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.
6 tips to help you save money on tuition, textbooks, computers...even haircuts!
By David Plowman
Whether you're in the market for a bachelor's degree or a shorter program like an associate's degree or a certificate, education can be a significant expense.
However, there is good news: there are many things you can do to lessen the cost of your education - no matter what you study.
Tip 1: Consider Online Education
When most people visualize college, they think of large sprawling campuses with manicured lawns and columned buildings. It makes for a pretty postcard, but don't forget you're paying for mowing those lawns with your tuition.
Online classes allow you to spend your time and money on what's important to you. Don't re-arrange your life around your school; watch lectures and study when it is convenient for you. Don't waste time (and gas!) commuting back-and-forth to class; use the time to study. Don't pay for parking; instead treat yourself to a well-deserved study break at your favorite coffee shop.
Some online degree programs even waive a certain amount of fees that are assessed on students who attend campus-based classes.
Find an online school that fits your needs now.
Tip 2: Look for Scholarships
Look for scholarships and other grants before applying for a loan. Loans have to be paid back, while grants and scholarships don't. And in some cases, they can also cover your books and living expenses.
You don't have to be a Straight-A Student to receive a scholarship. There are many non-merit-based scholarships available. See for yourself: type "scholarships" into any search engine and you'll be amazed to see how many non-academic scholarships are available. Learn more about the financial aid process and finding scholarships here.
Tip 3: Buy Textbooks Online
It's not uncommon for a new textbook for a single class to cost $100 to $150. Multiply that by three or four classes and that can really add up.
But companies like Biblio.com and CampusBooks.com have huge inventories of new and used books that you can purchase online at a fraction of the cost.
Many colleges and universities list their curriculum and the textbooks International Standard Book Number (ISBN) - the unique identifier for a particular book. With this info you can shop around and save.
Find online classes and degree programs now.
Another way to save money on books: network with other students who are in your major. They may have already taken classes you are planning on taking. They'll be a great resource for used books.
Tip 4: Rent Textbooks
Why buy when you can rent? There are a growing amount of web sites that allow you to rent textbooks for the semester or quarter, and send the book back when you're done. Just be sure to comparison shop. Other factors to consider: how long you need the book and the rental fee.
Tip 5: Buy Used and Refurbished Goods
If you do your legwork, you can save money by buying a second-hand computer, book-bag... even a desk. Many computer retailers offer refurbished models with full warranties that can save you several hundred dollars over comparable new models.
Tip 6: Use Your I.D. Card
Once you're in school, you'll be able to save money simply by showing your student I.D. at many businesses. Local coffee-shops, museums, movie theaters, and hair salons - to name just a few - may offer discounts. Even when you're shopping online, you may be able to find bargains for students. Apple is one well-known retailer that offers education discounts on their web site. You'll be surprised at the discounts you can get with a student I.D. Take advantage of them all!
Search for local and online colleges and universities.
Take our stress test and find the right low-stress job for you.
By Chris Kyle
When it comes to workplace stress, all jobs are not created equal. A low-stress career for one person could be high-stress for another. The key is finding the low-stress career that fits you.
To help, we've put together a stress test. Find what stresses you out at work, and we'll match you up with a low-stress career that you just might love. And these low-stress jobs can pay $30K to $40K per year and up. That should take away some stress as well!
"Help! I have a bad boss!"
If working for a tyrant of a boss is stressing you out, check out these jobs that let you call the shots.
Job 1: Business Owner/Entrepreneur
Low-stress factors: You'll never say "I have a bad boss" when the boss is you! Starting your own company or going into business for yourself puts you in charge. Though it's a lot of work, at least you're calling the shots. Plus, business owners outranked all other jobs in terms of how occupation affects happiness, according to a 2009 Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index published in The Wall Street Journal.
Training: Business administration programs can help you learn the basics. MBA programs stress management skills while offering students a deeper understanding of the business world.
Pay: The pay depends on what kind of business you start but your odds for success might be better than you think.
Search for online and local Business schools.
Job 2: Massage Therapist
Low-stress factors: Many massage therapists work independently so you won't have to worry about arguing with your boss if you don't have one. Plus, there's the mood music and soothing atmosphere, which is bound to have a calming effect on you, as well as the customer.
Training: By earning a massage therapy certificate, you'll study the human body and basic business practices. Fitness programs can also teach you physical therapy.
Pay: Many massage therapists work part-time so annual earnings vary, but according to Payscale.com, those with one to four years experience earn a median salary of $21,000-$37,326.
Find Massage Therapy and other Health Care career training programs near you now.
"My commute is killing me!"
If sitting in traffic is stressing you out, here are some work-from-home options.
Job 1: Computer Programmer
Low-stress factors: You can design and develop software from any spot in the world with an internet connection. Plus, according to the Department of Labor, job prospects are excellent for computer programmers, which really counts for something during these uncertain economic times.
Training: Most positions require a bachelor's degree, though sometimes an associate's degree or certificate can get your career started.
Pay: Computer applications software engineers earned $69,620 in 2008.
Search for IT and Technology programs now.
Job 2: Education Tutor
Low-stress factors: Working with students can keep you feeling young and connected to your community. Plus, tutors make their own schedules and can work from the privacy of their homes, or via phone and email.
Training: To help market yourself, earn your teaching certificate online, or consider getting a bachelor's or master's degree in whatever area you'd like to tutor.
Pay: According to Payscale.com, tutors can make between $10 and $40 per hour.
"I wish my job was more creative!"
Suffocating in your cubicle? Check out these jobs that let you unleash your creativity.
Job 1: Animation Artist
Low-stress factors: Art therapy is based on the belief that the creative process can help you work out conflict and problems you are having. If this sounds like something you would enjoy, consider making a career out of channeling your inner artist.
Training: Develop a stunning portfolio that showcases your skills while earning a bachelor's degree in animation. Or consider earning a more specialized nuts-and-bolts associate's degree in just two years time.
Pay: The average pay for multimedia artists and animators was $56,330 in 2008.
Search for Animation and other Creative Arts training programs now.
Job 2: Web Designer
Low-stress factors: Web site design and creation can help techies cure their creative itch. While the actual work itself is often deadline-driven, many web designers enjoy their jobs because it allows them to create something out of nothing. And staff jobs can provide steady income and, more importantly, help you avoid hustling for your next gig.
Training: Rapidly changing technology in web design and development has led to many different kinds of technology programs, from certificate programs to associate's and bachelor's degrees.
Pay: According to Payscale.com, web designers with one to four years of experience have a salary range of $32,008-$46,681.
Find Web Design programs near you or online.
Unless otherwise noted, all salary data represents the mean annual wage in May 2008 according to The U.S. Department of Labor.
Chris Kyle is a contributor to EducationStart.org, a one-stop resource for information about colleges and higher education.
Get the education you need to hit the magic salary number of $50,000.
By David Plowman
Does a salary of $50,000 per year sound good to you? Is this your magic number?
We have some good news: landing a $50K job might be easier than you think with the right education and training.
Check out these 8 jobs that pay $50,000 and up.
Job #1 - Accountant
Accountants audit records, track fraud, analyze complex budgets, and more. In fact, today's number-crunchers can pursue a variety of career paths, from chief financial officers to forensic accountants.
The Training: Most employers require entry-level accountants to have a degree in accounting or a degree in business. Depending on the desired career specialty, accountants may also be required to obtain state certifications.
The Pay: Accountants' salaries vary depending on their specialty, their training, and the type of company they are working for, but the average salary is $65,840 per year.
Find Accounting degree programs now.
Job #2 - Registered Nurse
Registered nurses (RNs) are in high demand, and it's no wonder why. With an aging baby boomer population, an increased focus on preventive care, and various technological advances, RNs are needed to provide treatment and support to patients.
The Training: Aspiring nurses can choose from a nursing diploma, associate's degree in nursing, or bachelor's degree in nursing program. From there, work on getting a nursing license.
The Pay: RNs net an average salary of $62,450 per year.
Find RN training programs in your area.
Job #3 - Database Administrator
Database administrators maintain and retain large volumes of electronic data, designing computer systems to retrieve the data in meaningful ways. Many database administrators are also responsible for the system's security.
The Training: If you want to get into this line of work, your best bet is to earn a degree in network administration or a related technology field.
The Pay: Database administrators typically net $72,000 annually.
Job #4 - Legal Administrator
Because legal administrative assistants must have stellar administrative skills and specialized legal training, workers in this field are usually in greater demand and compensated better than their administrative counterparts in other fields.
The Training: Most legal support workers attend a specialized legal school to get them up-to-speed in the specific skills required in the legal world.
The Pay: This additional training can yield almost-immediate payoffs. While the median salary for administrative workers is estimated to be $32,000, most legal administrative workers net an average salary of $56,600 per year.
Search for Legal training programs in your area now.
Job #5 - Interior Designer
Interior designers renovate old spaces, design brand-new ones, and more. If you find yourself mentally rearranging the apartments and homes of your friends and family, consider a high-paying career in interior design.
The Training: Develop your talent - and gain the necessary skills and know-how to do the job right - with a two- or four-year degree in interior design.
The Pay: Interior designers net an average of $51,000 annually.
Find Interior Design degrees now.
Job #6 - Engineer
Like many of the careers listed here, engineering offers many opportunities to branch out to other industries. For example, an engineer can decide to design robots, develop ways to conserve soil, or design aircraft or even rockets. In general, "engineer" refers to designing and developing parts, machinery or products that perform certain functions that, hopefully, make life simpler for the rest of us.
The Training: To develop their mechanical chops, most engineers have at least received a bachelor's degree in engineering and are usually required to take additional certification courses. Considering the career heights engineers can aspire to, it's likely to be well worth the effort.
The Pay: The average salary for engineers is $88,600.
Search for schools offering Engineering programs.
Job #7 - Police/Sheriff's Patrol Officer
The general goal of a police officer is of course "to serve and protect," but exactly how officers do that, and the tools they use to do their jobs, are greatly varied. Some write traffic citations while others use sophisticated computer equipment to solve a homicide case.
The Training: A four-year college degree with an emphasis in police science is all it takes to enable eager recruits to "take a bite out of crime" for the rest of their lives.
The Pay: Crime may not pay, but fighting crime certainty does. The average salary for police and sheriff officers is $52,800.
Find Police & Law Enforcement programs now.
Job #8 - Animator/Multimedia Artist
The onslaught of video games, special effects, and increasingly sophisticated websites are all testimony to the popularity - and necessity - of animation. As a result, animators and multimedia artists are in unprecedented demand.
The Training: Because of the creative, specialized bent of the industry, most aspiring animators opt to attend arts schools that provide more hands-on training. Many art schools have developed working relationships with studios and web developers allowing students to get the inside track on employment opportunities.
The Pay: As with many creative jobs, an animator's salary may vary wildly depending on the artist's experience, employment status, and numerous other factors. That said, the average salary for an established animator is $62,000.
Search for Art Schools now.
All salary data from U.S. Department of Labor.
Advancing the company, I think, it's not impossible. If we want to try to achieve that desire. Among them, the company that we're in. This is now the manager should strive to have a truly entrepreneurial spirit.
It is very important. Because, if not, will result in our own company or business, ie will be in a stable position or the status quo. Conditions are only so-so only.
But it's different, if our company has managers who are entrepreneurial-minded, then I am confident that our business will be more likely to run quickly developed. And, we also will be better prepared to face a tight business competition in the era of globalization.
In addition, entrepreneurial-minded managers will make our companies more creative and innovative. Because, a business that has reached the optimum point is usually if not touched with the manager entrepreneur spirit, will experience a declining condition.
I, myself feel that, if a company had a manager who spirited entrepreneur, will also always be ready to face any changes in the business.
And, the changes are for entrepreneur-minded manager, was part of his job. Meanwhile, the risk arising from any part of his work, Just as we are told by Willim Ahmanson, that in business, there is no path that can be taken straight from one place to another place.
So, in this context, I see that it's business there are three components, namely covering: investors (people who are looking for risk), and managers (people who shy away from risk). And, in a state of good business conditions, the soul of the entrepreneur are considered important. Especially when we have to face the economic crisis, are of course more important.
Therefore, we can see, how the Western people are engaged in the business world also continue to develop the forms of intuition, which I know was very much helpful in business development. It's also a sign, that he has the entrepreneur spirit.
The characteristics of an entrepreneur-minded manager who was not only that. According to J. A Schumpeter in his book "The Entrepreneur as Innovator." Entrepreneur-minded manager who is also a highly ambitious figure in developing the business, energetic, confident, creative and innovative, fun and jaunty, forward-looking, flexible, dare to risk, independent and free love, lots of initiative and responsibility , optimistic, view of failure as a valuable learning experience (positive), is always profit-oriented, and love to compete.
In contrast to managers who are not high-minded entrepreneur. So, he will tend to think very rationally, like the establishment, and do not want to see change. Often happen that a manager would have difficulty in following the thinking styles of an entrepreneur. He also will have difficulty following the difficulties each of the steps a business entrepreneur.
It's just that, a manager who has the entrepreneurial spirit that will probably become a true entrepreneur. And, better managers of our company's entrepreneurial spirit, we give back a bigger challenge, such as managing our other business units. Or, he could also get out of our company.
Then armed with entrepreneurial spirit he has, he ventured to establish his own company. That's better. For his actions will help create jobs. New entrepreneurs will also be popping up more frequently.
Indeed, he might eventually will become our competitors, our company's competitors, if it turns out that they do business with us. Let's just say it as "seasonings" in us in the business.
Affiliate marketing has many descriptions, yet all have the same meaning. Affiliate marketing is a huge business piece on the Internet. It is a cooperative effort between merchants and an affiliate’s website. For many years now, affiliate marketing has proved to be a cost-efficient, measurable method of delivering long-tern results. It has become famous for Internet sites who are trying to make some extra or additional income for their site. Every day, people get interested to affiliate marketing and want to make money out of it. But in many cases, these new affiliates do not fully understand the affiliate world and make costly mistakes. In other words, affiliate marketing has often been misunderstood.
One of the common misconceptions that are being associated about affiliate marketing is “selling”, though selling is an important activity of affiliate marketing and the central function of a business operation. Another is that affiliate marketing is commonly linked with “advertising”. While the importance of advertising in marketing a certain product is not to be underestimated, the fact of the matter is, advertising like selling, is merely a part of the many functions of marketing.
In affiliate marketing, an affiliate is compensated for every visitor, subscriber and/or customer provided through his efforts. The said compensation may be made based on a certain value for each visit. The most attractive aspect of affiliate marketing from the merchant’s viewpoint is that no payment is due to an affiliate until results are appreciated.
Affiliate marketing is typically being run by affiliate networks and this affiliate networks are composed of two functional bodies, the group affiliates and the group merchants. Each has their special function and role when it comes to affiliate marketing. The affiliate network acts as a third party between the merchant and the associated affiliates. The network provides the technology to deliver the merchant’s campaigns and offers. The affiliate network also collects commission fees from the merchant and then pays the affiliates which are part of the program.
The merchant is any web site owner that wants or desires to take advantage of performance based marketing. The benefits to the merchant are many. First, the merchant maintains and operates the affiliate program. If it would be extracted, the merchant needs to do their part by researching interested affiliate websites to ensure that they are a good fit for that particular website. Finding a fit for their merchandise would be the key to more generated income. The merchant has access to markets and customers without him spending valuable time searching out. Banner ads on affiliate sites are not distracting to the site user. It might produce interest for that product and drive the consumer to the merchants’ website. It is also the merchant who decides how much he is willing to pay for each sale that results from a visitor sent from an affiliate.
The affiliate or the affiliate marketer also sees a lot of benefits. The affiliate is a web site owner that promotes one or more merchants and their affiliate programs. Affiliate marketing can generate a full-time income for the affiliate. But this is not an easy task to accomplish. The affiliate needs to have a better understanding with the merchant what the commission will be, expected payment method and time involved in the contract. The affiliate has also the responsibility to stand for the merchandise their user based would be most interested in. For example, if the site has a user base of mainly stay-at-home mothers, then on-line job openings such as surveys would be a good match for them. This group would also appreciate direct links to children’s products and informational sites. Merchandisers often provide targeted, best-seller items and personal support to their affiliate. They often offer sales promotions that will benefit the merchandiser as well as the affiliate.
Affiliate marketing is a great situation for both the marketer and the affiliate. If they would work together, they can be an advantage to both. Plus the fact that it seems to make sense, it is easy and inexpensive way to start, and you can be up and running within a few days. But there is one thing to consider, it is how to get traffic and make your offer different than all others.
Most small business owners have only a vague idea of what their businesses would really be worth if they wanted to sell. And most of the ones who think they know what the business is worth are probably wrong. Professional appraisers who regularly conduct business valuations say that owners err on both ends of the spectrum. Some fail to include intangible assets in their estimate and tend to undervalue what they’ve built over time. Others think their businesses are worth much more than the market would dictate.
Business owners often bring in an appraiser to prepare for a purchase, a merger or an employee stock ownership plan. Or a valuation might be needed for estate and gift tax returns, buy-sell agreements, litigation, tax challenges, divorce or many other purposes.
But even if there’s nothing on the immediate horizon, every business owner should have a current valuation in his or her desk drawer as a tool for helping make informed decisions about the company’s direction. An objective and independent valuation gives you a much clearer picture of where you’re going. Here are four more reasons to perform a business valuation and where you can find help:
- To understand where your business fits in the industry landscape. A business valuation will describe precisely where you fit in your industry or specialized market, including the market price or value of similar businesses recently sold or publicly traded.
- To gain more insight into your “real world” financial condition. As a business owner, you probably have P&L and other financial reports to give you a picture of your financial health. But a valuation that includes intangible assets can expand on, confirm or deny existing beliefs.
- Make fast decisions on expansion, financing, sale or merger opportunities. When opportunities knock, you might not have time to conduct a business valuation. Having a current valuation in hand will let you pursue opportunities as they arise.
- Make smart choices to enhance the value of your business. A valuation will highlight the things that make a business valuable, and show you ways that you can increase what your business is worth.
Selecting a business valuation expert is not an easy affair. There’s no business valuation specific college major, and states don’t require a license to practice business valuation. You can easily find business valuation and appraisal services at Business.com.
These resources can also help you find a qualified business appraiser or perform a business appraisal on your own:
- The American Society of Appraisers (ASA) is an international organization of professional appraisers. You can locate an accredited appraiser at the ASA website under “Find an Appraisal Expert.” Visit www.appraisers.org.
- The National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts (NACVA) also offers a free service online to help you find a credentialed business valuation expert in your area. See the “Credential Member Directory” in the “Resources” section of the website at www.nacva.com. You can search by location, area of specialization or industry keyword.
- Low-cost business valuation software can help you calculate a rough approximation on your own. Choices include Express Business Valuation (available at www.mbaware.com) and Corporate Valuation (at www.moneysoft.com).
