks under the guidance of cooks or food supervisors. They prepare cold foods, slice meat, peel and cut vegetables, brew coffee or tea, and do many other tasks.
Work environment: They often work early mornings, late evenings, weekends, or holidays. The majority work part time.
Source: University of Chicago and the BLS

8. Cashiers

www.flickr.com

Mean score: 2.94

Percent satisfied: 25 percent
Median pay (2010): $18,500 per year
Entry-level education: Less than high school
Description: Handle payments from customers purchasing goods and services.
Work environment: Most retail sales workers work in clean, comfortable, well-lit stores. Many sales workers work evenings and weekends.
Source: University of Chicago and the BLS

7. Apparel Clothing Salespersons

DrJohn 2005 flickr

Mean score: 2.93

Percent satisfied: 23.9 percent
Median pay (2010): $20,990 per year
Entry-level education: Less than high school
Description: Include those who sell retail merchandise.
Work environment: Most retail sales workers work in clean, comfortable, well-lit stores. Many sales workers work evenings and weekends.
Source: University of Chicago and the BLS

6. Freight, Stock, & Material Handlers

varresa via flickr

Mean score: 2.91

Percent satisfied: 25.8 percent
Median pay (2010): $22,560 per year
Entry-level education: Less than high school
Description: These workers move freight, stock, or other materials around storage facilities;
Work environment: Long shifts are common.
Source: University of Chicago and the BLS

5. Hand Packers and Packagers

Mean score: 2.88

Percent satisfied: 23.7 percent
Median pay (2010): $22,560 per year
Entry-level education: Less than high school
Description: Transport objects without using machines. Some clean vehicles; some pick up unwanted household goods; and still others pack materials for moving.
Work environment: Most hand laborers and material movers work full time. In addition, most work 8-hour shifts, although longer shifts and overtime are common.
Source: University of Chicago and the BLS

4. Bartenders

dubberviaFlickr

Mean score: 2.88

Percent satisfied: 26.4 percent
Median pay (2010): $18,680 per year
Entry-level education: Less than high school
Description: Mix and serve drinks to customers directly or through wait staff.
Work environment: During busy hours, bartenders are under pressure to serve customers quickly and efficiently. About half of all bartenders work full time, and they often must work late evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Source: University of Chicago and the BLS

3. Laborers, Except Construction

DEI_GR via Flickr

Mean score: 2.86

Percent satisfied: 21.4 percent
**Data is the same as "Freight, Stock, & Material Handlers" and "Hand Packers and Packagers"
Source: University of Chicago and the BLS

2. Servers

Daniel Goodman / Business Insider

Mean score: 2.85

Percent satisfied: 27 percent
Median pay (2010): $18,130 per year
Entry-level education: Less than high school
Description: Perform a variety of customer service, food preparation, and cleaning duties in eateries.
Work environment: The majority work part time, which often includes early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Source: University of Chicago and the BLS

1. Roofers

Velo Steve via flickr

Mean score: 2.84

Percent satisfied: 25.3 percent
Median pay (2010): $34,220 per year
Entry-level education: Less than high school
Description: Roofers repair and install the roofs of buildings using a variety of materials, including shingles, asphalt, and metal.
Work environment: Strenuous and tiring. It involves heavy lifting, as well as climbing and bending. Work-related injuries for roofers are among the highest of all occupations.
Source: University of Chicago and the BLS

Source: businessinsider