Best Careers for Empty Nesters

Source: Yahoo

After their children move out of the house, empty nesters might want to consider going back to school to pursue a new career...

By Tony Moton

At some point, parents must face the inevitable: Their children will grow up, leave home, and start lives of their own.
But that's not necessarily a bad thing. "Time and energy that you directed toward your child can now be spent on different areas of your life," says the Psychology Today website.
In fact, this might present "an opportune time to explore or return to hobbies, leisure activities, or career pursuits," notes Psychology Today.
Think some career exploration could be just what the doctor ordered for your "empty nest" syndrome? Check out these seven career options now.

Career #1: Personal Financial Advisor

Instead of counting how much time is on your hands now that your kids have flown the coop, you might want to turn your efforts toward pursuing a career as a personal financial advisor.
These advisors typically spend their days meeting with clients to discuss financial goals, recommending investments and helping clients plan for retirement, notes the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why it's a good fit: According to Laurence Shatkin, co-author of the book "225 Best Jobs for Baby Boomers," empty nesters working as financial advisors might have an advantage when dealing with older clients.
"Your clientele tends to be an older group with money, and that group is trusting with someone that age instead of a (younger) whipper-snapper," Shatkin says. "Because of the trust favor, they might favor older workers."
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Education options: If this sounds like a career you'd be interested in pursuing, consider filling your newly acquired free time by going back to school. According to the Department of Labor, you can prep for a career as a personal financial advisor by earning a degree in accounting, economics, finance, mathematics, or business. And if you are already an advisor looking to advance into a management position, a master's degree in business administration or finance could help.

Career #2: K-12 Teacher

Interested in a career that could extend your involvement with mentoring young people? If so, teaching students somewhere at the kindergarten through high school level could be a satisfying career option for an empty nester.
As a teacher, your duties could include devising lesson plans, grading assignments, and working with individual students to improve their learning capabilities, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why it's a good fit: Shatkin says teaching is an ideal career choice for empty nesters who still feel energetic enough to help children learn and grow.
"It might be draining on an older worker, but there are some variations," says Shatkin. "You can do this as a substitute teacher if you do not want to work full time, which might not be an energy drain."
And if you have expertise in a particular area of study, this career could be an even better fit. In fact, some middle school and high school teachers might focus on single subjects, such as history or biology, according to the Department of Labor.
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Education options: If you already have a bachelor's degree, you're off to a good start! According to the Department, all states provide an alternative certification program to earn a teaching certificate. Don't have a bachelor's? Look into earning a bachelor's in elementary education.

Career #3: Health Care Administrator

In this management role, you could find yourself in charge of directing and coordinating the daily operations of various types of health care facilities, clinical areas, or departments, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why it's a good fit: For empty nesters with medical backgrounds or an interest in the management side of the health field, pursuing a career as a health care administrator might be a step in the right direction, Shatkin says.
"Nurses often go into administration after they have experienced some achievement as a nurse, but [administration] isn't for everybody," Shatkin says. "You need to have some quantitative skills and interpersonal skills to be a successful manager."
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Education options: Looking to use your past work experience in this health-related field? If you already have your bachelor's degree, consider earning one of these master's degrees: public administration, long-term care administration, public health, or health services. According to the Department of Labor, master's in these areas are common among medical and health services managers.

Career #4: Public Relations Specialist

Did you stress the importance of good communication, such as reading and writing, with your children? As a public relations (PR) specialist, you could practice good communication skills in a business setting.
In terms of job responsibilities, PR specialists might write press releases, help clients communicate with the public, and develop fundraising strategies for organizations, notes the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why it's a good fit: Are you an empty nester who wants to exercise your speaking and writing skills? Shatkin says that you can do just that as a PR specialist.
"Good writing ability is very important for PR specialists, and this is a skill that some more mature workers may have developed," Shatkin says.
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Education options: Interested in spending your extra time working in the communications field? If you already have a bachelor's degree, you could put your communication skills to use as a PR specialist. Don't have one? Keep in mind that employers typically look for candidates who have studied public relations, communications, English, journalism, or business, according to the Department of Labor.

Career #5: Human Resources Specialist

If you're an empty nester with some experience working in a business or corporate setting, consider pursuing a career as a human resources specialist.
In this people-oriented position, human resources specialists typically interview job applicants, hire potential employees, and conduct orientation programs, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why it's a good fit: Adults who have been around the block, so to speak, could find working as a human resources specialist to be a suitable career option. Why? Because previous job experience can help specialists understand the qualification needs of new employees, according to Shatkin.
"If you work in an industry for a while, you are going to know who is successful, their backgrounds, and the personality types who might do well in that particular industry or job you would be hiring for," Shatkin says. "That's why a seasoned worker might be good in that position."
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Education options: Looking to put your past business skills to work in a new career? If so, note that HR specialists need at least a bachelor's degree. In fact, "most employers prefer applicants who have a bachelor's degree in human resources, business, or a related field," according to the Department of Labor.

Career #6: Computer Systems Analyst

Are you an empty nester who knows a thing or two about computers and likes keeping up with technological developments? You might want to consider pursuing a career as a computer systems analyst.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, these analysts typically play a key role in an organization's information technology (IT) system. Common duties could include developing new ways to improve a computer system's efficiency or researching emerging technologies that could replace a system's old ones.
Why it's a good fit: In spite of their advanced years, Shatkin says that empty nesters can be quite capable of handling work as a computer systems analyst.
"It's a job they certainly can do," Shatkin says. "People think of it as a technology job, but it's really about understanding how information is being used and making raw information available to the end user."
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Education options: Ready to brush up your computer skills to prep for this tech-related field? In this type of role, a bachelor's degree in computer or information science field is a common credential, according to the Department of Labor. And for more technically complex positions, a master's degree in computer science may be needed.

Career #7: Management Consultant

Want to put your problem-solving skills to good use? If so, a career as a management consultant could be a good fit for your later-in-life career.
In the business world, these consultants generally gather information about problems, develop solutions, and make recommendations for changes to management, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why it's a good fit: If you're an empty nester with experience in a particular area of business, this could be a good career option for you.
In fact, organizations specializing in certain areas - like management or human resources - typically look for candidates with that type of work experience, notes the Department of Labor.
On top of that, Shatkin says consultants often find themselves traveling to meet clients, which "might appeal to empty nesters who have more freedom when the kids are not around."
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Education options: Looking to use your work experience in a business role? According to the Department, if you already have a bachelor's degree, note that some employers prefer to hire applicants with a master's degree in business administration. And keep in mind that other common areas of study include business, accounting, management, marketing, and economics.

Seven Careers That Are Sweeping The Nation

Source. Yahoo

If you're looking to switch gears professionally, these seven hot careers are thriving.

By Lia Sestric

Let's face it: No one wants to be stuck in a lifeless, dead-end job. But if the outlook is grim in your chosen field, it might be time to move on. The good news? You aren't alone.
In fact, more than one-third of the U.S. labor force changes jobs every year, according to a study by the Georgetown University's Center for Workforce and Education titled "Help Wanted: Postsecondary Education and Training Required."
But before you shift your career focus, you might want to have a sense of which fields are thriving and adding jobs. So keep reading to learn about seven hot careers that are more than just a passing fad.

Career #1: Registered Nurse

If you want to help others and you're looking for a smoking hot career, nursing might just give you the best of both worlds.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care. They also educate patients about various health conditions while providing them emotional support.
Hot Factors: The Department of Labor says employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 26 percent from 2010 to 2020. Doesn't sound like much? In this massive career field, 26 percent translates to over 700,000 jobs.
But where are all the jobs coming from? "With ACA (Affordable Care Act) we seem to have figured out a way to extend health-care coverage to a larger number of citizens," says Laurence Shatkin, career expert and author of "200 Best Jobs for Renewing America." "The reason this bodes well for nurses and not just doctors is that the effort to contain health care costs is shifting more health care duties to people with lower-level degrees."
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Education Requirements: The Department says there are a few different paths to pursue the career of registered nurse: Earn a bachelor's degree in nursing, an associate's degree in nursing, or a diploma from an approved nursing program. Nurses must also pass a national licensing examination.

Career #2: Market Research Analyst

Do people always comment that you're over-analyzing or reading into things too deeply? The red hot career of market research analyst might be a great place for you to exercise those traits.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, market research analysts study market conditions and examine potential sales of a product or service. They help companies understand what products consumers want, who will buy these products, and predict what they'll pay for them. Sounds like it also involves a lot of chin rubbing, doesn't it?
Hot Factors: The Department of Labor projects careers in market research analysis to grow an impressive 41 percent from 2010 to 2020 - a total of 116,600 new positions.
What's driving all this growth? Data. "The sheer quantity of available data on consumers keeps exploding, thanks to Web surfing, customer loyalty programs, and in-store tracking of shoppers, among other data sources," says Shatkin.
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Education Requirements: Market research analysts need strong analytical and math skills and at least a bachelor's degree in market research or a related field, notes the Department. Quite a few have degrees in math, computer science, or statistics, while others have backgrounds in business administration, communications, or one of the social sciences. Top research positions often require a master's degree, adds the Department.

Career #3: Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners

Wouldn't it be nice to throw a party at someone else's expense? Look into the hot career of event planner, and you might like what you see.
Meeting, convention, and event planners arrange all aspects of professional meetings and events, says the U.S. Department of Labor. This means planning every detail, from the location of the event, to the transportation for guests.
Hot Factors: The Department of Labor projects careers for meeting, convention, and event planners to grow by 44 percent from 2010 to 2020. That means the field could add 31,300 jobs - up from just 71,600 in 2010.
Shatkin says the growth could be caused by higher expectations for conferences and events. "Some of this happened because technology needs at meetings have become more complex. But also the increases in travel and in adventurous dining have caused conference-goers to be more interested in exotic locales and food choices that go beyond everyday fare," says Shatkin.
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Education Requirements: Does this career sound like a party? If you want to qualify for a job as a meeting, convention, or event planner, the Department says you should at least have a bachelor's degree and some related work experience in planning or hotels. Those who have a degree in hospitality management could start a career as a planner with more responsibility. The Department says that other related undergraduate majors may include marketing, communications, business, and public relations.

Career #4: Home Health and Personal Care Aides

Do you enjoy helping people or caring for elderly family members? You may want to steer your natural compassion toward a career as a home health or personal care aide, a field that is heating up across the country.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, home health and personal care aides help older adults or people who are chronically ill, disabled, or cognitively impaired execute day-to-day activities like bathing or light housekeeping.
Hot Factors: The Department of Labor says employment of home health and personal care aides is projected to grow by a staggering 70 percent from 2010 to 2020, resulting in a total increase of 1.3 million professionals.
Why such impressive growth? There is a huge cohort of baby boomers reaching the age of care, says Shatkin. Plus, he says, the preceding generation is already well into that age.
Shatkin also identifies a shift in how elderly care is performed today. "The practice has been to move toward caring for people at home as much as possible, partly to contain health care costs and partly because the outcomes are better when people are in their familiar environment," he says.
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Education Requirements: If you're interested in pursuing a career as a home health or personal care aide, here's some great news: According to the Department, there are no formal education requirements for this profession. However, most aides have a high school diploma and those working in home health or hospice agencies must have "formal training and pass a standardized test."

Career #5: Veterinarian Technologist and Technician

Would you find your career rewarding if it gave you the opportunity to save an animal's life? If so, you'll be happy to hear that your animal loving ways could find a home in the booming career of veterinary technologists and technicians.
Veterinary technologists and technicians work under the supervision of a veterinarian, performing medical tests in a private clinic, testing laboratory, or animal hospital, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. But be warned that this career could test the limits of your compassion. The Department of Labor notes that it can be physically and emotionally demanding.
Hot Factors: Employment of veterinary technologists and technicians are projected to grow 52 percent from 2010 to 2020, says the Department, with excellent job opportunities in rural areas. This means 41,700 jobs could be added, which isn't bad considering the field started with only 80,000 in 2010. 
Why such a surge? Shatkin says it's simple: "People increasingly view their pets as part of the family and therefore are willing to pay for more extensive medical testing than used to be the norm."
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Education Requirements: The Department says veterinary technologists and technicians must have postsecondary education in veterinary technology, take a credentialing exam, and, depending on state requirements, be licensed, registered, or certified. Technologists typically enter the field after a four-year program, while technicians can enter after a two-year program.

Career #6: Biomedical Engineer

Are you ready for a cutting-edge career where the research you do one day could lead to a breakthrough medical invention the next day? Pursue the hot career of biomedical engineer, and you could be the creative mind driving important innovation in the health care field.
Biomedical engineers design systems and products, from artificial organs to rehabilitative exercise equipment, says the U.S. Department of Labor. They might work at hospitals, universities, or even manufacturing facilities.
Hot Factors: The Department of Labor says employment of biomedical engineers will grow by 62 percent from 2010 to 2020, for a total of 9,700 jobs. That may not sound like much - until you consider that the field started with only 15,700 jobs in 2010.
Jiro Nagatomi, a faculty member in Clemson University's bioengineering department, sees a relatively simple cause for demand in the field: "There is always the need for better technology for health care and medicine," he says. "The aging population has increased the demand for better medical devices and equipment, [which] requires people to make it."
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Education Requirements: Typically, biomedical engineers need a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering from a program accredited by the ABET (formerly the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology), notes the Department. If you have a bachelor's degree in a different field of engineering, the Department says you could get a graduate degree or on-the-job training in biomedical engineering.

Career #7: Software Developer

Take a minute to consider the number of electronics you use on a daily basis. Guess what? All those gadgets you have at arm's length use software to run, which, in turn, requires software developers to create it. Hot enough for you?
More specifically, the U.S. Department of Labor says software developers create the applications on a computer or other device. They also "develop the underlying systems that run the devices or control networks."
Hot Factors: The Department of Labor projects that software developers should see 30 percent growth across the field from 2010 to 2020. That's a total of 270,900 new jobs.
Again, what's driving this growth is pretty straightforward. "You can't escape the 24/7/365 fact that we live in a world dominated by hardware that needs software to work," says Charley Polachi, founder and partner of Polachi Access Executive Search, a technology and venture capital recruiting firm. And Polachi points out that this demand could pay off in other ways for software developers. "Huge demand with limited supply means pricing/wages go up - it's basic economics 101!"
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Education Requirements: If you're interested in preparing to pursue a career as a software developer, listen up. The Department says software developers usually have a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. They also have strong computer-programming skills.

Flexible Degrees You Can Earn At Your Kitchen Table

Source: Yahoo

Want to put your career on track, but need to go back to school to do it? Why not earn a degree online and carry on with your busy life at the same time?

By Christy Clark

If you want to advance your career or are looking to get back into the job market, hitting the books might be the path to realizing your dreams.
And a flexible online degree program might be just the thing to help you realize your educational goals despite hectic work or family obligations.
What's more, some online programs could even offer unexpected benefits. For instance, faculty in any well-developed online program could provide the latest developments in their field, says Brian Cameron, professor in the College of Information Sciences and executive director at the Center for Enterprise Architecture and Technology at Pennsylvania State University.
Just keep in mind that while it may sound like the perfect way to go to school, studying from the comfort of your home isn't for everyone; it takes hard work and a lot of discipline.
Still interested? If you're ready to make an effort toward advancing your education, here are five flexible online degree programs to earn from home that education experts say offer great benefits.

Online Degree #1: Business Administration

Want to play an active role in the recovering economy? Why not channel your enthusiasm into pursuing a degree in business online, where you'll learn a wide range of business skills and study the issues affecting today's business climate - all on your own schedule.
How It Works Online: In addition to traditional lectures, online business courses often use experimentation and active learning to teach material, says Debra Barger, dean of the Center for Regional and Continuing Education at California State University, Chico.
For example, students might use online gaming to explore different simulations of business situations so various outcomes can be assessed, says Barger.
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Potential Careers: If you get excited about stocks and bonds, a degree in business administration might help you pursue a career as a financial analyst. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, many financial analyst positions require a bachelor's degree in a related field, which includes business administration, finance, and accounting, to name a few.
And as a financial analyst, you'd be doing a lot more than passing along stock tips, as the Department of Labor explains that these financial professionals offer direction to businesses and individuals making investment decisions.

Online Degree #2: Computer and Information Technology

Are you the go-to computer and technical guru with your friends and family? Then you may want to consider pursuing a computer and information technology degree online, so you can solve the technical problems faced by small and large companies.
How It Works Online: Online courses in computer and information technology offer practical and hands-on knowledge, which is especially attractive to working professionals who may be eager to apply knowledge directly to their current job, according to Cameron.
What kind of practical knowledge? In these online classes, case studies often focus on problems students face at work and discussions center around how the student might handle a real world experience, says Cameron.
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Potential Careers: If you would like to pursue a career as a network and computer systems administrator, consider what the U.S. Department of Labor has to say: "A bachelor's degree in fields related to computer or information science is most common." As a network and computer systems administrator, you would be tasked with running the computer networks for a company, which could entail setting up and providing daily support for local area networks, intranets, or wide area networks, says the Department of Labor.

Online Degree #3: Criminal Justice

Are you fascinated by criminal behavior and the justice system but too slammed by the injustices of your current employers to ever pursue such an interest? Why not earn a degree in criminal justice online and get an insider's view of how law enforcement agencies operate - all from the comfort of your La-Z-Boy?
How It Works Online: Online students in criminal justice programs often bring life and work experience to their courses, according to Shaun Gabbidon, distinguished professor of criminal justice at Penn State University in Harrisburg.
And if you want to learn about social order and public safety at the local, state, national, and international levels, then an online program in criminal justice might be what you're looking for. At Penn State, notes Gabbidon as an example, "we have students from all over the world. As such, our online program has a more national and international discourse."
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Potential Careers: With a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, you could be prepped to pursue a career as a probation officer. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, "A bachelor's degree in social work, criminal justice, psychology, or a related field is usually required."
Probation officers help rehabilitate offenders in order to keep them from committing more crimes, says the Department of Labor. They do this by holding meetings with offenders and their families, setting up treatment plans, and monitoring their progress.

Online Degree #4: Nursing

Do you find that despite a busy schedule and full life, you most value the moments when you teach, strengthen, and help others? If so, pursuing an online degree in nursing might provide you with fulfilling opportunities.
How It Works Online: If you already have experience in a clinical setting, an online nursing program may give you the opportunity to demonstrate and get credit for your competencies, says Barger.
Another advantage? Global reach. For example, online programs and certificates allow rural and international students to keep up with advancing technology, growth in science and medicine, and changing health care regulations, which is necessary to effectively function in the complex health care settings of today, says Madeline Fulcher Mattern, coordinator of outreach programs at the Penn State School of Nursing.
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Potential Careers: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, a bachelor's in nursing is one avenue for pursuing a career as a registered nurse. The other two paths involve either an associate's in nursing or a diploma from an approved program, notes the Department of Labor. Registered nurses are also required to be licensed.
Registered nurses work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, physicians' offices, and patients' homes. They provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients, and provide advice and emotional support, says the Department.

Online Degree #5: Public Administration

Are you drawn to opportunities to making a positive difference in society, but feel you never have the time to pursue them? If you'd like to help transform your world for the better, you might start by earning a bachelor's degree in public administration online.
How It Works Online: A well-designed online public administration program will build its coursework around a very diverse learning environment, says Jeremy Plant, professor of public policy and administration at the School of Public Affairs at Penn State University, Harrisburg.
Why is a diverse learning environment so essential? Online courses in public administration often emphasize a social learning community, where students have ample opportunity to participate in group projects that allow them to interact with, form relationships, and learn from the varied experiences of peers in their program, says Plant.
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Related or Potential Careers: Ready to make a difference in your community? Consider pursuing a career as a social and community service manager, one of the potential careers with a bachelor's degree in public administration. A bachelor's degree in social work, public administration, urban studies, or a related field is typically a minimum requirement for this career, the Department of Labor notes.
Social and community service managers coordinate and supervise social service programs at organizations that may work with a wide variety of populations, such as homeless people, children, or veterans, the Department says.