Best Midlife Career Changes For Earning Extra Money and Satisfaction
The idea of people thinking they should retire to enjoy life is really a misconception. In reality, the older you are, the greater your opportunities for career and money. The best part is that it’s never too late to start a new vocation later in life. Here are the best mid life career changes for earning extra money and satisfaction.
Becoming a banker
Banking is an excellent career choice if you want to earn a high income while spending your days behind a computer. Not only are you in charge of managing the cash of others, but you can even move into the position of head of the business. Bankers typically make more than $100,000 per year and enjoy a third more vacation days than other workers. Salary Range: $67,000 – $157,000 (depending on job title). Unemployment Rate: 5% – 8%.
Becoming a software developer
If you’ve always wanted to develop computer programs, but didn’t know how, then becoming a software developer is your best bet. Software developers are responsible for creating programs that collect data from people or large institutions and use it to make the world around us seem more efficient. They also write code that allows engineers and others to create other programs. And because this profession has so much opportunity, you can also expect jobs that pay well without heavy competition for wages. Salary Range: $76,000 – $96,000 / year. Unemployment Rate: 7% – 8%.
Becoming a journalist
Those who work as journalists get to do what they love every day. While reporters have to persuade actions and events, those who work for news agencies like Reuters or the Associated Press typically use facts to report on accurate accounts of controversial subjects. Some journalists also produce reports on other topics that can be broadcast or published online. This profession is also very flexible because it allows you to work from home, with or without benefits, or in an office with colleagues. Salary Range: $56,000 – $97,000 / year. Unemployment Rate: 8% – 9%.
Becoming a teacher
Teaching is one of the most rewarding jobs you can do. Even if your salary isn’t great, most people who became teachers did so because they love working with children, or helping others to learn. There is also flexibility in this profession because some teachers work at private elementary or high schools, while others teach at colleges. Some professions’ unemployment rates are higher than others, but each offers you the chance to make a positive difference in the world by sharing your wisdom with the next generation. Salary Range: $36,000 – $61,000 / year depending on degree and experience. Unemployment Rate: 4% – 5%.
Becoming a computer and information systems manager
If you’re a geek at heart and love technology, then becoming a computer and information systems manager is for you. Your job will require you to help others in the organization accomplish their goals using IT (information technology) resources. This means helping the CEO run an organization more efficiently by upgrading the network or installing software on devices like computers, smartphones or tablets. You may also work with clients to help them gather data that can be used to make better business decisions. Salary Range: $81,000 – $110,000 / year depending on experience. Unemployment Rate: 8% – 9%.
Becoming a computer scientist
Even if you aren’t the most technically savvy person, the job of computer scientist doesn’t require you to learn how to code. You will still use your knowledge of computers to develop software that expands the capabilities of computers or helps other people work with them to better certain tasks. This can include writing artificial intelligence programs, tracking students’ progress through school and translating scientific reports into other languages. Because this profession has so much opportunity, it may be the best choice for someone who is shy since you probably won’t have many people working with you in an office setting. Salary Range: $78,000 – $140,000 / year depending on experience. Unemployment Rate: 9% – 10%.
Becoming a nurse practitioner
Nurse practitioners are one of the fastest growing occupations in the country. And with good reason, it’s a great way to help others by providing them with medical care on a one-on-one basis. You will work in hospitals or private clinics to diagnose and treat patients before sending them to see an actual doctor. This way you can provide care that is more affordable and accessible than going to an emergency room, or prevent an illness from becoming more severe. Salary Range: $56,000 – $97,000 / year (not including benefits). Unemployment Rate: 7% – 10%.
Becoming a physical therapist
Physical therapists help people who are injured or suffering from an illness to recover from injuries and illnesses. This includes helping them walk, perform and control their bodily functions like breathing, swallowing, coughing and digesting food. You will use your physical knowledge of the body to diagnose why someone is in pain and recommend treatment methods that can improve their health. Salary Range: $95,000 – $205,000 / year depending on experience. Unemployment Rate: 7% – 8%.
Becoming an occupational therapist
Occupational therapists help people who are injured or suffering from an illness to recover and be able to resume their normal daily activities. When someone suffers an injury, you will assess the injuries to determine what’s wrong and provide treatment to prevent further problems. This includes helping the patient learn how to move and perform daily tasks again by properly fitting them with a brace or a special shoe that helps them walk. Salary Range: $85,000 – $146,000 / year depending on experience. Unemployment Rate: 6% – 7%.
Becoming a psychologist
If you love working with people and helping them overcome their problems by listening to them and reflecting on the underlying causes of their issues, then becoming a psychologist may be the perfect occupation for you. You will work with people of all ages, from children to the elderly, to help them feel better about their lives and resolve any underlying issues. Salary Range: $77,000 – $125,000 / year depending on experience. The Unemployment Rate is approximately 8% – 10%.