Is your daily cup of coffee turning into two or three just to get through the morning? Baffled by the fact that sitting in an office chair all day still leaves you exhausted by closing time? You may be suffering from Boring Job Syndrome.
The good news is that boring jobs can be cured, thanks to career training programs at colleges and universities both online and on-campus. Take the edge off Boring Job Syndrome with these exciting jobs designed to get you up and moving.
#1: Physical therapist assistant
Can't imagine a better job than one that has you on your feet all day helping others get on their feet? Working as an assistant to a licensed physical therapist requires energy, stamina and a way with people.
- Career training: Training for assistants typically means a short associate degree program.
- Typical salary: Physical therapist assistants earned a mean annual wage of $44,340 in 2007, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
- Extra perks: Rapid employment growth is expected through 2016, with 20,000 new jobs for physical therapist assistants expected to enter the job market.
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#2: Fashion designer
Anyone into fashion knows that trends and styles change drastically with the seasons, meaning you're never focusing on anything for too long. In a fashion design degree program, you'll learn about trends, design essentials, and the technical side of a career that can have you jetting to fashion shows across the globe.
- Career training: Learn the basics with an associate degree in fashion design, or get a deeper level of understanding with a bachelor's degree.
- Typical salary: Fashion designers earned $71,170 in 2007, according to the BLS.
- Extra perks: Working at the cutting edge of the fashion world means owning the trends before they hit stores.
#3: Registered nurse
Whether they find themselves in the ER, holistic or rehabilitation centers, or in long-term care situations, registered nurses (RNs) have a challenging, rewarding day of work ahead of them. This in-demand job requires you to think on your feet as you provide lifesaving treatment to patients in need.
- Career training: Three degree paths exist for RNs: an associate degree, a bachelor's degree, or a diploma from an accredited training program.
- Typical salary: Registered nurses earned a mean annual wage of $62,480 in 2007, the BLS reports. RNs who go on to specialize with a master's degree can earn even more.
- Extra perks: An estimated 587,000 jobs are expected to enter the nursing field through 2016, meaning this career has some long-term staying power.
#4: Caterer
Imagine creating the reception feast for a wedding party of 300, a full hors d'oeuvres course for a business reception or the drinks and desserts for a graduation party. Your cooking skills meet with big business in a catering career, and there's never a dull moment.
- Career training: Depending on your level of specialization and experience, education could mean a short coursework program, an associate degree or a bachelor's degree.
- Typical salary: Catering managers saw average salaries of $41,000 in 2008, according to PayScale.
- Extra perks: The caterer gets an instant invite to some of the best parties in town, not to mention creative license to create fabulous meals.
#5: Preschool teacher
Working with kids means enjoying a full day of action as you help prepare them for their elementary years. Far from your typical office job, working in a preschool can have you playing as you teach. And who doesn't love a plate full of finger food and a midday nap every once in a while?
- Career training: Depending on your state, an associate or bachelor's degree in early childhood education may be required.
- Typical salary: The BLS reports that preschool teachers earned a mean annual wage of $25,800 in 2007. Those working in preschools linked with elementary schools earned more, at $36,080.
- Extra perks: If you have young children, you can get the inside scoop on their education by learning about preschools and teachers in your community.
#6: Vocational careers
If working with your hands is the opposite of a desk job, these exciting careers are right up your alley. Career training programs offer directed coursework for aspiring plumbers, HVAC technicians, electricians, massage therapists and more.
- Career training: Training varies by occupation, but generally means a 2-year associate degree program.
- Typical salary: HVAC technicians saw mean annual wages of $40,630 in 2007, according to the BLS. Massage therapists saw similar wages, at $40,330.
- Extra perks: Learning a trade gives you real-world skills that transcend the office and potentially get you feeling better about going to work.
Online career training for busy adults
There's a lot on your plate already. Why add to it with a career training program? The benefits of pursuing an education now can add up as you find yourself in a more satisfying, less stressful job with daily benefits. Career training programs can be completed in less time than you think, and while no degree program can guarantee a job, hiring managers in the careers above often prefer or require education among their applicants. Look into a degree or certificate program today, and find yourself a job that's anything but boring.
