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How To Switch To An $80K Career

$80K Careers

With such impressive salaries, these careers may be worth pursuing.

By Danielle Blundell
With all the competition in the current job market, it may seem like you should settle for any old low-paying job. But why sell yourself short when there are opportunities out there with better potential?
Not sure where to start? You're in luck. We've compiled a list of job options that have a median annual salary of $80,000 or more. Just keep in mind that reaching these career heights won't happen overnight.
Still interested in learning more? Keep reading for details on six careers with high-pay potential.

Career #1: Applications Software Developer

Median Annual Salary:*
$90,060
Top 10 Percent of Earners:*
$138,880
Bottom 10 Percent of Earners:*
$55,190
Can't put down your laptop or iPhone? A career in software development might be right up your alley.
What They Do: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, these developers are the masterminds behind the software that we use on computers, tablets, smart phones, and more. In addition to designing applications, they also test software to make sure it functions correctly.
Why It Could Pay: Lynn Kindler, a Texas-based career coach, saw software developers making excellent money in her past as a professional recruiter. According to Kindler, this was due to the specialized skills it takes to create software for any given company.
How much you make depends on your level of expertise with various tools and platforms, she says. This knowledge allows someone to take on more responsibility - which is why it's well-rewarded. "Your work can mean a matter of making or breaking a project," Kindler explains.
How to Prepare for the Switch: The Department of Labor says these professionals usually have a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. Math degrees are also acceptable.

Career #2: Medical and Health Services Manager

Median Annual Salary:
$88,580
Top 10 Percent of Earners:
$150,560
Bottom 10 Percent of Earners:
$53,940
With the introduction of Obamacare, the medical industry's gotten even more complex. If you're interested in how to keep things running smoothly, you may want to learn more about the medical and health services management profession.
What They Do: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, planning and coordinating medical and health services is the chief concern of these professionals. Creating schedules, staying up to date on laws and regulations, and controlling finances are also often part of the gig.
Why It Could Pay: The specialized nature of their work requires both knowledge of the health care system and business savvy, says Kindler.
How to Prepare for the Switch: "Prospective medical and health services managers should have a bachelor's degree in health administration," says the Department of Labor. Master's degrees in fields such as health services, business administration, public health, public administration, and long-term care administration are also common.

Career #3: Elementary, Middle, or High School Principal

Median Annual Salary:
$87,760
Top 10 Percent of Earners:
$130,810
Bottom 10 Percent of Earners:
$58,530
If you place a high value on learning and have some teaching experience, you might want to put school principal on your list of careers to consider.
What They Do: Principals might be responsible for everything from overseeing the operation of an entire school to evaluating the efficacy of teachers to meeting with parents to discuss students' behavior, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It Could Pay: Principals often take home high pay, because the position carries the huge responsibility of being a leader, according to Kindler. Principals are responsible for creating an effective environment where students can learn successfully - which is no easy task.
How to Prepare for the Switch: According to the Department of Labor, most schools require principals to have their master's degrees in education administration or leadership. Candidates usually need teaching experience as well.

Career #4: Financial Manager

Median Annual Salary:
$109,740
Top 10 Percent of Earners:
$187,199 or more
Bottom 10 Percent of Earners:
$59,630
If you believe money makes the world go 'round, then you may want to steer your career path toward a role as a financial manager.
What They Do: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, financial managers generate financial reports, strategize long-term financial goals, and look after an organization's financial health.
Why It Could Pay: Financial managers make big money, because they have the right stuff - meaning they know how to interpret the economy and make smart investments - explains Kindler. Additionally, they possess the necessary interpersonal skills to work with clients.
Of course, in order to be successful and well-compensated, she says, candidates will either be exceptionally talented in regards to numbers, people, or ideally, a little bit of both. She adds that personal recommendations and referrals will also factor heavily into how much you earn in this profession. "The more you distinguish yourself by the companies and people you align yourself with, the better," she says.
How to Prepare for the Switch: At minimum, financial managers often need a bachelor's degree - in accounting, business administration, economics, or finance - and five or more years of experience in a related area, says the Department of Labor. The Department also notes that nowadays, many employers want candidates to have a master's degree in business administration, economics, or finance.

Career #5: Human Resources Manager

Median Annual Salary:
$99,720
Top 10 Percent of Earners:
$173,140
Bottom 10 Percent of Earners:
$59,020
If you're a people-person and feel comfortable speaking with almost anyone, a career in human resources management might be a good fit for you.
What They Do: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, human resources managers typically serve as a link between an organization's employees and management team, mediating conflicts and hiring new staff.
Why It Could Pay: For Kindler, it's a combination of education, people skills, and prior management experience. Things can get tense when your main task is handling a company's most important, and often most volatile, asset - its employees.
She adds that taking on more responsibility regarding legal issues in the workplace, such as the immigration status of employees or employee disputes, could help you reach the high-pay potential of this career.
How to Prepare for the Switch: Several years of related work experience and a bachelor's degree in human resources or business administration is needed, says the Department of Labor. For some higher-level positions, a master's degree in human resources, business administration, or labor relations is required, says the Department.

Career #6: Nurse Practitioner

Median Annual Salary:
$89,960
Top 10 Percent of Earners:
$120,500
Bottom 10 Percent of Earners:
$64,100
If you want to make a career out of helping people, you may want to look into the profession of nurse practitioner.
What They Do: Responsibilities vary by state, but these practitioners might be responsible for performing physical exams, diagnosing health problems, and prescribing medications, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It Could Pay: According to Nicholas Dillon, a Wisconsin-based professional career and life coach, the field of nursing requires expertise that commands higher salaries. Practitioners, according to the Department of Labor, also need specialized graduate education, which can also drive salaries for this position up.
How to Prepare for the Switch: The Department says nurse practitioners must earn at least a master's degree from an accredited program. However, they also note that they must first be a licensed registered nurse. And what's the path for an RN licensure? According to the Department, nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination and graduate from an approved nursing programs. RNs usually pursue a diploma from an approved nursing program, an associate's in nursing, or a bachelor's in nursing. 

High-Paying Careers for Your Personality Type

High-Pay Jobs For Your Personality

Feel like you're at the wrong job? Then check out some high-pay careers that could be a better fit for your personality.

By Terence Loose
Do you feel like you're stuck in the wrong job? You may be left wondering what careers would suit your personality better. Well, you don't have to figure it all out on your own. You can look to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) assessment test for some guidance.
This test is commonly used to divine whether a person is, for instance, more introverted or extroverted or whether someone makes decisions based more on feeling or logic. The MBTI outlines 16 distinct personality types, specified through a series of letters that correspond to personality traits. For example, "E" is for extrovert, or "I" is for introvert.
Many professionals use the test as a tool to guide them toward the right career choice for their particular personality. If you are taking the test for that purpose, then you may want to take it through a professional and certified administrator, says Dr. Suzanne Anthony, a practicing clinical psychologist.
extrovertextrovertMatching your personality type up with a career that requires that type's strengths can help you succeed and enjoy your work more, says Anthony.
However, she says there is not a direct correspondence between a personality type and a specific career. "There may be several personality types that could lend themselves to a given career and each personality type may be a good fit for several different professions," she says.
But Anthony was kind enough to match some personality types to some specific well-paying careers. So keep reading to see if your personality might extrovertbe fit to pursue one of these professions.

Career #1: Psychologist

Median Annual Salary:*
$67,650
Top 10 Percent of Earners:
$109,340
Bottom 10 Percent of Earners:
$38,450
Are you highly attuned to the emotions and needs of others? Are you sociable, but also good at providing leadership? Those are just a few traits The Myers & Briggs Foundation says are indicative of an ENFJ, and which Anthony says would be a good match for the career of psychologist.
About the Career: There are various types of psychologists, says the U.S. Department of Labor. Some assess and treat people for emotional or behavioral problems, while others help people deal with problems at home or work.
Why It Could be a Good Match: Anthony says ENFJs - extroverts who use intuition - may make good psychologists, because they possess the following traits: extremely good people skills, loyalty and honesty, and strong organizational abilities. "In addition, ENFJ's generally are highly attuned to the emotions, needs and motivations of others, and can act as a catalyst for growth and change," she says.
How to Get Started: The education needs for different psychologists vary, from master's degrees in psychology for school and industrial-organizational psychologists to Ph.D.s in psychology for clinical, counseling, and research psychologists, says the Department of Labor.

Career #2: Human Resources Manager

Median Annual Salary:*
$99,720
Top 10 Percent of Earners:
$173,140
Botton 10 Percent of Earners:
$59,020
Are you extroverted, with a good intuition combined with the desire to make decisions based on logic and consistency? You may be an ENTP, which is a good fit for the career of human resources manager, says Anthony.
About the Career: Human resources managers often recruit, interview, and hire new staff, as well as serve as the liaison between management and staff, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It Could be a Good Match: "Some of the traits of the ENTP personality type would lend itself well to a human resources manager, such as outstanding communication skills, ability to solve problems, excellent people skills, and the capacity to read other people," says Anthony.
How to Get Started: Human resources managers usually need a bachelor's degree in human resources or business administration, says the Department of Labor.

Career #3: Software Developer

Median Annual Salary:*
$90,060
Top 10 Percent of Earners:
$138,880
Bottom 10 Percent of Earners:
$55,190.
Perhaps you’re a bit of an introvert, who enjoys organizing facts according to logic, along with solving complex problems, always staying open to new options. You could be an ISTP, a personality type that lends itself well to this career, says Anthony.
About the Career: Software developers are those creative types who design all those cool computer applications we love to use on our laptops, smart phones, and other computing devices, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It Could be a Good Match: "The ISTPs are described as tolerant and flexible observers who are interested in how and why things work. They generally have a superb ability to apply logic and reason and are able to ‘troubleshoot.' I think these traits would work well in the career of a software developer," says Anthony.
How to Get Started: According to the Department of Labor, software developers usually have a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. A degree in mathematics may also be accepted, adds the Department.

Career #4: Event Planner

Median Annual Salary:*
$45,810
Top 10 Percent of Earners:
$79,270
Bottom 10 Percent of Earners:
$26,500
If you’re an extrovert who is bored by dry theories but loves acting energetically to solve problems, learn best by doing, and are considered spontaneous, you may be an ESTP personality type. You may also be a perfect fit for the career of events planner, says Anthony.
About the Career: Meeting, convention, and event planners coordinate every facet of occasions ranging from weddings and large parties, to business meetings and conventions, notes the U.S. Department of Labor. 
Why It Could be a Good Match: "Someone who has an ESTP type might make a good events planner due to the traits usually associated with this personality: flexible, adaptable and tolerant; action-oriented and resourceful; focused on results; and fast-paced and energetic," says Anthony.
How to Get Started: Many employers prefer applicants with a bachelor's degree and work experience in hotels or planning, notes the Department of Labor. These workers often come from a variety of academic fields, such as business, public relations, communications, and marketing.

Career #5: Engineer

Median Annual Salary:*
$80,580
Top 10 Percent of Earners:
$121,530
Bottom 10 Percent of Earners:
$52,030
If you're introverted, but also have an innate ability to see patterns in the external world, and possess a great drive to accomplish your goals, you could be an INTJ. You could also be a natural born engineer, says Anthony.
About the Career: There are of course many kinds of engineers, from civil to petroleum. One of the broadest engineering disciplines, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, is that of mechanical engineer. These professionals design, build, and test mechanical devices.
Why It Could be a Good Match: "Being able to absorb extremely complex material, logic and rational thought, creativity, innovation, and resourcefulness are all traits typically held by the INTJ personality type, and are traits that would be beneficial to an engineer," says Anthony.
How to Get Started: The Department of Labor says that virtually every entry-level mechanical engineering position requires a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology.

Career #6: Police Officer

Median Annual Salary:*
$55,270
Top 10 Percent of Earners:
$89,310
Bottom 10 Percent of Earners:
$32,350
If you’re an extrovert who is practical and forceful in implementing your plans, as well as seeing yourself as a guardian, you might be an ESTJ, which Anthony says sets you up nicely to pursue a career as a police officer.
About the Career: "Police officers protect lives and property," says the U.S. Department of Labor. Their duties include patrolling neighborhoods, arresting suspects, and, yes, filling out paperwork. Why It Could be a Good Match: "Sometimes called ‘The Guardian' personality type, the ESTJ would be a good fit for the responsibilities of a police officer. This personality type includes descriptors such as: decisive and quick to implement decisions; loyal and honest; follows a clear set of standards and beliefs by which they live; enjoy creating structure and order; and value security and tradition," says Anthony.
How to Get Started: Police officer applicants must have at least a high school diploma (or GED), but many departments and agencies require college coursework or a college degree, says the Department of Labor. Applicants must also graduate from their agency's training academy.

Careers that Could Make - or Break - Shy People

Source: Yahoo
Jobs For Shy People

These careers could be a perfect fit - or total nightmare - for your personality.

By Danielle Blundell
A career in the spotlight might sound glamorous to some, but not if you're the shy, quiet type. The good news is there are plenty of occupations out there that speak to the strong, silent type.
If you're shy, you probably want to steer clear of any career that requires working a lot with people, such as sales, recruiting, and training, according to Chrissy Scivicque, a Colorado-based certified career coach and founder of the career coaching and consulting company Eat Your Career. The career that's best-suited for you will depend on where you fall on the spectrum of shyness, she says. For example, some people might be comfortable with people - just not large groups of them.
We know identifying shy-friendly careers isn't exactly cut and dry. So, keep reading for a rundown on some career matches and mismatches for shy types.

Good Careers for Shy People

Career #1: Accountant

Find Degree Programs If you're good at math and analytical thinking, accounting might be a good career option for you.
Why It Could Be a Good Fit: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, they do everything from paying taxes to organizing and maintaining financial records. "There's analysis, deep intense thought, and complex calculations, all which would suit a shy type," says Scivicque. Why? Well, a lot of this activity, Scivicque explains, will take place in the comfort of your own office or cubicle.
One thing to keep in mind: Per the Department of Labor, accountants do have to meet with managers and clients to explain their findings. So make sure you're comfortable with this type of interaction.
Click to Find the Right Accounting Program.
How to Prepare: Most accountant positions require at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field, with some employers preferring those with a master's degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting, says the Department.

Career #2: Computer Programmer

Find Degree Programs If you're a techie with a shy personality, this career could be a good fit for you.
Why It Could Be a Good Fit: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, computer programmers spend their time fixing bugs in existing computer software and writing new programs. Some also telecommute.
"Programming as a job is technical, and the work tends to be sitting at a computer and dealing with data and information," Scivicque says. Of course, she also notes that those who really excel in this field must be able to work with clients and collaborate with other programmers on team projects.
Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.
Education Options: According to the Department, most computer programmers have a bachelor's degree, although, in some cases, employers may hire candidates with associate's degree. Either way, most of these professionals have a degree in computer science or related field.

Career #3: Medical Records and Health Information Technicians

Find Degree Programs If you're interested in the field of health care but don't necessarily want to interact with patients, a behind-the-scenes role as a medical records and health information technician might be more your style.
Why It Could Be a Good Fit: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, these techs are involved with organizing and managing patient medical records. "It's all about interacting with data rather than the patients directly," says Scivicque. And while it's true that part of your job will include working with health care professionals and physicians, that's still probably far fewer strangers in the grand scheme of things.
Click to Find the Right Health Information Technology Program.
Education Options: According to the Department of Labor, to pursue a career as a medical records and health information technician, you'll typically need a postsecondary certificate, although you may have an associate's degree. Many employers also require candidates to have professional certification.

Career #4: Paralegal

Find Degree Programs Fascinated by the legal system but know you couldn't get up and argue in front of a judge and jury? A career as a paralegal could be a nice alternative.
Why It Could Be a Good Fit: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the role involves researching cases and digging deep for information for lawyers. Unlike a lawyer, a paralegal has the opportunity to do legal work without the element of public speaking, says Scivicque. However, she does mention that you should be able to interact with "type-A lawyers" who may have different personalities than you.
The key to success in this career, she says, is putting in the effort to find the right firm where you feel comfortable.
Click to Find the Right Paralegal Studies Program.
Education Options: You have a few options if you want to pursue this career. One, according to the Department of Labor, is earning an associate's in paralegal studies. For those with a bachelor's in another field, another path is getting a certificate in paralegal studies.

Career #5: Market Research Analyst

Find Degree Programs Ever wondered why certain products, brands, and services succeed while others don't? Then you might be interested in pursuing a position as a market research analyst.
Why It Could Be a Good Fit: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, these analysts spend a lot of time monitoring trends and gathering data about consumers, competitors, and market conditions.
According to Scivicque, the position of a market research analyst is probably the only job for a shy person in the marketing field. She suggests looking for a position where you are analyzing findings rather than directly conducting research or running focus groups.
Click to Find the Right Business Program.
Education Options: The Department of Labor says you typically will need a bachelor's degree in market research or a related field. However, many may have a degree in fields like statistics, math, or computer science. Others may have a background in business administration, communications, or one of the social sciences. For leadership roles or more technical positions, says the Department of Labor, employers often require master's degrees.

Bad Careers for Shy People

Career #1: Lawyer

You might enjoy watching lawyers question witnesses on "Law and Order," but you'd have to be pretty comfortable with getting up in front of a large group to interrogate a witness.
Why It Might Be a Bad Fit: This kind of attention might make you uncomfortable if you're on the shy side, as would a few of these other job tasks noted by the U.S. Department of Labor: representing clients before government agencies, arguing on their behalf, and presenting evidence in courts.
According to Scivicque, a career as a lawyer is probably not a good fit for the strong, silent type. "Lawyers tend to be type-A, so you have to be aggressive and assertive about your ideas and opinions and comfortable expressing and promoting them," she says.

Career #2: Correspondent

You see these frontline journalists on the news in war zones, special events, and live on the scene as stories develop. Sound like the career for you? Not so fast...They spend the better part of each day interviewing people and gleaning information for stories, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It Might Be a Bad Fit: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, correspondents spend the better part of each day interviewing information to glean information for their stories. "You've got to make connections, find sources, and have those bond-building skills to rely on people for information as a correspondent," says Scivicque. "That could be intimidating for someone who's shy."

Career #3: Marketing Manager

Regularly working with people is par for the course as a marketing manager, which might not be the best fit for a shy personality that likes quiet time and solitary work.
Why It Might Be a Bad Fit: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, these managers interact with department heads and other staff to make decisions about contracts and advertising for different products.
"Marketing in general is a social field, but when you're talking about management, your number one role is managing people," Scivicque says. "And that's highly social, interactive work."

Career #4: School Principal

Maybe you loved elementary school - especially silent reading time. But how would you fare at the helm of a school as the chief decision maker? Perhaps not so well if you're on the reserved side.
Why It Might Be a Bad Fit:  The U.S. Department of Labor says principals are responsible for supervising teachers, disciplining students, meeting with parents, and advocating for the school. Sounds pretty social. "Being a school principal is far too people-oriented for someone shy," says Scivicque. "If you think of a school as a business, the principal is like the CEO or a high-level manager."

Career #5: Personal Financial Advisor

Do you like telling people what to do and offering your opinion every chance you get? Didn't think so. As a shy person, you may be a little more reserved when it comes to making recommendations. So it may be best to steer clear of a career as a personal financial advisor.
Why It Might Be a Bad Fit: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, this kind of advising entails recommending how people should invest their money with the goal of making more of it.
For Scivicque, being a personal financial advisor sounds a little too people-oriented for a shy person, particularly if you're responsible for drumming up new business. "If going out and getting new clients is a big part of what you do, that could be a struggle for someone shy," she says.