People who are willing to expand their thought process, learn new things and broaden their horizons often contemplate a career change at some point of time in their life. Very often, they tend to make a wrong career choice because of lack of information or the inability to make a calculated decision. While career selection based on up-to-date information does help in making a living, it does not guarantee permanent satisfaction. This is evidenced from the fact that even people eventually elect to change their career path completely in spite of well paying, secure jobs.

Working Professionals Change Careers Depending On Following Factors:

o Either professional or psychological factors determine the career path. At times individuals experience a professional setback and find their current career unsatisfactory, whereas some are compelled due to unavoidable circumstances.

o Most people enjoy the early years in their careers especially if they are single at that time. However, priorities change after having a family especially if they have a hectic schedule and need to travel. Generally, people start looking for new career options that will allow them to balance their time between their career and family.

o Changes in technology, economy, as well as the industry, also trigger career changes since the existing job is not in tune with the changed working environment.

The Psychological Effect

o Many people who worked hard in the formative years of their careers are prone to get affected by a psychological condition known as “job burnout”, wherein they lose interest in the work that they used to enjoy earlier.

o Option of changing employers does not help at times; this is when a career change is probably the best thing to do.

o Stress also plays a key role that influences a career change. This is evidenced from the number of professionals that quit stressful work environments for preserving their mental and physical health. Such people take a step down to relatively low-paying jobs that are less stressful.

Other Factors

o Boredom – This is another reason why people often opt out of their careers in search of something more exciting and challenging. Most people are inspired and motivated at the start of their careers and enjoy the new learning challenges. However, after reaching the pinnacle of the hierarchy in a particular job, they experience job stagnation. These people often quit their careers and prefer to do something that is more exciting and challenging even if the monetary compensation is not as satisfactory.

o Money – Although it is not always commensurate with job satisfaction, for many it is the basic reason for a career change. These people are so driven by the lure of higher pay packages that they will readily change careers the moment they get the opportunity to earn more.

Recommendations Before Opting For A Career Change:

o It is important for people to ask themselves what they really want from the new career. For some, a combination of both financial and job satisfaction is important while others may choose to accept a job that provides an opportunity for experience that enables them to grow in their particular field. This may lead to higher financial gains at a later date.

o They need to think deep about their interests and learn to be true to themselves in order to avoid repeating the same mistakes they might have made earlier in their career.

o Finally, it should be kept in mind that a job and a career of choice will allow them to live a more happy, satisfied, and fulfilling life.

Let me guess: you needed to start working yesterday, but you don’t want to take a dead-end job leading nowhere just to get a few bucks in your pocket. You want to find a career that you can start quickly, but that will offer you chances to grow, advance and increase that weekly paycheck.

You came to the right place, my friend. I’ve got just the thing for you: 3 rewarding career paths that you can start quickly and grow in while you work.

Dental Career path

Start here: Dental Assistant
With strong growth predicted for the entire dental industry, becoming a dental assistant is a great way to get your foot in the door. Get started by completing a dental assistant program, which is usually offered by community and junior colleges, trade schools, and technical institutes. While these programs typically take one year, you can also elect to enroll in a two-year associate’s degree program offered by community and junior colleges. Either way, you’ll be prepping patients and assisting dentists in no time.

End up here: Dental Hygienist
While you’re working as a dental assistant and getting valuable experience under your belt, you can study to become a dental hygienist. Hygienists are those professionals who spend their afternoons polishing our teeth and making our smiles beautiful. To become a dental hygienist, you need an associate degree or certificate in dental hygiene from an accredited dental hygienist program. Once you’ve got that diploma in hand, you’ll also need to take a licensing exam for the state in which you plan to work.

Estimated Earning Potential: In May 2008, the median annual wage for dental assistants was $32,280, while the median annual wage for their dental hygienist colleagues in the same month was $66,570, or more than double. Makes that dental hygienist certification sound like a good investment, doesn’t it?

Added Bonus: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than one third of all dental assistants work part-time, which leaves you plenty of time to go to school, care for your family, or pursue another job. In addition, both dental assistants and dental hygienists experience a high degree of flexibility in their careers, with the option to work nights and weekends if that fits into your schedule better.

Accountant Career Path

Start here: Bookkeeper
If you’ve got a high school diploma and a passion for numbers, you can start a career as a bookkeeper. Bookkeepers update and maintain financial records for virtually every industry out there. In addition, they may also handle payroll, make purchases, prepare invoices, and keep track of overdue accounts. One thing to note: an Associate’s degree in accounting or business is slowly becoming more desirable for these positions, which can typically be earned in two years.

End up here: Accountant
Bookkeepers who work towards a Bachelor’s in accounting can become accountants when they graduate. Accountants work with companies and organizations to make sure that their taxes are paid on time, their records are kept accurately, and their finances are in order.

Estimated Earning Potential: In May 2008, Bookkeepers made a median annual salary of $32,150. In the same month, accountants took home a median wage of $59,430 for the year.

Added Bonus: More and more schools are offering accounting programs online, making it easy to earn your accounting degree while you work.

Nursing Career Path

Start here: Licensed Practical Nurse
You can get started as a licensed practical nurse (also known as licensed vocational nurse) by enrolling in a state-approved nursing program. These programs are typically offered by community and junior colleges and should take about a year to complete. Once you complete the program, you’ll need to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) to get your license. When you’re done, you’ll be ready to help registered nurses and doctors care for patients on a daily basis in a wide variety of settings.

End up here: Registered Nurse
While you’re working as a LPN, you can study to become a registered nurse. There are three educational paths to choose from: earn a bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN), an Associate’s degree in nursing, or a diploma from an accredited nursing program (usually offered by hospitals). Any of these programs will allow you to practice as a registered nurse after you graduate (and pass the NCLEX-RN examination). In addition, many schools offer an LPN to RN program to specifically aid this transition.

Estimated Earning Potential: In May 2008, licensed practical nurses took home a median annual wage of $39,030. Meanwhile, registered nurses were compensated an annual wage of $62,450 in the same month.

Added Bonus: The advancement opportunities for nurses are endless. For registered nurses who don’t have a BSN, there are plenty of programs that make earning your bachelor’s in nursing easy. Once you have your BSN, you can choose to pursue a Master’s in nursing, which will allow you to enter specialized fields and become an advanced practice nurse (APN). (APNs typically become nurse practitioners, certified nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists, or certified nurse midwives.) If you want to go into teaching or research or a leadership, you can further your career by pursuing a doctorate in nursing. Plus, once you have your BSN, many graduate nursing programs are offered online, making it easy to continue your education. At the end of the day, a nursing career can go as far financially and professionally as you want to take it.

Are you one of the victims of the global economy crisis? Have you ever thought about a home inspection career as your main source of household income? This profession allows you to work continuously and you don’t need to worry that you may be retrenched and lose your job. Even if the real estate market is in a downturn, home inspectors will still have jobs to do because home inspections are always needed in any type of market.

Let’s see the definition of home inspection in order for us to understand the job scope of a home inspector better. Home inspection is defined as a thorough inspection of the home which includes the evaluation of structural and mechanical condition of this home or property. If you have the basic knowledge about construction and architecture, you can easily penetrate into this inspection business.

In general, home sellers and home buyers are always in search of good home inspection professionals. They need these professionals to conduct thorough examinations of homes to detect any potential problem that requires special attention for the safety of the residents. The potential home owners normally receive detailed reports of the conditions of their homes so that they can plan for the necessary repairs and upgrades. Besides, these reports are also used as negotiating tools by the buyers. They may request the owners to reduce the price of the homes or repair certain deficient areas before the deals are closed.

In short, home inspector can be concluded as one of the recession proof professions. If you are currently looking for a job, please do not hesitate to start this career immediately!

Plus-size modeling promotes ‘real’ body shapes where models wear a size 12+. Their work encompass every aspect of the modeling industry: from fashion shoots and major campaigns promoting products on skin care, make-up and hair products to lingerie and swimsuits.

With over 60% of women being size 12+, curvy models are in demand and plus-size girls now forge fabulous careers and travel the world working for international clients.

** Why consider a career in plus-size modeling? **

Think of the clothes, the fun, the travel and an opportunity to work in a glamorous and exciting industry. Plus, it’s really rewarding to represent a new, and more representative, body type where ‘phat’ has a whole new meaning!

But first thing’s first, don’t give up your day job. To develop a career and earn a lot of money from modeling you need a great portfolio filled with a diverse range of photographs and tears sheets (pages from a publication you appeared in). Getting your portfolio together can take two years but the experience is worth it.

Plus-size models have the opportunity to work internationally and make a good living. The more successful ones make it their business to work with their agency to learn the industry and plan their career. These professionals understand that highly lucrative jobs are scarce and there’s fierce competition to win the job. In most cases the client will use the same model for back-to-back campaigns (think Kate Dillon for Marina Rinaldi, Carolyn Murphy for Estée Lauder or Kate Moss for Calvin Klein). The modeling world also revolves around seasons so for many months there can be little or no work.

By learning about the industry models aren’t deterred, just realistic. They plan their down time and enjoy the jobs they book when things pick up and opportunities arise.

** What Companies Use Plus-size Models? **

As the population gets curvier, more companies feature bodacious babes in their advertising campaigns and editorials: Ashley Stewart, Marina Renaldi, Delta Burke, Jaclyn Smith, My Size, 1626, Maggie T, Cover Girl, Cosmopolitan, Family Circle, Glamour, Jane, Marie Claire, Cleo, Woman’s Day, Chatelaine.

** Success can come when you least expect it **

There are times when you will go to casting after casting and don’t book one job. This is usually when new models become discouraged and start re-considering their decision to pursue a plus-size modeling career. Then guess what happens? Persistence pays off and things start falling into place.

It usually takes a good 12 months for models to start booking regular clients. Agents often tell their models that being with a plus-size model agency is a WIP (work in progress). It won’t happen over night, but it will happen.

Being professional and prepared at all times and really working at being a plus-size model will make it happen. It sometimes only takes one photograph for the model’s career to skyrocket and that’s why it’s very important to keep testing and trying different photographers to get that ‘one’ shot that will make all the difference.

Our agency had one model that was doing ‘okay’ and then had a test shoot with a funky new photographer. This guy got ‘the shot’ that took her career from strength to strength and she is now working overseas as an international model.

It’s an important lesson, modelling isn’t just about you. It’s a complex collaboration between your agency, the client, photographer, stylist, make-up artist, hair stylist and a whole bunch of other people. Work it to wow!

** Famous plus size models **

When BGM Director, Darrianne Donnelly, started her career she was the lone ranger. Fortunately for you, plus-size models are everywhere from America’s Next Top Model to the pages of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.

Famous plus-size models include:

· Model and spokesperson, Emme

· Kate Dillon

· Allegra Doherty

· Toccara Jones from America’s Next Top Model

· The Biggest Loser’s Tracy Moores

· Actress and model, Carrie Otis

· Symantha Perkins

· Mia Tyler

· Plus-size superstar, Natalie Wakeling

· Singer, Queen Latifah

· Sophie Dahl

· Barbara Brickner

· Liis Windischmann

· Pippa Jefferys

** Could I be a plus-size model? **

Here’s a simple run down of the criteria agencies are looking for:

– Height between 5′ 8” (172cms) and 6″(180cms)

– Wear a US size 12/14 as this is usually the client’s sample range

With over 60% of women being size 12+, curvy models are in demand!

Music Career Myth #1: You can’t make it if you’re older than a certain age.

Reality: Companies and bands who are successful don’t focus on age. There are tons of professional musicians 30 and older in all aspects of the business. Your age only matters if you make it matter.

The music industry functions just the same as any other business. You can become successful at any age as long as you have a strong work ethic, dedication and a lot of value to offer.

Learn what the music industry seeks in musicians and begin strengthening these skills (more mentioned on this in a moment). This is what attracts people in the industry to you.

Music Career Myth #2: Fans don’t purchase music any more.

Reality: Fans do buy music these days, but old business models for selling it do not work. To sell music to your fans (and make good money), you must:

1. Know how the industry works right now (rather than how it worked decades ago).

2. Think creatively and outside the box. This will help you find new ways to sell your music to fans.

Music Career Myth #3: Before you can build a career, you must become an excellent musician.

Reality: There’s a lot more to becoming a great pro musician than simply having “great musical skills”. A lot of musicians in the music industry are not high level guitarists, singers, etc… and many highly talented musicians never build successful music careers.

What you need to learn here: work on both your musical skills and other aspects of your music career at the same time.

Note: Becoming a pro musician does not require going to university. Going to college for music only helps you build your musical skills. Doing this will not help you grow a career in music. There are tons of people who get music degrees and never make good money in music.

You can also find many other effective ways to become a better musician other than going to university. Taking lessons with a virtuoso guitar teacher will help you master the instrument much faster.

Question: “But Tom Hess, what if I get a degree in music business?”

Answer: Professors who teach music business usually are not successful in the music industry. They are simply educators. They teach you about the music industry, but not how to grow a career in the music industry. For instance, in classes for music business you might learn how contracts are made, how tours get promoted and how royalties work. This information is good to know, but it won’t help you:

*Actually get a record deal of your own.

*Go on a tour that makes money.

*Get deals for publishing your music.

*Join the band you want to be in.

*Earn a huge income through music.

*Sustain success in your music career for a long time.

You accomplish these kinds of results by working together with a music career mentor who has already achieved massive success.

Music Career Myth #4. You need to live in a “music city” to be successful.

Reality: This is a very dated myth that is not true. It’s not the city that matters, it’s YOU.

You can work together with music companies who live very far away from you. Learn the principles that grow successful music careers and live by them in your own career. This leads you to success regardless of your location.

Music Career Myth #5. You need good connections to achieve success.

Reality: Connections often do not lead down the path of music career success. If I introduced you to the lead singer of your favorite band, would this do a lot for you? Not likely… unless:

1. You have tons of value to offer above most other musicians.

2. You’ve developed a reputation in the music business for being someone who is loyal, hard-working, and trustworthy while also having a strong mindset for business. People in the music industry WILL inspect your reputation before they begin working with you in any capacity.

(Note from the author: The original of this article was posted in 2005. Much has changed since then and the reader is advised to research current law firm websites devoted to DUI defense for updates.)

Although you won’t find “loss of job” listed in Washington state’s DUI laws, a drunk driving arrest can have a devastating impact upon your continued employment. If you need to drive to get to work, or you must drive to do your job, a DUI arrest in Washington state sets in motion two ways you can suffer due to loss of your license:

(1) administratively at the hands of the Department of Licensing

(2) by court action if you are subsequently convicted of DUI.

In Washington state, when a breath test was taken and the result was.08 or higher, the Department of Licensing will seek to administratively suspend your license even if you are not charged with the crime of DUI. In most cases you will be eligible to apply for an ignition interlock license, but this requires you to drive (with few exceptions) only if the vehicle you drive has an ignition interlock device installed.

There is an exception to the ignition interlock law that permits you to drive an employer’s vehicle, if required by the job, without an ignition interlock. The application for this may be found on several websites, including the Fox Bowman Duarte website.

An ignition interlock means that your car won’t start if alcohol is present, and the horn will honk and lights flash if alcohol is detected while driving. The job implications of this in-car breath test device are ominous for persons in sales requiring client interaction: few potential clients are impressed by a sales person who drives an ignition interlocked vehicle.

Beyond this, individuals who must travel for business and then who must rent cars at destination sales locations will be unable to rent cars during the time an ignition interlock is required, thus impacting the ability to travel for business. At present, no car rental agencies are known to have ignition interlock equipped vehicles in their fleets.

Criminal Penalties:

Even with no prior record, up to a year in jail can be imposed and if the breath test was refused, a two-year license revocation is imposed. Then, the ignition interlock requirement exists for at least one year after the suspension has been served.

If there is a prior DUI offense within seven years of the date of the arrest for the current incident, things get much worse if your job requires interstate travel. New Washington state DUI legislation requires such a person to obtain permission from the Department of Corrections before traveling interstate. The application process takes time and will greatly impede or even prevent interstate business travel.

There are some careers that will be jeopardized by a DUI arrest or conviction for reasons other than loss of the ability to drive. Corporate officers, public figures, sports figures or employees with security clearances or those in sensitive positions may find, if the matter comes to the attention of the media, that the impact of the resultant adverse publicity is more damaging to the career than the actual “legal” consequences of a DUI. The author of this article has represented individuals so situated. Such cases must be defended well and handled carefully, with the objective of preserving the career while minimizing potential legal consequences.

The modern job market favors those who possess unique and specialized skills that are not typically on offer in the traditional classroom setting. Much like virtual commerce and telecommuting is doing for businesses, online tutoring is offering several unique advantages for those seeking to improve their grades or boost their careers.

Offers Flexibility

Although online courses are quite flexible and can be attended from any location, often, they are still set up during specific hours of the day. If you are a busy professional or a student who needs immediate assistance, those times may not work for you. They might also not be suitable if you are a worker who has job shifts that fluctuate much. Online courses could also be a problem if you are in the military as you could be on a field mission indefinitely.

Online tutoring is available when you really need it. For example, you could be working on an essay or term paper and need a few questions answered immediately. In such cases, online tutoring is what you really need.

More Personalization

Online courses largely only offer you only one option when it comes to the instructor, and there is a possibility that the assigned instructor might not be the perfect fit for your unique learning needs. This is not only costly but also wastes precious time. You might, for example, be forced to sit through a whole accounting course semester waiting to learn only a few key accounting principles. You could be paying for what you already know. Similarly, you might not feel ready to take on a specific degree or certificate course until you have brushed up on some particular topics or skills. This is where online tutoring steps in to fill the gaps.

Working with an online tutor gives you the needed opportunity to master specific skills tailored to meet your individual course or career needs. The added advantage is that you get immediate feedback for better outcomes. It also feels psychologically safer when you are working with a single online tutor rather than in an entire classroom. The personal relationship may allow you to take bolder risks or experiment in a way you would not feel quite so comfortable or safe when in a group.

Meets Special Needs

Online tutoring is also an excellent method for those who have physical handicaps that could rule out face-to-face tutoring. Students, who for example, are unable to speak, hear, or travel may not access timely help something that online tutoring does perfectly. Time and geography is also not a limitation when you have expert online tutors. And because the tutor doesn’t need to come to your location to have a session, the charges per hour are less.

As you search for online tutors you have lots of options to choose from for that perfect fit. Additionally, the broader selection also allows you to work with expert online tutors specializing in different topics or areas where you need help.

Conclusion

If your grades are lagging behind or perhaps your career has not turned out the way you had envisioned, don’t lose hope. You can still recover and turn thing around – consider TutorEye.

New Career Opportunity – Learn the Benefits of Becoming a Pet Groomer

Looking for a career that is prospering in this depressed economy? Want to know the benefits of becoming a pet groomer?

If you love working with animals and don’t have eight years to attend veterinary school, you might consider becoming a pet groomer. The animal service industry is expected to grow by twenty one percent in the next ten years, according to the US Dept of Labor. See in the author’s box.

Here are a few of the reasons why grooming is fun and rewarding:

* The pet grooming industry is growing and expected to continue to grow in this slow economy
* The training time and cost to become a certified pet groomer is very low, taking months rather than years to complete
* You don’t have to have a college education or even a GED to be a successful groomer
* Working with animals fills your days with infinite emotional happiness and reward
* You get to bring your own animal children to work with you
* You get to set your own schedule
* You can work as little or as much as you want to
* You don’t have to get dressed up for work
* You get to stay physically active at work, this is not a desk job
* Every day there is different work to do. This is not a factory job
* The cost for your tools is very low to buy and maintain (typically included with your school training)
* You get tips at work every day
* Each day is immediate gratification when the dog owners are happy and pay you with smiles and tips
* You get to express your creativity through grooming
* You can make $18,000 to $75,000 annually

If you are looking for a great new career in the animal industry, you should give pet grooming serious consideration. The reward of working with cats and dogs every day is beyond words. Transforming a pound mutt into a handsome and desirable house pet is an incredible feeling. It’s great to wake up in the morning happy to go to work and to have the genuine appreciation from those that you work for. How many people are able to have their own pets with them while they make a living? Setting your own schedule and your own pace is one of the benefits of a grooming career. In as little as three months, you can become a certified pet groomer, earning a nice living, sending home freshly groomed dogs to owners that are full of gratitude. Not to mention that the tips you earn are a great bonus.

Pet grooming as a career gets very high ratings. It’s a stable career in any economy. The cost to get into the industry and stay in the industry is low. The tips are great, the pay is great, and the perks are great. Mobile groomers and boutique groomers alike, all say the same thing about pet grooming: Start your day happy and excited, end your day, happy and tired. How many people do you know that say they have a job they love?

Copyright 2010 DuAnn Lustig Chambers

Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you print the about the author information and keep all links active.

Are you an excellent cook? Do you recognize the quality of food and good taste? Can you make food look good? If yes then the Culinary Arts degree is the best for you and there is nothing better. If you adore food, then this career is made for you. This is becoming very popular with the young generation. They know that there are lots of career choices available here.

Salaries are based on the skill and experience of each. The industry is growing and so is the competition. Everyone needs to start as a trainee chef and then move to a higher position. Culinary field values experience more than any other field and there are lots of alternatives. The pay of an executive chef is really very good. You will surely get a very good package if you have really good talent and are hard working. There lots of opportunities for you from the food service stream. They also want talent who can give quality food to their customers, what better than some good real talent. There are lots of options, so you will never be out of a job, no matter what your specialization is. It is always better to get a degree and move ahead though some people even get there without formal education the growth is not the same.

How much growth can you expect?

Growth in this field is amazing, restaurants and hotels of various sizes are always searching for talented chefs at all times. They want skilled culinary students who are very hard working and are having a positive outlook and that helps a lot. If you want quick growth in your job and very good salaries, then this is the field.

Career options are plenty

After getting this degree you have an option to work as a chef. There is a great demand for chefs, who are good at their job. They are in charge of the kitchen and control everyone else including the junior chefs. They also decide on what the menu is going o be and all the recipes for the day.

A new opportunity is to work as a Food stylist. It is basically a person who arranges food in an amazing way to be photographed or displayed and this is something great and good looking food is always necessary along with good taste and these people do that well. Not to forget these people know a lot of things about cooking and sometimes they are as good as chefs. This is a profession which is growing and you can opt for this too also.

Consider the social care sector, and the term ‘recession-proof’ probably doesn’t leap to mind. But since the beginning of the economic downturn, lists of recession-proof careers have begun to crop up all over the place, and social work has been on nearly every one. Death and taxes might help to protect the roles of undertakers and accountants, but how are social care managers defeating the depression? This article looks at what is going on in the social sector.

Investment in social work careers

In the last few years, Local Authorities across the UK have been reporting rising numbers of referrals from vulnerable demographics. This has led to an increased demand on the social work sector which has, in turn, put more pressure than ever on governmental investment into industry development.

As the coalition government finds it feet, this pressure is beginning to produce results. A £79.9 million investment into the skills body of the Children’s Workforce Development Council has already been announced in 2011, with a further £44 million for children’s social work teams due to follow.

The outlook of social care and the careers therein are tied to this development. Improvements in the sector are already taking place and the investment in its employees is sure to follow. So even through a recession there are still career paths available which are unaffected by the country’s economy.

The role of the social work manager

When it comes to industry development, service improvements need managing and social workers require training. For that, we’ll need social worker managers. But careers in social care don’t have the greatest reputation. To combat this, ideas are now beginning to be thrown around to improve the role of the social work manager in the hopes of attracting more applicants.

Some of Britain’s leading commentators have begun serious speculation around these potential plans. The ideas have been varied; from internal development opportunities through to flexibility in moving sectors. Whatever the outcome, the intention is the same; careers in social care management are set to improve, and it may only be a matter of time until they do.

It’s this potential for the future, along with increased demand from society and further investment from the government, which is putting the career of social work manager on everyone’s ‘most recession-proof’ lists. Combined with the improvements which are to made to the overall social care manager job role, this sector should attract greater interest for those looking for job security.