See how the right training can help you get into one of these flexible jobs.
By Yahoo! Education Staff
Think work-life balance doesn't exist? Think again.
"Many companies are integrating flexibility into their business strategies," says Sara Sutton Fell, founder and CEO of FlexJobs.com. "Both job seekers and employers are looking out of the box and embracing non-traditional opportunities."
The first step to finding a career that lets you have it all is to figure out what "work-life balance" means to you.
"Some people like to work from home," says Rathin Sinha, President of America's Job Exchange. "Some people like the flexibility to work at night. Some people just want to 'check out' once they're done with work."
Check out the life-balancing benefits that these seven jobs have to offer.
Career #1 - Medical Assistant
Medical assistants enjoy set hours, so if you need a job with predictable schedule, this may be the right career for you. Medical assistants help with administrative and clinical tasks in doctor's offices, including scheduling appointments and recording vital signs. They often work part-time, evenings, or on weekends.
The training: A one-year certificate in medical assisting can prepare you for this job. Another training option: earn an associate's degree in medical assisting in two years.
The pay: The average annual salary of medical assistants is $29,450. The highest 10 percent can average at more than $33,760.
Career #2 - Sales Representative
If you want a high-paying career that offers real flexibility (and who doesn't!), sales may be right for you. As a sales representative, you may be able to do a lot of your work over the phone and via email. Your hours may be irregular, but you should have the freedom to make your own schedule.
The training: To beef up your business and communication skills, consider taking courses in marketing or communications. You can earn your associate's degree in as little as two years.
The pay: Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives have an average annual salary of $61,400 including commissions. The top 10 percent average at more than $106,130 a year.
Career #3 - Teacher
As a work-life balance career, teaching provides a unique kind of flexibility. Teachers work hard during the school year, often planning lessons or grading papers at home. The flip side is that many teachers are free to take the summers off to pursue personal projects or spend time with family.
The training: You will need a bachelor's degree, a teaching certificate, and a license to teach. If you want to teach in a high school, you should major in the subject you plan to teach.
The pay: Kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school teachers have an average annual salary range of $50,380-$55,150. The top 10 percent have an average annual salary range of $75,210-$82,000.
Career #4 - Technical Writer
If you're good with words and want a flexible career, consider becoming a technical writer. As a technical writer, it would be your job to put technical jargon into easy to understand language. As long as you meet deadlines and deliver quality work, your week is almost entirely your own to schedule.
The training: Earn your bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or English. Some technical writing jobs may require knowledge in a specialized field like engineering or medicine. You might also want to consider studying web design or computer graphics.
The pay: The average annual salary for technical writers is $65,610. The highest 10 percent can average at more than $100,000 year.
Career #5 - Administrative Assistant
If you're looking for a full-time job that won't require a lot of overtime, this may be the career for you. As an administrative assistant, you would likely work in a comfortable office setting, handling tasks like scheduling meetings, conducting research, and handling travel arrangements.
The training: One way to prepare for this work-life balance career is to earn a one-year certificate in office administration. Another option is to complete an associate's degree in office administration, which generally takes about two years.
The pay: Administrative assistants have an average annual salary of $31,060. The top 10 percent average at more than $45,170 a year.
Career #6 - Web Designer
Web design is a creative job that can give you unparalleled freedom to determine your own schedule. Do your job well and deliver your projects on deadline, and scheduling the actual work is up to you.
The training: An associate's degree in graphic design should prepare you to work as an assistant to a designer. If you want to start as an entry-level designer, look into bachelor's degree programs in graphic design with an emphasis on web design.
The pay: The average annual salary for graphic designers is $47,820. The highest 10 percent can earn more than $76,450.
Career #7 - Computer Programmer
Computer programmers can work from almost anywhere and get paid handsomely for updating, modifying, and expanding existing computer programs. If you are detail-oriented and able to meet deadlines, this job might be the solution to help you balance work with the rest of your life.
How to get the job: Many programming positions require a bachelor's degree, but a two-year degree or certificate may be adequate for some positions. Consider earning your degree in computer science, mathematics, or information systems.
How much it pays: Computer programmers have an average annual salary of $74,690. The highest 10 percent can earn more than $113,380.
All salary information is provided by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2009.
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