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Change is in the office air. A recent Monster.com poll revealed that more than half of U.S. workers want to change jobs.
If you’re one of these would-be career changers, you’ve probably got a good reason for switching paths—needing more satisfaction, less stress, a new challenge, more flexibility…the list goes on. But no matter why you’re changing, chances are you’re looking for a job that gives you something your current career can’t—something a little different.
So to jump start your transition, here are the perks and quirks of seven top jobs for career changers. Would you change it up for one of these careers?
1. For less stress, become a dietitian
As a dietitian, you introduce clients to whole new worlds of flavor. Using your expertise on healthy meals, you guide others toward the best nutritional choices. Not only can this work be personally rewarding; according to a 2012 CareerCast survey, dietitian is one of the top 10 least stressful careers.
Average salary: $33,000 – $75,000
Job growth: 20 percent by 2020 (faster than average)
2. For more variety, become a consultant
Consultants are paid to let people pick their brains. So if you’ve got experience in a specific industry or you’ve mastered a specific skill (like public speaking), a consulting position could be right up your alley. Variety will be the spice of your life as you advise on different projects, with different people, at different companies.
Average salary: $34,000 – $107,000
Job growth: Varies by field
3. For more creativity, become a graphic designer
If you’ve got an artistic flare and an eye for composition, the world of graphic design offers many different areas to explore. You could work on advertising campaigns, print publications, websites, packages and even films. Competition can be fierce, but your creative muscles are sure to get a workout.
Average salary: $26,000 – $77,000
Job growth: 13 percent by 2020 (about average)
4. For more stability, become an accountant
Love the calm of crunching numbers? Want security in the knowledge that your career will pretty much always be in demand? Check out accounting. In this job, you use your math skills, your calculator and your knowledge of financial regulations to help clients keep as much of their money as possible.
Average salary: $39,000 – $107,000
Job growth: 16 percent by 2020 (faster than average)
5. For less routine, become a hair stylist
If you really want to break out of corporate culture, renting your own hair salon chair is a bold option. Once you’re wielding the scissors with style, you can have the freedom and flexibility to set your own hours, interact with a wide variety of clients and get creative with your clipping.
This job is physically demanding and it doesn’t usually come with a huge paycheck, but if you want a career that’s flexible, social and creative, it could be worth it.
Average salary: $16,000 – $42,000
Job growth: 14 percent by 2020 (about average)
6. For more meaning, become a teacher
Whether you’re interested in a traditional teaching role (like elementary school teacher) or a more out-side-the-box option (like yoga instructor), imparting knowledge to students is not easy work. But at the end of the day, your influence can make a huge difference in the lives of those you work with.
Average salary: $35,000 – $83,000
Job growth: Varies by field
7. For more impact, become a nurse
Nursing is an in-demand, well-paying, personally rewarding career track with good benefits and non-traditional hours. No wonder it’s a popular choice for career changers. Plus, there’s a range of different education tracks to train for this career. If you want work where you can really see the results of your labor, nursing could be a great move.
Average salary: $44,000 – $95,000
Job growth: 22-26 percent by 2020 (much faster than average)
Are you thinking about a career change? Why?
Salary and job outlook data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Annie Favreau works for Inside Jobs, a site that helps people discover careers they’ll love and find the education to make it happen. For more career change advice, check out 7 Steps to Prepare for a Successful Switch.
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