Alternative Careers for Professionals Who Need a Change

If you’ve spent years in your current field, you likely know whether it’s a good fit for you. When you don’t enjoy what you do, it could be challenging to find the motivation to start work every morning. Looking into alternative careers for women may lead you to the perfect choice for your second career.

Should You Try Changing Fields Mid-Career?

You aren’t stuck in one field for the rest of your life. You may have liked your first choice initially, but after years, you might feel like looking for something new. Changing fields mid-career is not something you should feel bad about — plenty of people don’t discover their true calling until later on.

The average age at which most people switch careers is 39. However, you’re never too old or too young to try something new. Taking a chance might lead you to the job you’re meant to be in.

5 Best Jobs for a Career Change

These careers might be a massive change from what you’re used to, but trying something completely new could be the right thing to dig yourself out of a rut. Consider looking into and applying for jobs in the fields listed below.

1. First Responder

First responders help people. They serve as the emergency services that make it first to a scene, where they can administer medical aid to people who need it. If you have a heart for others and don’t mind a fast-paced and potentially high-stress environment, this career may be an excellent fit for you. 

This job pays about $42,000 a year on average. You don’t need a degree to be a first responder. As long as you have your high school diploma, you can complete the required tests and training and be well on your way to certification.

2. Massage Therapist

A massage therapist treats various clients every day by manipulating their soft tissue and relieving aches and pains. They provide a relaxing and safe environment for every customer and are trained to deal with just about every muscular ailment.

To become a massage therapist, you’ll have to complete a program that teaches you about anatomy and physiology so you understand the human body in depth. These courses will prepare you for testing for your licensure, allowing you to become a full-fledged massage therapist. You can expect to earn an average salary of $47,000 as a massage therapist.

3. Cosmetologist

Cosmetologists aren’t just hairstylists. They can also branch out into skin care, facials and other beauty treatments. Cosmetologists often work for themselves and rent out a space in a building with colleagues. They cultivate unique experiences for their clients that leave them feeling more confident in their appearances.

Cosmetology school is an excellent opportunity to learn all the techniques needed for your license. You have a perfect chance to talk to clients to understand their needs better and wants, so informal training continues past your education. 

Once you have enough experience and perform well in every field, you can test for the state exam to become licensed. You can make around $30,000 a year or more as a cosmetologist — since they usually set their prices, the sky’s the limit.

4. Information Technologist

Information technologists are essential to any business, as they are the ones who keep technology running smoothly for everyone else. They may implement security measures or aid daily workloads by ensuring that any technology runs as it’s meant to.

An IT job usually needs a bachelor’s degree in the field. If you’re OK with going back to school, this might be one of the best careers to change to if it interests you. Your courses will teach you how to keep data secure and fix all sorts of issues. You may find that hands-on experience can replace years of education in certain circumstances. Either way, you can expect to earn about $54,000 a year.

5. Dental Assistant

Think of dental assistants as nurses. They ensure patients are comfortable and assist with paperwork and other office-related tasks. They may help the dentist with tools while they are working. It’s an excellent opportunity for anyone who wants to help people but doesn’t want to work on them directly.

Some states don’t require you to complete a program to become a dental assistant. Still, you should consider it anyway so you learn valuable material and gain practical experience before you begin working. Your average salary would be around $40,000. From this position, you can choose to move up to a dental hygienist or even go back to school to become a dentist.

Find the Best Careers to Change To

The career you enter right after school doesn’t have to be the one you stay in for the rest of your life. If you’re unhappy at work, you can make a change. All these jobs involve helping people in one way or another, and if you crave to feel more fulfilled, these might be the best careers to choose.

By Ginger Abbot

Ginger Abbot is the Editor-in-Chief and founder of Classrooms.com, a learning publication for college students, career professionals and educators.