4 careers with high quality-of-life ratings.
By Yahoo Education Staff
If your current career makes you feel unhappy, listless, and unmotivated, it might be time to make a career change.
Numerous studies have shown a link between job satisfaction and health. People who are happier with their jobs feel better overall and experience less depression.
A stable job and a steady paycheck are important, sure, but wouldn't it be nice to love what you do, too? It's not impossible.
A 2007 survey conducted by the University of Chicago found that 47 percent of workers were satisfied with their jobs, and 33 percent reported being "very happy." The study also reported that many of the careers that people found most fulfilling were either focused on helping people or allowed workers to take advantage of scientific or technical knowledge.
To help you find a more rewarding, fulfilling career, we've put together an overview of 4 careers that were at or near the top of the University of Chicago's list, in terms of overall job satisfaction and happiness.
1. Special Education Teachers
The University of Chicago study found that more than 70 percent of special education teachers were "very satisfied" with their jobs. It's pretty clear why: a good special education teacher can really make a difference by encouraging students (who tend to need more personalized attention) to love learning and reach their full potential.
The Training: To get started, check out bachelor's degree programs in special education, or add to your current qualifications with a master's degree. Either will prepare you for your state's licensing process, which can sometimes include additional special education training.
The Pay: Wages vary by region and school setting, but some special education teachers in secondary schools earn as much as $78,020 annually.
Find local and online Special Education programs.
2. Physical Therapists
More than 78 percent of physical therapists reported being very satisfied with their jobs, and it's not surprising when you consider the job involves helping patients recover from injury or surgery.
The Training: Physical therapists must be licensed by their state after passing state and national licensing exams. Most are required to hold a degree in physical therapy.
The Pay: Physical therapists who work for home health care services make an average salary of $70,920.
Find Health Care programs.
3. Psychologists
Although helping people with their physical recovery is one path to job satisfaction, others find fulfillment in getting people to talk through and solve their problems. In fact, two-thirds of psychologists reported being very satisfied with their jobs in the University of Chicago study.
The Training: Most psychologists are required to have a master's degree in psychology, and specialized degrees may be required for settings like schools.
The Pay: Those who work in the offices of mental health practitioners earn an average of $69,510.
Find schools offering Psychology programs.
4. Clergy
Members of the clergy perform activities that help people in times of happiness and crisis. This includes conducting religious services, ministering to members of their congregation, teaching, and performing ceremonies like weddings and funerals.
If you're active in your religious community, you might not be surprised to find that members of the clergy are some of the happiest people of all, with a job satisfaction level of 87 percent.
The Training: Every religion's requirements are different, but many clergy start with a bachelor's degree in divinity or theology and may also study psychology or counseling.
The Pay: The average U.S. salary for all clergy is $37,000, but clergy positions can come with substantial benefits, including housing. Chaplains, who often work in hospitals, military units, or prisons, earn an average of $44,000.
Find local and online colleges and universities.
No matter what the job, what it all comes down to is this: real satisfaction comes from finding a job that fits your personality and your talents. If you want to find a job that makes you excited to wake up every day, remember, the road to happiness starts with a single step.
