The new office etiquette: Rules for today's workplace

Shannon Lee, OnlineDegrees.com

Gone are the days when office etiquette was clearly defined. In today's relaxed professional environment, conduct is more casual, which means it's often difficult to know what is OK and what isn't. Fortunately, some rules of workplace etiquette are universal.
These 12 tips can help you adjust to a new office or clean up your behavior in a place you've worked for years.
1. Avoid social media. Unless your job requires you to peruse social networking sites all day, avoid them while you're on the clock. Though surfing Facebook or Twitter might be tempting, it can be detrimental to your work performance and productivity, not to mention the way your boss perceives your enthusiasm -- or lack thereof -- for your job.
2. Take that phone call elsewhere. Everyone has a cellphone these days, so getting personal calls at work is pretty much unavoidable. But don't assume that just because your phone rings, it's OK to take it right there at your desk. If you get a personal call, excuse yourself and answer it in private. The last thing you want to do is air your personal business.
3. Gossip: The big no-no. Who hasn't been tempted to speculate on the lives of their co-workers? It's especially tempting when everyone else in the office is doing it. But remember that gossip says more about you than it does about the person you're discussing. Don't talk about others, and keep your personal life private to discourage water-cooler talk about you.
4. Keep emails formal. Email seems pretty casual, doesn't it? It isn't like correspondence on letterhead that requires careful composition and proofreading -- right? Contrary to popular belief, work emails should be held to the same formal standards that you would hold any other office correspondence. So toss the slang, get the punctuation right and proofread before you hit send.
5. Watch your language. No matter how comfortable you are with your co-workers, or how casual your office may seem, blurting out a curse word can get you noticed for all the wrong reasons. You don't want that accidental f-bomb to overshadow your work, so keep the language clean.
6. Stay tuned in to the world around you. Want to plug in your headphones and jam while you finish that report? Go ahead (if your office allows it), but don't make them a constant fixture on your head. In the workplace, having headphones on all day can come off as antisocial. Need to focus on a project? Sneak away to a conference room for a while.
7. Knock before entering. Sometimes an informal office atmosphere can go too far. That's especially true when people start drifting from one cubicle or office to the next, without bothering to knock or otherwise announce their presence. Treat others as though they are in the midst of serious business -- even if they aren't -- and knock before you enter their personal space.
8. Stay home if you're sick. It seems like an obvious rule, but when you're stuck in the rat race, dropping out for a few days of the flu can seem detrimental to your career. However, going to work sick does more harm than good. Not only does it make you feel worse and potentially spread your germs to others, when you're under the weather your productivity most likely suffers. Make life easier on everyone and use those sick days.
9. Remember that scents travel. Do you have an allergy to perfume or cologne? Do you get a headache when you smell spicy food? Some of your colleagues might. Keep those potent lunches away from your desk, and don't overdo it on the fragrances. Those around you will be grateful.
10. Dress like the rest. There are many places where expressing your unique style is a fantastic thing to do. The office is not one of them. To make sure you're dressing the part, use your boss's attire as an example. If you want to appeal to management, dress just a notch above the office norm.
11. Save the job search for home. Looking for a new job? Don't do it on company time. Not only might someone get wind of your search (and feed that information into the gossip mill), but taking time away from your current employer to look for a new one is just plain rude.
12. Remember that everyone has a life. Show respect for everyone's down-time by avoiding late-night emails, phone calls or anything else that might require someone from the office to respond after hours. Save those for the next business day. Leaving the office behind when you walk out the door is important for everyone -- so honor business hours, but make sure you honor your time off, too.

Whether you're in a high-stress office or a relaxed small business, etiquette matters. Brush up on it now to continue making a great impression on your boss, co-workers and clients.

10 things the college admissions office won't tell you

By Daniel Goldstein

1. Not all grades are created equal

For the more than two million high school seniors who intend to go to college next year, the stomach-churning slog of filling out applications is in full swing.

And whether they'€™ll get a thick package announcing their admission or a thin, dream-dashing one-page letter (or their online equivalent) may well depend on their grade-point average. Grades account for about 75% of the typical admissions decision, according to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC).

But not all good grades are created equal. In the eyes of the admissions officers at the nation'€™s more than 2,800 four-year colleges, an "A"€ earned at one high school may only be worth a "€œB" at a more rigorous one. And in recent years, colleges have given more weight to grades from designated college-prep courses — and the more exclusive the college, the more weight those grades get.

One reason colleges are getting choosier: Grade inflation. Research by the College Board, the organization that administers the SAT, shows that the average GPA for high school seniors rose from 2.64 in 1996 to 2.90 in 2006 — €”even as SAT scores remained essentially flat.

The researchers saw this as evidence that some teachers were "€œusing grades... to reward good efforts rather than achievement."€ (The College Board also noted that, based on their test scores, less than half of SAT takers — €”just 43% in the graduating class of 2013—were academically prepared for college work.)

All that said, admissions officers generally believe that if you have a good GPA in high school, you'€™ll probably have a good GPA in college.

"€œThe clear message (is that) hard work and good grades in high school matter, and they matter a lot,"€ said William Hiss, a retired dean of admissions at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine who co-wrote a February 2014 study on standardized testing.

2. We don'€™t trust your essay

Many colleges rely on a student'€™s application essay to create a fuller picture of the applicant. But in an era of helicopter parenting, colleges increasingly worry that these essays aren'€™t written by the student.

To combat the possibility that parents, siblings or school counselors may be ghostwriting essays, many colleges require an additional piece of school writing that has been graded by a teacher. "€œIf the application essay looks like it was written by Maya Angelou and the school work looks like Willy Loman'€™s, it will raise some eyebrows,"€ Hiss said.
At some schools, application essays have also been caught up in the debate over whether a student'€™s race, ethnicity or gender should be a factor in the college'€™s admissions decision. At some public universities where race and gender preferences are banned, admissions officers are encouraged to give less weight to the essay because it can give away clues about the race and gender of the applicant.

3. We'€™re having second thoughts about the SAT
For decades, the SAT has been considered the primary benchmark for students'€™ ability to handle college-level work. This year, more than 7 million students will take entrance exams like the SAT or ACT this year for college admission.
But at more schools, skepticism about the test is affecting admissions policy: About 800 out of the country's 2,800 four-year colleges now make the SAT optional.

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Critics have long argued that the weight given to SAT scores gives an unfair advantage to wealthier students who can afford test-prep classes. That in itself makes the SAT suspect in some admissions officer'€™s eyes. "€œIt's leading to an increasing divide in this country of those who can afford it and those who can't,"€ says Steven Syverson, the former dean of admissions at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wis.

There are also growing doubts over how well the SAT predicts college performance. A study produced this year and endorsed by the NACAC looked at the performance of 123,000 students admitted to college between 2003 and 2010, about 30% of whom hadn'€™t taken the SAT or its counterpart, the ACT. The study found no significant differences in college GPAs or graduation rates between those who took either test and those who didn'€™t.

Syverson says many admissions officers are looking forward to the rollout in 2016 of a new SAT that is designed to better reflect typical high-school curricula.

Many admissions officers are now giving more weight to Advanced Placement tests, which, like the SAT, are administered by the College Board. In 2013, 2.2 million students took AP tests, up 6% from a year earlier and more than double the number a decade earlier. AP tests essentially reflect a test taker'€™s mastery of college-level skill and knowledge; successful test takers often can skip some entry-level college courses, and some scores can count toward a major.

"€œMost deans feel pretty good about AP results since they are based on more of a tight curriculum,"€ Hiss said.

4. Obsessing over class ranking? That'€™s adorable
In 1993, more than 40% of admissions counselors viewed class rank as "€œconsiderably important," according to the NACAC. By 2006, that figure had declined to under 20%.
Hiss notes that in a small class of 100 students, being outside the top 10% doesn'€™t mean that you'€™re not capable of doing college-level work. "€œIs the fourteenth-ranked student in that class still a good college prospect? The answer is probably yes."€

Where rank still comes in to play is at larger colleges, where "€œholistic"€ reviews of applicants aren'€™t possible. But at smaller, more selective schools, the interview, essays and teacher and counselor recommendations get greater weight than rank, the NACAC says.

5. It pays to make nice with your teacher
As skepticism grows over GPAs and test scores, some admissions officers are giving more weight to recommendations from high-school teachers and counselors.
Angel Perez, dean of admissions for Pitzer College in Claremont, Calif., says the most useful recommendations show that the student is intellectually curious and contributes to class discussions. "We also ask '€˜How does the student respond to setbacks, how does the student interact in teams?'" Perez says.

6. We only sound exclusive

There are only about 100 U.S. colleges offered admission to less than a third of their applicants in 2013, according to the U.S. News & World Report. But a low admissions rate can help a college look "exclusive" — €”improving its scores in national college-rankings — €”and admissions officers say that some colleges try to finesse that rate.

"Right, wrong, or indifferent, our culture values exclusivity,"€ said Perry Robinson, vice president and director of admissions at Denison University in Columbus, Ohio. "€œAnd yet it is one of the easiest figures to manipulate."€
Tim Groseclose, a professor at George Mason University who formerly served as a faculty adviser to the admissions committee at the University of California at Los Angeles, says some schools deliberately try to play with the numbers by getting more high school applicants to apply, even if they aren'€™t planning on attending. And Syverson, the former Lawrence admissions, says that colleges sometimes count incomplete packages as complete ones, the better to increase their applications-to-acceptances ratio.

Groseclose says that sometimes competitive schools encourage students with unique talents to apply even if their grades and test scores may not be among the best. And at times, he notes, that can work in the student'€™s favor: "€œI know of one school that admitted a student because they happened to be the state’s horseshoe-pitching champion."

Does that mean Tom Cruise'€™s character in "Risky Business"€ really had a shot at getting in to Princeton? "€œSometimes it can be like hitting the lottery," Groseclose says.

7. Politics may determine whether you get in
The role of race and ethnicity has been a polarizing issue in admissions. The NACAC says that about one third of colleges and universities consider an applicant'€™s race as a factor.

At some public universities, racial admissions preferences have been banned by state law, though critics have accused some schools of working around those bans. In California, racial preferences were banned by state referendum in the 1990s. But Groseclose has argued that UCLA got around that ban during the years when he worked with the admissions committee by implementing a "€œholistic"€ evaluation system that let admissions officers consider race. (UCLA has denied the "€œholistic" review process was an end-around the racial preferences ban.)

One practice that'€™s generally legal: "€œLegacy"€ admissions, where children of alumni and wealthy donors — €”or of powerful lawmakers who have a say in public university funding — €”get special consideration in the application process. "€œIf it were up to me, I would make legacy admissions illegal in both public and private universities, especially if those schools took a dime of public funding,"€ says Groseclose.

8. We'€™d rather admit someone who can pay full price
According to the College Board, 10% of college freshmen in 2013 were foreign students. One reason colleges woo these international scholars: Many are wealthy enough to pay the full price of tuition.

At publicly funded state universities, higher tuition for out-of-state students often helps subsidize education for state residents. For example, for an undergraduate at the University of California at Berkeley, in-state tuition is about $13,000 a year; for an out-of-state or foreign student, tuition is about $36,000 a year.

"Many universities look to international students as a panacea to their financial ills,"€ says Robinson, the Denison admissions dean. "€œThey are admitting the out-of-state residents because they are a cash cow, a revenue stream for them," Robinson said. In some states, this has led to battles among legislators and alumni over whether the number of foreign and out-of-state students should be capped.
The foreign-student pipeline can also have pitfalls, says Perez of Pitzer. In some countries, some students pay big money to sometimes unscrupulous "€œagents"€ to help them gain entry to prestigious U.S. schools. "You can interview a student for a freshman class and find out the student who shows up in the fall is completely different, because they hired someone to do the interview for them," he said. "€œI didn'€™t get into admissions to become a police officer, but that'€™s what the job requires now."€

9. We need you more than you need us

After 15 years of steady growth, the number of U.S. high school graduates leveled off this year at 3.2 million; it'€™s expected to stay at that level until 2020 before starting to rise again, according to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

That means more colleges will be chasing after fewer students. "€œThe public believes that it'€™s so hard to get into college, but the reality is that most colleges are scrambling to find applicants to fill out freshman classes,"€ says Syverson.
As a result, students who get into more than one school may be able to do some horse-trading on tuition, notes Matthew Pittinsky, the CEO of Parchment.com, an online college-admissions credentials-management website. "€œIt's just like going to the dealer and negotiating a better rate for your new car,"€ he says.

10. Just because you get admitted doesn'€™t mean you'€™ll stay admitted
About 22% of colleges revoked at least one offer of admission in 2009 (the most recent year studied), according to the NACAC. The most commonly cited reasons were senioritis-impacted final grades (65%), disciplinary issues (35%) and falsification of application information (29%).

But in recent years, student postings on social media have increasingly prompted colleges to take a second look at their some admission offers. Perez of Pitzer recalls an incident in which a student the college had decided to admit was found to be harassing a high-school teacher on Facebook. "€œIt was a difficult situation, but I pulled the admissions letter before it was printed," Perez says. "€œI got hateful tweets, but we are in an uber-selective environment. We just can'€™t take the chance."€

"The bottom line is that the schools are trying to protect themselves," Robinson said. "€œWhat they see electronically is not always what they see on paper."€

5 In Demand Tech Jobs

Author
Sara White


Information technology jobs are growing as more companies rely on technology for daily business and find that they need employees to help manage, develop, and implement software, hardware, and web designs. Tech jobs range from working with or developing software, to designing websites, to ensuring a company's data remains secure, and much more. It's a field where workers are in demand and companies are eager to fill any number of tech jobs. Here are five in-demand tech jobs that are slated to grow at a faster rate than other industries.

Software Developer - $64,668
Software developers are in high demand as more companies rely on technology and proprietary software. Developers are the brains behind the design and creation of computer programs and are also responsible for creating the systems and networks to run devices as well as creating specific applications. It’s a job that requires you to understand the needs of users and then design a program to suit those needs. Most software developers will create diagrams and documentation that will allow programmers to write the code to make the program run. As a software developer, you will need oversee the creation of software and then test the software before implementing it to ensure it will run smoothly for the end user. Your job won’t end there, however, as you will need to ensure that programs continue to run smoothly and perform any maintenance on software down the line. As a software developer, you will need to work closely with people (especially programmers) throughout the entire process as your software vision comes to life.
In order to become a software developer you will need a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or mathematics. During your education, you will want to focus on software development skills to build your resume. A master’s degree isn't necessary, but it will help you chances at getting a higher-level job and can open up more doors, and there are some jobs that might require an applicant with a master's degree. It’s also important to keep in mind what industry you want to work in, to ensure you have the appropriate skills to design software for that niche.
Software developer is a fast growing position, with the BLS predicting that it will grow 22 percent by 2022, which is much faster than most other industries. The BLS also states that application developer jobs are expected to grow 23 percent, while system developer jobs will grow by 20 percent. The average salary for a software developer is $65,668, according to PayScale, with a reported salary range of $43,141 to $101,384 per year. Check out openings on Monster to find software developer jobs in your area.

Business Analyst - $64,888
A business analyst is tasked with identifying possible risks with new projects and then communicating those to the appropriate people. They may also be responsible for managing and creating project plans to develop and test new technology. IT business analyst was rated #43 on a list of the top 100 careers in America, according to CNN. It received B ratings for flexibility and low stress, which indicates that for the most part, business analysts don’t experience high stress in their jobs and have some control over their schedule. Business analysts work to help companies improve their business models by recommending solutions to companies to help them better their structures, policies, and overall operations. According to the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), the role of a business analyst is to act as "a liaison among stakeholders in order to understand the structure, policies, and operations of an organization, and to recommend solutions that enable the organizatio to achieve its goals."
To become a business analyst you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science with some business courses or a degree in management information systems.  Since it is a job that combines both information technology and business, you will want to have a good grasp on both industries. Some high level business analyst jobs might require applicants to hold a masters in business administration with a concentration in information systems, but it depends on the job. As a business analyst, you will want to keep up with the latest in the tech industry so you are always on top of new software, procedures, and trends in the market.
This in demand position is growing at a rate faster than most industries, with the BLS predicting it will grow 25 percent by 2022. The average annual salary for a business analyst is $63,888, according to PayScale, with a reported salary range of $44,640 to $99,639 per year. Check out openings on Monster to find business analyst jobs in your area.

Database Administrator - $68,592
Database administrator is another in demand IT position that involves the installation, configuration, upgrading, and maintenance of databases for a company. DBAs are also responsible for ensuring the security of databases as well as developing and designing database strategies for a company. Duties will also include installing and upgrading the servers and tools for the database, ensuring all systems are compliant with vendor license agreements, optimizing database performance, backing up the database, archiving information, and more. You will need a strong knowledge of database theory, database design, structured query language (SQL), storage technologies, memory management, operating systems, and more. US News and World Report rated database administrator as number 12 on it’s list of Best Jobs in America for 2014.
To become a database administrator you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or engineering. You may want to get your master’s degree to improve your job opportunities or certifications such as the IBM certification in Database Administration.
Database administrator jobs are predicted to grow 15 percent by 2022, according to the BLS, which is faster than most other industries. The average annual salary for a database administrator is $68,592, according to PayScale, with a reported salary range of $39,874 to $102,602 per year. Check out openings on Monster to find database administrator jobs in your area.

Information Security Analyst - $69,549
Security is a hot IT skill right now, especially considering the publicity that security breaches have been getting in the news. Companies want to ensure their data and customer data is safe, so they are hiring people, rather than employing software to get the job done. Having security skills can help you move up from a position to information technology to cyber security if you tailor your resume the right way. As an information security analyst, you will need to keep on top of all the latest in security, and always be one step ahead of hackers. You will be responsible for monitoring a business’ networks to spot security breaches and look into any suspicious activity. You will need to find the best software to protect the business’ data, ensure that the company has strong data encryption in place, keep people up to date on the status of security measures, and test the systems you implement. It’s a job that is rising as more companies rely on technology for their daily business. The more technology a company relies on, the more avenues that are opened up for security breaches. According to US News and World Report, information security analyst is the fourth best tech job in America for 2014.
To become an information security analyst you will need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or programming. You will also want to get a master’s degree in business information in information systems, since security jobs are generally high-level positions. Schools are starting to introduce security programs into their IT degrees to respond to the growing demand for security professionals. You can better your chances of getting a job in cyber security by getting experience in information technology and tailoring your resume to have skills in security.
Information security analyst jobs are predicted to grow 37 percent by 2022, according to the BLS, which makes it the fastest growing job on this list. The average annual salary for information security analysts is $68,549, according to PayScale, with a reported salary range of $45,275 to $103,207. Check out openings on Monster to find information security analyst jobs in your area.

Web Developer - $53,036
Web developer is a popular in-demand tech job that entails the development and creation of websites. As a web developer you will work closely with clients, or with your company, to develop and implement a website according to their vision. Responsibilities include debugging applications, creating applications, writing code, working with graphic designers to develop the layout, working with graphics, video, and audio, and monitoring traffic to the site. You will need a strong background in programming languages as well as HTML and XML. Web developer is ranked as number three on the list of best technology jobs by US News and World Report for 2014.
The education for a web developer relies on the job posting, with some jobs only requiring a high school degree, while others might want a bachelor’s degree. You can get an associate’s degree in web design and still have a number of jobs to apply to or you can freelance and take jobs as they come. To work for a company, or as a web architect, you will want at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or programming.

The BLS predicts that web developer jobs will grow 20 percent by 2022, which is faster than most other industries. The average annual salary for a web developer is $53,036, according to PayScale, with a reported salary range of $32,116 to $82,193 per year. Check out openings on Monster to find web developer jobs in your area. 

America’s fastest growing jobs

By Robert Serenbetz

After the recession wiped out millions of jobs, the American labor market has at least partially recovered. So far this year, the United States has added roughly 1.6 million jobs. And in the 10 years through 2022, the BLS estimates that employment will grow by over 15 million jobs, or by 11%.

Some jobs are expected to better capitalize on economic, demographic, and workplace trends than others. For example, industrial-organizational psychologists are expected to grow 53.4%, the fastest in the nation, and occupations in the health sector are also anticipated to disproportionately grow. Based on estimated employment figures and projections for 2012 and 2022 published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for more than 1,000 occupations, 24/7 Wall St. identified the fastest growing jobs in America.

The jobs with the largest expected growth are often those that benefit from America’s changing demographics. In an interview with 24/7 Wall St., Martin Kohli, chief regional economist for the BLS, noted that the effects of an aging population, which has access to Medicare, “combined with innovations that provide new treatments” has led to increases in health care spending. In turn, more spending creates “a high demand for jobs to provide these services,” he added.

In fact, the average of all health support occupations is expected to grow 28% by 2022. Six jobs within the top 10 are in the health care sector.

Some of the fastest growing jobs are expected to receive a boost from economic trends. For example, the BLS expects that a continued economic rebound will lead to greater demand for construction and renovations. While construction laborers and helpers are expected to grow 25%, jobs such as masons' helpers are expected to grow at a considerably higher rate of 45%.

Government and private sector initiatives are also expected to contribute to growth in specific occupations. New federal health care legislation is expected to increase access to health care and, in turn, to the scale of the health care industry. Meanwhile, mechanical insulators are expected to benefit from an increased focus on environmental sustainability.

Most of the occupations with the highest estimated growth rates are not especially large. Only two occupations, home health aides and personal care aides, are estimated to be among the larger jobs by number of people employed in 2022.

There does not appear to be wage or educational trends among the jobs with the largest growth rates. These occupations all have various levels of median wage as well as differing educational requirements.

To determine the jobs with the highest forecast rate of employment growth, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed BLS Employment Projections program data for 2012 and 2022. In order to qualify, occupations needed to reference a specific job rather than a broader classification. Figures from the BLS for 2012 represent estimates, while figures for 2022 represent forecasts and may be revised. Further information on each occupation came from the BLS’ Occupational Outlook Handbook.

These are the fastest growing jobs in America.

10. Physical Therapist Assistants

> Pct. change in employment 2012 - 2022: 41.0%

> Number employed, 2012: 71,400

> Number employed, 2022: 100,700

> Median annual income: $52,160

> Educational qualification: Associate’s degree

Physical therapist assistants work for physical therapists to facilitate patient treatment. The profession is expected to be among the fastest growing occupations in America. Typically, their job includes observing, stretching, monitoring, and educating the patients. According to the BLS, demand for physical therapy in general is expected to rise due to the greater needs of America’s aging population. Aging baby boomers may require more rehabilitation services as they grow old. Additionally, health conditions that are increasingly affecting the population, such as obesity and diabetes, are expected to require greater rehabilitation services.

9. Genetic Counselors

> Pct. change in employment 2012 - 2022: 41.2%

> Number employed, 2012: 2,100

> Number employed, 2022: 3,000

> Median annual income: $56,800

> Educational qualification: Master’s degree

The BLS estimates a 41.2% growth in the number of genetic counselors between 2012 and 2022, more than double the rate of other health care practitioners. This growth is largely due to technological advancements in lab testing and genomics. Such development will allow genetic counselors to more accurately assess “individual or family risks for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders or birth defects,” the BLS noted. And yet, the field will remain relatively small. With only 2,100 people working as genetic counselors as of 2012, the extremely fast growth will result in just 900 new jobs.

8. Occupational Therapy Assistants

> Pct. change in employment 2012 - 2022: 42.6%

> Number employed, 2012: 30,300

> Number employed, 2022: 43,200

> Median annual income: $53,240

> Educational qualification: Associate’s degree

Like other medical related occupations, the demand for occupational therapy assistants is expected to rise the population ages. As baby boomers become more prone to stroke or arthritis, they will require treatment from an increased number of occupational therapy assistants. Therapy assistants help their patients recover and maintain the skills needed for daily living. Additionally, occupational therapists assistants will be required to meet continued demand for the care of children and adults with disabilities. The BLS expects the growing demand will result in a nearly 43% job growth, well above the national job growth rate of 10.8%.

7. Masons’ Helpers

> Pct. change in employment 2012 - 2022: 43.0%

> Number employed, 2012: 24,400

> Number employed, 2022: 34,900

> Median annual income: $28,220

> Educational qualification: Less than high school

Mason's helpers provide assistance to lead masons, who make plans, read blueprints, and lay out foundation patterns. As of 2012, there were only 24,400 people working as masons’ helpers. However, the BLS forecasts that a post-recession rebound in construction will result in a large increase in new schools, hospitals, apartment buildings, and other buildings. This new construction will require a large number of workers with training in building fences, walkways, and walls. The BLS estimates that the need for onsite mason helpers should grow by 43% between 2012 and 2022, almost twice the growth rate of construction sector employment as a whole. Despite the expected construction boom, the construction sector, including mason’s helpers, is highly dependent on cyclical factors.

6. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

> Pct. change in employment 2012 - 2022: 46.0%

> Number employed, 2012: 58,800

> Number employed, 2022: 85,900

> Median annual income: $65,860

> Educational qualification: Associate’s degree

Diagnostic medical sonographers provide medical imaging of the human body’s organs and tissues. Like other health occupations, demand for diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to grow rapidly. As a large segment of the population ages and the health care industry grows, the need for diagnostic services will expand. Developments in medical imaging technology will make procedures less expensive and invasive, resulting in increased demand. The employment of medical sonographers is anticipated to grow by about 27,000, or 46%.

5. Interpreters and Translators

> Pct. change in employment 2012 - 2022: 46.1%

> Number employed, 2012: 63,600

> Number employed, 2022: 92,900

> Median annual income: $45,430

> Educational qualification: Bachelor’s degree

The BLS pointed to increased globalization and greater diversity within the United States as the primary driver of growth for the profession. Although computers have greatly increased the efficiency and productivity of interpreters and translators, technology cannot provide the specific nuances of human translation. Demand will likely remain strong for frequently translated languages, but most growth will likely be due to greater need for translators in American Sign Language and emerging market languages. According to the BLS, “growing international trade and broadening global ties” will create new jobs for interpreters and translators.

4. Mechanical Insulation Workers

> Pct. change in employment 2012 - 2022: 46.7%

> Number employed, 2012: 28,900

> Number employed, 2022: 42,400

> Median annual income: $39,170

> Educational qualification: High school diploma

While the BLS forecasts above average growth in construction employment, the estimated growth rate of mechanical insulation workers is projected to be more-than twice that, at 47%. Unlike other types of insulators, mechanical insulation workers require greater specialty given the challenges of applying insulation to pipes and ducts in all types of buildings. Increased emphasis on energy efficiency will result in growing demand for mechanical insulation workers instead of non-mechanical insulation workers.

3. Home Health Aides

> Pct. change in employment 2012 - 2022: 48.5%

> Number employed, 2012: 875,100

> Number employed, 2022: 1,299,300

> Median annual income: $20,820

> Educational qualification: Less than high school

An aging population will likely result in a greater need for home health aides, who provide individualized daily client care. The number of such aides is expected to grow by over 48% in the 10 years from 2012 and become one of the most commonly-held jobs by 2022. Home health aides typically work for a medical institution and keep a record of services performed and the client’s conditions, in addition to providing home care and companionship. For elderly clients, home health care is increasingly popular because it offers a “less expensive alternative to nursing homes or hospitals,” the BLS notes.

2. Personal Care Aides

> Pct. change in employment 2012 - 2022: 48.8%

> Number employed, 2012: 1,190,600

> Number employed, 2022: 1,771,400

> Median annual income: $19,190

> Educational qualification: Less than high school

Similar to home health aides, personal care aides provide individualized home health services to elderly clients living at home. However, personal care aids are restricted to providing only basic medical services and will often work in conjunction with nurses or social workers. The BLS expects that over 580,000 jobs for personal care aides will be created in the decade through 2022, the most out of any of America’s fastest growing jobs. Yet, the median annual wage for personal care aids was just $19,910 as of 2012, well below the nationwide median of $34,750 for all occupations.

1. Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

> Pct. change in employment 2012 - 2022: 53.4%

> Number employed, 2012: 1,600

> Number employed, 2022: 2,500

> Median annual income: $83,580

> Educational qualification: Master’s degree

Industrial organizational psychologists are anticipated to be the fastest growing job in the U.S. in the 10 years through 2022. The BLS estimates that in the 10-year period through 2022, employment of industrial-organizational psychologists will rise more than 53%, dramatically higher than the growth rates for all jobs and for other psychologist professions. The use of psychology is expected to increase across the nation as individuals and institutions look for help in solving or managing problems. Industrial-organizational psychologists address issues relating to workplace productivity, organizational developments, and employee screening. Becoming an industrial-organizational psychologist typically requires a master’s degree, as well as an internship or residency. Despite the forecast growth rate, the actual number of jobs expected to be added is very small -- just 900 by 2022.

Six Careers Where You Could Make $1,000 a Week

Yahoo

Consider these jobs with a healthy median salary of about $52,000 or more per year.

By Danielle Blundell

Are you making good money at your job? Even if you take home a decent salary, you could probably always use a little more. How does $1,000 a week sound?
Good news. While no salary amount can be guaranteed, the following jobs pay a median salary of $1,000 a week* or more. We've broken down the jobs, the salaries, why they can pay well, and how you can pursue them. The rest is up to you.

$1K-a-Week Job #1: Computer Programmer

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Median Weekly Pay

$1,464.23*

Median Annual Pay

$76,140*

Turns out spending all your free time toying around on your laptop could actually pay off big one day. As a programmer, the U.S. Department of Labor says you could spend your days writing and testing code for software.
High-Pay Potential: Computer programmer jobs that were once outsourced to other countries are now returning to the United States in order to keep company files and classified information increasingly secure, says Sunil Sani, co-founder of CareerGlider.com, a website that offers insights into hundreds of careers to help guide career paths.
Sani adds that there are new areas within the industry with a need for programmers on the rise, so salaries have become increasingly competitive.
"Demand is on the rise for programmers with mobile application skills as more and more consumers conduct business from their mobile devices," says Sani.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.
Education Options: If you'd like to pursue a career as a computer programmer, you will have to have a bachelor's degree in either computer science or a related field, says the Department of Labor. Some employers will hire workers who have just associate's degrees, adds the Department, so that may be a viable option as well.

$1K-a-Week Job #2: Technical Writer

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Median Weekly Pay

$1,259.62*

Median Annual Pay

$65,550*

Do you have a mind for detail? Are you also pretty good at stringing together a sentence? Then why not consider pursuing a career as a technical writer? According to the U.S. Department of Labor, these wordsmiths put together instruction manuals, articles, and other necessary documentation to communicate complicated and technical information more easily.
High-Pay Potential: "Technical writers generally get paid more than journalists, bloggers or other content providers simply because they need a background in the technical intricacies of what they're writing on and they need to be able to translate that information into something palatable and easy-to-follow for the reader," says Sani. "It's a special talent and one that's not well-represented in the job marketplace, which is why its purveyors can command bigger bucks."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Engineering Program.
Education Options: If you plan to seek out a career in technical writing, the Department of Labor says a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or communications is preferred by employers, and some jobs may require a degree and knowledge of a particular field like medicine, engineering, or computer science.

$1K-a-Week Job #3: Network and Computer Systems Administrator

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Median Weekly Pay

$1,423.08*

Median Annual Pay

$74,000*

Always fixing your friends and your family's computer problems? Are you the go-to guy or girl for troubleshooting smartphone issues? Then a position as a network and computer systems administrator might be a good career option for you to pursue.
These individuals install network software and hardware, make necessary upgrades and repairs, and ensure that all systems are working properly in a computer network, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
High-Pay Potential: The increase in use of technology like mobile devices and cloud computing will necessitate more people who can develop, maintain, and improve the networks and systems that let us make use of this technology ,according to Sani. That is where the network administrator comes in and can command a relatively high salary for their niche skill set, Sani adds.
Furthermore, the fact that this technology is constantly changing makes those who understand the latest developments even more valuable. "The network administrator must continually update their skills and keep tabs on industry changes, and those who hire them must pay for these up-to-date skills applications if they hope to stay competitive in the marketplace," explains Sani.
Next step: Click to Find the Right IT & Information Systems Program.
Education Options: While some employers may only require you to have a postsecondary certificate to pursue this career, the U.S. Department of Labor notes that most employers do require a bachelor's degree in a computer or information science-related field.

$1K-a-Week Job #4: Market Research Analyst

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Median Weekly Pay

$1,169.23*

Median Annual Pay

$60,800*

Are you always on top of the latest trends and predicting new ones? Well, did you know that market research analysts actually do just that for a living, according to the U.S. Department of Labor? And because the in-depth analysis they perform can potentially help companies earn higher profits, this job can pay well.
High-Pay Potential: "Companies increasingly use big data to understand consumer behavior so they can market to them effectively," says Carreau. "Gone are the days of gut feel, as organizations are now relying on research to make decisions. This data is so critical to strategy that hiring and retaining the best talent in this area is driving up the wages of great analysts."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Business Administration Program.
Education Options: According to the Department of Labor, you will typically need at least a bachelor's degree in market research or a related field, along with strong math and analytical skills, for a career as a market research analyst. The Department notes that many of these workers have degrees in math, computer science, or statistics, while others may have backgrounds in social sciences, communications, or business administration.

$1K-a-Week Job #5: Public Relations Manager

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Median Weekly Pay

$1,898.08*

Median Annual Pay

$98,700*

If you're upbeat and can chat up anyone, public relations (PR) might be up your alley. Public relations managers help their clients effectively communicate with the public, develop an organization or individual's corporate image, devise promotion programs and write press releases for the media, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
High-Pay Potential: PR managers take home high salaries because of how important it is for companies to maintain positive public images, says Debby Carreau, CEO and founder of Inspired HR, a human resources support company.
"PR managers are vital to ensuring organizations have a solid strategy and are up-to-date with the latest media platforms (Twitter, Instagram) and how to effectively interact with social media influencers," says Carreau. "A good PR Manager is tech savvy, creative, able to direct a team, and comes with a large rolodex. All of these qualities in one person is a challenge to find."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Communications Program.
Education Options: If you wish to pursue a career in this field, you should know, per the Department of Labor, that public relations managers are generally required to have a bachelor's degree in public relations, journalism, communications, English, or fundraising.

$1K-a-Week Job #6: Personal Financial Advisor

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Median Weekly Pay

$1448.46* 

Median Annual Pay

$75,320*

Have a knack for making money grow? Or just know how to cut costs and scrimp and save? You might be cut out to pursue a job as a personal financial advisor. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, personal financial advisors explain financial services to clients, educate them about investment possibilities and risks, and research investment opportunities.
High-Pay Potential: As a large chunk of the population transitions from employment to retirement, Sani says money management becomes the responsibility of the retiree, and the demand for financial advisors has increased. People definitely need guidance in managing their money, he says, and they're willing to pay big for it.
In addition, the increasing complexity of financial rules and regulations make skilled personal financial advisors even more vital. "The demand for financial help is on the increase, thanks to disappearing pensions, 401k rollovers, and complicated estate planning laws," says Sani. "Personal financial advisors are being compensated for their expertise in portfolio management. Good ones with proven track records will be in demand and command higher hourly compensation for their expertise and efforts."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Business Program.
Education Options: If you're interested in a career as a personal financial advisor, the Department of Labor says you generally need a bachelor's degree, with finance, business, accounting, economics, law, and mathematics noted as good preparation to pursue this occupation.

$30-An-Hour Jobs That Are Short On School

Yahoo

If you're looking to get into a high-pay career, but not interested in spending years and years in school, keep reading.

By Lia Sestric

Ready to make a career move that might add more cushion to your bank account?
Good news: You don't have to necessarily spend years upon years earning a bachelor's or master's degree to pursue a career with decent pay potential.
In fact, there are quite a few careers out there that pay upwards of $30 an hour - or $60,000 annually - that are relatively short on school.
Intrigued? Keep reading to learn more.

Career #1: Logistician

Mean Hourly Wage*

$36.70

Mean Annual Salary*

$76,330

Are you always on the ball with completing your tasks and naturally know how to get from point A to point B? Then you may want to consider a career as a logistician, which could be more within reach than you might think.
In this role, you would analyze and manage an organization's supply chain, which is the system that moves a product from supplier to consumer, says the U.S. Department of Labor. This means overseeing the product in its entirety until delivery.
Why It Pays Well: Logisticians can be highly valuable players in the field of supply chain management, says James Kling, chair of the management department at Niagara University in upstate New York. As the economy becomes more global, supply chains become more complicated and expensive, so the need for skilled logisticians is real and immediate, he explains.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Business Program.
How to Get Started: Don't want to be stuck in a classroom for years and years earning a bachelor's plus a grad degree? Well, a bachelor's degree is usually required for this job, especially as logistics becomes more complex, says the Department of Labor. However, an associate's degree is adequate for some positions. Many logisticians have earned a degree in business, industrial engineering, process engineering, or supply chain management.

Career #2: Computer Programmer

Mean Hourly Wage*

$38.91

Mean Annual Salary*

$80,930

If you love keeping up with the latest technology, but don't want to necessarily spend years and years of schooling to get into the field, computer programming might be a good field to consider.
As a computer programmer, you could use your knowledge of programming languages to write code to create software programs, says the U.S. Department of Labor. You also might find yourself writing in a variety of computer languages, such as C ++ and Java, as well as debugging programs.
Why It Pays Well: These professionals are highly compensated for their specialized skills, especially since we're experiencing rapid technology growth, says Bob Kustka, career coach and author of "The Hire Ground: An Insider's Guide to Finding a Career.
From smart TVs to e-book readers, "consider the impact of technology, not only on companies, but on entire industries," says Kustka. "All of these changes require the work of computer programmers."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Programming & Software Program.
How to Get Started: Would you like to get cracking in a job as soon as possible? Don't worry - according to the Department of Labor, while most computer programmers have a bachelor's degree, some employers hire workers who have an associate's degree. A common course of study is computer science or a related subject, notes the Department.

Career #3: Detective and Criminal Investigator

Mean Hourly Wage*

$38.00

Mean Annual Salary*

$79,030

Are you addicted to shows like CSI? Maybe you'd like to make cracking cases into an actual career? If it's just the intimidating amount of school you think you might have to go through that's stopping you... rest easy. This career could be more attainable than you think.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, in this role you might spend your time gathering facts and collecting evidence of possible crimes in your career as a detective or criminal investigator. This may mean observing suspects, making arrests, and preparing cases for trial.
Why It Pays Well: "Employers are willing to pay these professionals more due to their skill set and the nature of protecting their business," says Stephanie Morris, assistant director of career services at Niagara University in upstate New York.
"Security personnel have the most important job of keeping assets and people safe. They are paid not only for their skills, but also for the responsibility they have," Morris says. Just keep in mind that pay can vary based on experience, she adds.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Criminal Justice Program.
How To Get Started: Not up for years in school? Not a problem. The Department of Labor says one must have at least a high school education or GED and graduate from their agency's police academy. Of course, you may want to get some schooling. According to the Department, many agencies and some police departments require some college coursework or degree.

Career #4: Accountant

Mean Hourly Wage*

$34.86

Mean Annual Salary*

$72,500

Don't feel intimidated by numbers and math? You may be mentally equipped for a career as an accountant. Boil it all down and much of an accountant's work is focused around financial records.
In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, as an accountant, your role might involve verifying financial documents for accuracy and adherence to laws. You might also suggest ways to improve profits or reduce costs to an organization or client.
Why It Pays Well: "Accounting pays well, because the skills that an accounting career requires are diverse and somewhat challenging," says Mary Beth Goodrich, an accounting professor at University of Texas at Dallas who works closely with students in their job hunt.
And what are those valuable skills? Critical thinking, good communication, adherence to ethical guidelines, and certain certifications, says Goodrich.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Accounting Program.
How to Get Started: Are you ready to break into this potentially high-paying profession? Then you'll be happy to know you won't need to sign up for grad school. The Department of Labor says most accountants only need a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field.

Career#5: Multimedia Artists and Animators

Mean Hourly Wage*

$34.81

Mean Annual Salary*

$72,400

Have you often been told you have a vivid imagination? Do you tend to doodle all day? If so, why not capitalize on your creativity by pursuing a career as a multimedia artist or animator.
What does this career look like? According to the U.S. Department of Labor, you might spend your days creating animation and visual graphics for all forms of media, from movies to video games. You might also have meetings with clients and other designers, research upcoming projects, and develop storyboards.
Why It Pays Well: Technology is what drives salary, as these individuals are "digital artists," says Jerome Solomon, academic dean at Cogswell, a small digital arts college in Sunnyvale, California.
"[Multimedia art] is a skill that requires people to be able to use computers in very technical ways," he says. "The software is very sophisticated," he adds.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Multimedia Art Program.
How to Get Started: Don't want to be stuck studying in a dusty campus library for years and years? Good news: While it's true that you'll probably need a bachelor's degree, it doesn't appear that you'll need much more education than that. According to the Department of Labor, most of these artists have a bachelor's in fine art, computer graphics, animation, or a related field, according to the Department of Labor. Employers also require a strong portfolio and solid technical skills for most positions.

Career#6: Market Research Analyst

Mean Hourly Wage*

$32.59

Mean Annual Salary*

$67,780

Are you an avid reviewer of businesses you visit or products you use? If so, you may enjoy a career as a market research analyst, which may pay fairly well, mind you. And on top of that, you don't need a graduate degree to enter the profession either.
If you choose this career path, you would analyze market conditions to figure out potential sales of a product or service, says the U.S. Department of Labor. Essentially, you'd be responsible for figuring out what products people want, who will buy, and at what price.
Why It Pays Well: "[These] jobs command attractive salaries, because these positions require a hard-to- find combination in candidates of strong quantitative skills, the ability to think critically, and the ability to connect the dots for management," says Alex Edsel, director of the master's in marketing program at the University of Texas in Dallas.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Marketing & Communications Program.
How to Get Started: No master's degree required for this career. You would commonly only need  a bachelor's degree in market research or a similar field, reports the Department of Labor. Many analysts have degrees in areas such as math, computer science, and statistics, while others have backgrounds in business administration, communications, or the social sciences.

Careers That Could Ruin Your Social Life

Yahoo

If work-life balance is important to you, you may want to avoid some of these careers.

By Terence Loose

Do you work to live, or live to work? It's a question you may want to ask before signing up for a career, because some professions demand so much time that it can put a dent in your social life.
For instance, a career as an executive might demand a lot of traveling while a career in nursing may have you worrying about patients long after you finish your shift, says Ryan Himmel, career and personal finance expert and CEO of BIDaWIZ, which gives financial and business advice to individuals and businesses. Both of those can take a toll on your social life, he says.
Other careers offer a little more time for you - and your social life. And we're not talking party planner or matchmaker. We're talking common careers in a wide range of industries.
So, if you're interested in keeping your social life safe from your career, here are five jobs you may want to avoid. And in the interest of keeping things in balance, we've also included five that probably won't throw your life out of whack.

No Life Career #1: Surgeon

Median
Annual Salary*

≥$187,199

Top 10% of
Annual Salaries*

≥$187,199

Bottom 10% of
Annual Salaries*

<$127,320

You know all those shows where popular, Porsche-driving surgeons are saving patients every day and schmoozing at cocktail parties every night? Well, believe the saving part. And probably the Porsche part. But the nightly cocktail party part? Not so much.
Why You Might Have No Social Life: Even when surgeons are not in the hospital, they are often on call, says Tony Sorensen, CEO of the executive search and consulting firm Versique Search & Consulting.
"Depending on how many patients are in need of their particular skills, they could be spread incredibly thin with no one available to back them up in case of a non-work-related engagement," he says.
Plus, when your day-to-day experience is life and death, and you may have been up since 4 a.m., it can be difficult to make 'small talk,' points out Lyn O'Brien, a career advancement specialist, lecturer, and author based in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Balanced Career #1: Web Developer

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Median
Annual Salary*

$63,160

Top 10% of
Annual Salaries*

>$110,350

Bottom 10% of
Annual Salaries*

<$33,320

If you have an eye for design, but also have some technical savvy, this career could be a good balance for your life. Web developers design and create websites, and are responsible for both the look and technical aspects of them, says the U.S. Department of Labor. But, say Himmel and Sorensen, it's not a profession that will take over your life.
Why It Could Be More Balanced: Although this career can be demanding, it can also give you room for a life outside of work, says Himmel, explaining that "if you're working for yourself or for a company with realistic deadlines, then it can provide a great work/life balance."
Next step: Click to Find the Right Web Design Program.
Often, web developers are private contractors, adds Sorensen, allowing them to choose their clients and their hours. That can go a long way toward easing the pressure on their social life.
Prepare for This Potentially Balanced Career: Web developers need knowledge of both computer programming and graphic design, says the Department of Labor. While the education requirements range from a high school diploma to a bachelor's degree, the most common requirement would be an associate's degree in web design or a related field.

No Life Career #2: Registered Nurse

Median
Annual Salary*

$66,220

Top 10% of
Annual Salaries*

>$96,320

Bottom 10% of
Annual Salaries*

<$45,630

Nursing is often a vocation taken up by people passionate about helping others. Admirable, for sure, but also often taxing on the social life.
Why You Might Have No Social Life: "As a registered nurse, you may need to work overnight hours or multiple shifts during a day to cover for another colleague, which will eat into your social life," says Himmel.
In addition, Himmel says there could be instances in which you become emotionally attached to a patient's prognosis. And although that's admirable, it can also be very draining on your social life, he says. He says that nurses can sometimes have a hard time leaving their work at the hospital, and that can lead to thinking about their patients when they should be enjoying an evening with friends or family.

Balanced Career #2: Dental Hygienist

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Median
Annual Salary*

$71,110

Top 10% of
Annual Salaries*

>$96,690

Bottom 10% of
Annual Salaries*

<$47,880

If you think the world could use more smiles, the career of dental hygienist could be for you. They work in Dentists' offices and not only clean teeth but check patients for signs of gum and tooth disease, says the U.S. Department of Labor. But apparently, they aren't too busy to put the whitening tools aside and enjoy a night out every once in a while.
Why It Could Be More Balanced: It's the structure of this job that allows for balance, according to Sorensen. Dentist's offices close at set times, after which the hygienist is free to enjoy the evening. They don't have to worry about working odd hours to keep the business going, Sorensen points out.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Dental Hygienist Program.
Himmel adds that this career may allow you to separate out your social and professional life. "For instance, you're probably not going to take your work home with you and think about the patients' teeth that you cleaned," he says.
Prepare for This Potentially Balanced Career: Here's some info that might have you smiling. Although there are bachelor degrees in dental hygiene, the Department of Labor says typically these professionals have associate's degrees in dental hygiene. They must also be licensed, with requirements varying by state.

No Life Career #3: Lawyer

Median
Annual Salary*

$114,300

Top 10% of
Annual Salaries*

≥$187,199

Bottom 10% of
Annual Salaries*

<$55,170

If you can't believe the shows about the surgeons, you may be able to believe the ones about the lawyers, who are often portrayed as workaholics. But then, maybe that's why they sometimes get paid more than your doctor.
Why You Might Have No Social Life: The problem these workers encounter is that success is focused on billing. The more hours, the better. Getting your work done in half the time might score you efficiency points with someone, but it's not likely to make your boss happy or help your bottom line.
"As an attorney, working smarter won't give you more free time. You get paid for the hours you bill," says O'Brien.
Then there are all those evil lawyer jokes to contend with. "If you do get some time to socialize, the jokes walk into a room before you do. Someone is sure to tell a bad one to your date, embarrassing for you both," says O'Brien.

Balanced Career #3: Elementary School Teacher

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Median
Annual Salary*

$53,590

Top 10% of
Annual Salaries*

>$83,600

Bottom 10% of
Annual Salaries*

<$35,760

Remember when you were a kid and you got all summer off every year? That was pretty good for your social life, right? Well then, you may like the job of elementary school teacher, which entails teaching kids subjects like reading and math, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It Could Be More Balanced: "Elementary school teachers have the rewarding opportunity of educating the future of our country while also working flexible hours. They have summers off and they don't typically work more than eight hour days," says Himmel.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Elementary Education Program.
That's a good recipe for a lot of free time and possibly a more balanced life, says Sorensen. "Since most schools don't go past about 3:00 pm in the afternoon, they have more flexibility in their schedules," he says.
Prepare for This Potentially Balanced Career: In order to teach the next generation, you will need some schooling of your own. All states require public elementary school teachers to have a bachelor's degree in elementary education and to be licensed, says the Department of Labor. And while private schools don't have the same requirements, the Department says they usually seek candidates with a bachelor's degree in elementary education.

No Life Career #4: Chief Executive

Median
Annual Salary*

$171,610

Top 10% of
Annual Salaries*

≥$187,199

Bottom 10% of
Annual Salaries*

<$75,030

They say life at the top can be lonely. It's not surprising, since the workers who run companies may find the lines often blurred between business and pleasure.
Why You Might Have No Social Life: "Top executives have a responsibility to their company and often deal with not only internal operations, but external relationships. Often, social dinners also have a business purpose making work-life balance more complicated," says Sorensen.
Himmel adds that most top executives, which includes chief executives, travel a lot, and that can dig deeper into your social life, as well as add to exhaustion - not the best recipe for balance.

"Balanced" Career #4: Human Resources Specialist

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Median
Annual Salary*

$56,630

Top 10% of
Annual Salaries*

>$96,470

Bottom 10% of
Annual Salaries*

<$33,240

Have great people people skills? This might be the job for you. As the U.S. Department of Labor says, these professionals do things like interviewing potential new employees and handling employee relations.
Why It Could Be More Balanced: "HR Specialists work in an operations role to keep companies moving forward. Generally, that requires them to work the hours of the company, so they are able to balance a social life with their work during the day," Sorensen says.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Human Resources Program.
And O'Brien adds that since the job demands dealing with various personalities all day long, you may build social skills you can use in your off-time. "The hours are normal, so you'll have plenty of time after work to use your refined people skills bettering your social life. Everyone loves the matchmaker."
Prepare for This Potentially Balanced Career: Aside from showing off your people skills in your job interview, you might need some schooling. The Department of Labor says applicants must usually have a bachelor's degree in human resources, business, or a related field.

No Life Career #5: Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agent

Median
Annual Salary*

>$72,640

Top 10% of
Annual Salaries*

≥$187,199

Bottom 10% of
Annual Salaries*

<$32,280

Ever get a peek at the New York Stock Exchange trading floor? Some days you might mistake it for an Mixed Martial Arts match. Not exactly conducive to relaxed social interaction. But even if you don't plan on being a screaming floor trader, this career can eat into your social life.
Why You Might Have No Social Life: These professionals often work around their clients' schedules, says Sorensen, and that can cut into their social life. "Whereas most people work 8 am to 5 pm, financial service individuals typically meet their clients outside of those hours, cutting into time with friends and family," he says.
And O'Brien says social occasions for these professionals might not always be so social. "In off hours, to generate new business, you'll need to be where people who have money to invest are gathered. Paying for the privilege of club memberships, certain social events, and special affairs before you have the business can really strain the budget," she says.

Balanced Career #5: Industrial Organizational Psychologist

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Median
Annual Salary*

$80,330

Top 10% of
Annual Salaries*

>$140,390

Bottom 10% of
Annual Salaries*

<$49,570

If you think understanding how people think and why they do what they do might be a good thing for relating to others, this career could be a good fit.
As an industrial organizational psychologist, you would work on solving problems and improving the quality of work life, and on increasing productivity at companies by applying psychological principles, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
Why It Could Be More Balanced: "Industrial organizational psychologists work with companies to identify patterns and behaviors of prospective hires, as well as current employees. Because they work within companies that have set hours, their roles can be similar to other operations roles, and they are able to leave when the office closes for the day," says Sorensen.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Psychology Program.
And, O'Brien says that a psychologist's training gives them people skills that could improve their social life. "When your career's purpose is to improve the performance, satisfaction, and the safety and well-being of employees, how can it help but rub off on you?" she says. As O'Brien sees it, those same skills that these professionals use to make employees happy and satisfied can be used to improve the quality of life of friends and family, which can make these workers very popular.
Prepare for This Potentially Balanced Career: You'll need more than a good understanding of people to work in this field. According to the Department of Labor, master's degree graduates are able to work as industrial-organizational psychologists.

If you're interested in pursuing one of these careers, but aren't sure how to get started because of your busy schedule, one option to consider is online education. According to University.com, a comprehensive research site for students interested in online degrees and courses, there are online programs out there that could help you prepare to pursue a variety of careers that are known for having a high level of flexibility.