Alternate Career Paths

This article though refers to possibilities in the US and other developed countries, can also be modified suitably to Indian conditions.

Alternative Career Paths that Will Help You Enjoy Your Job Again

by Contributor

If you begin to realize that your chosen career is simply not all that you hoped it’d be, don’t despair. There are several lesser known career paths that dovetail nicely with your current work experience and education if you know where to look.

Today we’re going to look at 5 variations of jobs which you may have never considered. If you are looking to start a new career or simply switch to a different position in the same field, then here are a few exciting alternative career paths that you can look into.

1. Corporate Trainers

If your passion is teaching but would rather do without the unruly kids and the temperamental teenagers, then working as a corporate trainer may just be the job you are looking for.

You will be tasked as a corporate trainer to coach professionals and educate them about specific skills, technologies and protocols needed in order to adapt to a corporate environment. The pay is also not that bad as you can earn as much as $55,000 yearly excluding bonuses.

2. Personal Finance Advisors

If you are good with numbers but tired of working in the cutthroat world of traders and stock brokers then have we got a job for you!

You have a head for math and an inclination to numbers and monitoring trade movements and investment opportunities, so you can undoubtedly fare well as a personal finance advisor or consultant. You will be able to enjoy a much more relaxed environment servicing clients who are in need of your specific expertise, rather than having to deal with very competitive co-workers.

Although laboring at Wall Street may pay better, working as financial consultant also pays well with an average salary of $66,000 annually, plus additional incentives and benefits.

3. Sales Engineers

If you are afraid of forever being stuck in the construction field then you can look forward to finally throwing away your hard hat by working as a sales engineer.

Sales engineers are especially hired to sell technology and equipment to businesses. Unlike typical engineers, working in sales allows you to earn additional commissions apart from your regular salary. Sales engineers, according to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, can earn up to $89,000 per year.

4. Forensic Science Technicians

If you have the brains of CSI’s Grissom but would rather stay in a lab instead of working on the field then you can still fulfill your CSI dream by working as a forensic science technician.

Forensic lab technicians are responsible for and most concerned with analyzing physical evidence instead of collecting any from the crime scenes. Acquiring additional background in legal management is also an advantage beyond simply earning a bachelor’s degree.

As a forensic science technician, you can bring home anywhere from $50,000 to $60,000 depending on your experience and technical skills.

5. Corporate Attorney

If your heart can no longer take the stress of working at a law firm, why not become a corporate attorney instead?

Your work as a corporate attorney will primarily be limited to giving legal advice to businesses especially with regards to contracts, patents and IPOs. Apart from the joy of not having to worry about length court proceedings, you also get to enjoy a hefty salary that is estimated at roughly $113,310 yearly.

If you’ve discovered the career path you started isn’t all you hoped, there are lesser known jobs out there that will allow you to put your skills to work in an environment closer to your liking. College career counselors warn graduating students that they should expect several career changes over their working life. Figure out what you love about what you currently do, and how you can use those skills in an area that appeals to you more in the long term.

About the Author

Tim’s career path has included being a financial planner, educator, and cabinet maker. You’ll currently find him writing for onlineloancalculator.org and helping car buyers make smart purchasing decisions.