So, what are they? Generally speaking, you will find that the majority of these careers reside in the healthcare. This is probably no surprise and makes complete sense due to the education required and the importance of the profession. What if we dig a little deeper and get to the real question? For example, what are the best paying careers within your geographic area? What are the best paying careers with over 20 years experience and not having a four year degree? What are the best paying careers for homemakers returning to the workforce?
Generally, attending medical school is not a realistic option for folks looking to change careers mid stream. So, what is the best alternative? The first step is to identify which career path makes sense related to your skills, experience, location, education and interests.
In any economy, it is important that your expectations are aligned with market realities. In tightening economies, labor costs slide south as the quantity of available talent increases. And, unemployment numbers vary geographically as supply and demand dictate the specific value of a position, and thus determine the best pay careers. If you are serious about learning which of these careers is paying the best in your area, there are many resources to tap the information. You can have conversations with the graduate/career services department at your local college/university and with local chambers of commerce as they typically track statistics similar to this. If you have an economic development authority, they too will have access to this information.
Once you have a good understanding of the best paying careers in your area, you can make an educated decision on the best course of action. Maybe returning to school is works for you. Make sure you do a cost/benefit analysis to ensure the proper return on investment. Consider how much time it will take you to earn the degree, as well as how many years of practical experience may be required to ascend to the peak of the pay scale.
Now, assuming you will make your way to this well paying position, is this career one you expect to be happy and fulfilled in? If not, what are the alternatives where you will be well compensated and satisfied with your career? Most things in life come with a trade-off. For doctors, their trade-offs include years of thorough and intense education, big debt, being on call, high stress and less than and average amount of personal time. What trade-offs are you comfortable with?
When considering a career, money is undoubtedly a factor in your decision. However, there are other equally important variables to consider as well. Job satisfaction, long term success, your expectations for an employer in their values, industry and corporate culture and benefits are just the tip of the iceberg. Simply put, identifying the best paying careers needs to be in context. Every one of us has a special skill set. In the proper environment, each one of us can maximize our earning opportunity. It is up to you to perform your due diligence in determining the best course of action in finding the best paying careers for you, in both dollars and “sense”.
