Just because it's called "work" doesn't mean you can't have fun while earning a hefty paycheck.
Unfortunately, many people think that earning a hefty paycheck means
working a boring job and long hours. Are you one of those people? If so,
we're here to tell you that it's quite possible to have an exciting job
that doesn't make you groan each morning and pays you a great wage.
"There are plenty of careers out there that combine elements of fun
like spontaneity, flexible schedules, and creativity with a high pay,"
says Bruce Hurwitz, president and CEO of Hurwitz Strategic Staffing, a
career counseling and executive recruitment firm.
We took a look at five fun careers that pay a median annual wage of
at least $44,000. Keep reading to find out which jobs offer elements of
excitement, creativity, and spontaneity to your daily grind.
Career #1: PR Specialist
- MedianAnnual Wage*
- $54,170
- Top 10 Percent of Earners*
- $101,030
- Bottom 10 Percent of Earners*
- $30,760
Have you always wanted a career where you get to story tell, connect
with people, and take the stage as the center of attention? If that
sounds like a fun way to earn your paycheck, perhaps you should take a
look at a career as a public relations specialist.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, PR specialists write press
releases and prepare information for the media in order to create and
maintain a favorable public image for their clients.
Why It Pays: "This position pays well, because you
need a number of skills: media savvy, speaking skills, and articulation
on paper. More often than not, an understanding of various software
suites like the Adobe suite [Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign] and
Corel is also needed," says Eddie LaMeire, CEO of LaMeire College
Consulting, a higher education consulting agency.
Additionally, Hurwitz says that PR specialists command a good salary,
because they have the ability to make their clients look good while
saving them money through excellent problem-solving, decision-making,
and crisis management techniques.
Education Options: PR specialists typically need a
bachelor's degree in a field like public relations, journalism,
communications, business, or English, notes the Department of Labor.
Career #2: Graphic Designer
- MedianAnnual Wage
- $44,150
- Top 10 Percent of Earners
- $77,490
- Bottom 10 Percent of Earners
- $26,250
Pretty websites and marketing materials don't just make themselves!
They're produced by the creative minds of graphic designers. In this
career, Bob Hankin, program director of graphic design at Bellevue
University, says the atmosphere, the collaborative nature of design, and
the ability to be ultra-creative at work contribute to the fun factor.
But what do graphic designers actually do on the job?
They meet with clients to determine project scope, create images to
convey brand identity or a message, and present designs to clients or an
art director, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It Pays: Hankin says a graphic designer's
ability to combine type and image within a given space to deliver a
specific message requires an experienced skill set that companies are
willing to pay for.
LaMeire adds that graphic designers are often coveted in the labor market for the simple reason that every business needs one.
Education Options: A bachelor's degree in graphic
design or a related field is usually required, says the Department of
Labor. However, those with a bachelor's degree in another field can
pursue technical training to meet employer qualifications.
Career #3: Software Developer
- MedianAnnual Wage
- $90,060
- Top 10 Percent of Earners
- $138,880
- Bottom 10 Percent of Earners
- $55,190
Maybe you've always had a knack for problem solving or you're
fascinated by what makes a laptop run. If this sounds like you, a career
as a software developer could allow you to inject some fun into your
daily routine and pay you big bucks to head to work.
Hurwitz says that the work is fun, because software developers are
creating something tangible from a bunch of ones and zeros. For example,
think of the popular game Candy Crush - a software developer made that
fun, addictive app for you to enjoy!
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, software developers create
applications that allow people to do a specific task on a computer.
They accomplish this by analyzing users' needs, then designing, testing,
and developing software that fits those needs.
Why It Pays: Everybody needs a programmer who knows
what they're doing, which is why the demand for this profession is even
higher, says LaMeire.
Hurwitz adds that designing software takes a special skill set for
which employers are willing to pay top dollar. "As the healthcare.gov
fiasco proves, not everyone can do it, and it costs a great deal to
clean up the mess of those who cannot. That is why they earn the
salaries that they earn."
Education Options: Usually, software developers have
a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a
related field, plus strong computer-programming skills. Additionally,
the Department of Labor says a degree in math is acceptable.
Career #4: Event Planner
- MedianAnnual Wage
- $45,810
- Top 10 Percent of Earners
- $79,270
- Bottom 10 Percent of Earners
- $26,560
If you ever saw the movie "The Wedding Planner" with Jennifer Lopez
and thought, "Yep, that's my dream job," listen up! A career as a
wedding planner could give you the satisfaction of a steady salary while
keeping you on your toes.
"The fun is in seeing a plan come to fruition on the day or night of the event through organization and planning," says Hurwitz.
And the U.S. Department of Labor says event planners achieve that
plan by meeting with clients to understand the purpose of the event,
plan the scope, inspect places, coordinate event staff, and review event
bills.
Why It Pays: Event planners are given responsibility
for making certain that the final stage of an effort - a product
launch, a fundraising event, or a big meeting - is perfect, says
Hurwitz.
For example, he adds, if the sound system doesn't work at a product
launch, it will reflect poorly on the company. "It has to be
perfect. Event planners are hired to be perfect. That's why they make
good money," Hurwitz says.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Business Program.
Education Options: According to the Department of
Labor, event planning applicants should have at least a bachelor's
degree and work experience in hotels or planning. Some related fields of
study include public relations, communications, business, marketing,
and hospitality management.
Career #5: Marketing Manager
- MedianAnnual Wage
- $119,480
- Top 10 Percent of Earners
- $187,199+
- Bottom 10 Percent of Earners
- $62,650
Whether you realize it or not, you're bombarded with marketing all
day long. How many of those messages actually get through? If you think
you'd like to take a crack at developing a marketing campaign, take a
look at the career of a marketing manager.
Dr. Julia Cronin-Gilmore, marketing professor at Bellevue University,
says a marketing manager's job is fun, because there's something new to
work on each day.
"It's not a repetitive-task job and is filled with deciding what
messages to craft, how an ad or video will look, and what strategy makes
sense plus managing others, such as graphic artists, to create elements
that maintain a brand's consistency," she adds.
Along with planning programs to generate interest in their clients,
marketing managers work with department heads, negotiate ad contracts,
and meet with clients to provide advice on their marketing, according to
the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It Pays: LaMeire says to think of it this way:
As a marketing manager, you're often juggling advertising, public
relations, and media interactions.
"On top of this, marketing managers will be responsible for
developing and implementing the creative vision of any marketing
campaign, and the creation of the 'brand' is something that companies
are willing to pay for," he notes.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Marketing Program.
Education Options: The Department of Labor says a
bachelor's degree is required for most positions, in addition to
relevant work experience. Coursework in business law, economics,
management, accounting, finance, math, and statistics gives candidates
an advantage in pursuing this career. The Department also notes that
many managers are former sales reps, purchasing agents, buyers, or PR
specialists.