5 Careers in the Medical Field That Can Help With Work-Life Balance

The medical field has a wide variety of jobs that are conducive to better work-life balance. Many of these jobs pay well and offer part-time employment, allowing parents to bring home a steady salary without sacrificing family time. Here are five medical careers to consider. 

1. Nursing

There are two types of nursing degrees worth looking into. The first is the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a four-year degree costing at least $40,000. The second is the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), which is a two-year degree that costs between $5,000 and $20,000, depending on the institution. 

Most hospitals these days prefer hiring a nurse with a BSN, but the high demand for nurses means that an ADN can still find a good-paying job. Plus, there is always the opportunity to go back to school for the BSN later, often on the employer’s dime.

The median salary for registered nurses is $77,600 per year, in some states going over six figures. It’s one of the more costly degrees on this list, but you’ll make that money back in your earnings. The demand for nurses is projected to grow about 6% over the next 10 years, which is about average for all occupations.

2. X-Ray Technician

X-ray technicians use state-of-the-art machinery to take images of patients’ bones, organs, and tissues. They work in hospitals, labs, imaging centers, rehab centers, and outpatient facilities. The job requires an associate’s degree or in some cases a certificate, which takes one to two years to complete at a cost of anywhere from $4,000 to $15,000. 

The median annual salary for an X-ray technician is $61,370. . The demand for x-ray technicians is projected to grow 6% over the next 10 years.

3. EKG Technician

EKG Technicians are specialists who work with echocardiograms to determine the cardiovascular health of patients. An echocardiogram (EKG) is a recording of the heart’s electrical activity. Technically, no degree is needed for this job, but most employers prefer at least an associate’s degree. The cost for such a degree is $15,000-$20,000, depending on the level, and it takes 1-2 years to complete. 

The median annual salary for an EKG technician is $60,570. The demand for EKG technicians is projected to grow 10% over the next 10 years, which is faster than average for all occupations.

4. Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory therapists treat patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary problems, including asthma and COPD. They run tests on the heart and lungs and record the data. They also administer treatments for these disorders. An associate or bachelor’s degree is required, which can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $45,000 and take two to four years to complete. 

The median annual salary for a respiratory therapist is $61,830. The demand for respiratory therapists is expected to grow 14% over the next 10 years, which is faster than average for all occupations. 

5. Pharmacy Technician  

Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists prepare prescription medications for patients. They inventory medications and handle packaging, processing, and customer service. Pharmacy technicians may work in retail, hospital, or nursing home pharmacies. 

This job has the least costly and time-consuming training on this list. A pharmacy tech must have a high school diploma, and some states require a degree or certification from a community college, as well as licensing and completion of the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam. Tuition costs can range from $500 to $5,000 for six months to two years of education, and the median annual salary is $36,740. The demand for pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 5% over the next 10 years. 

How To Decide Which Career Is Right for You

When deciding which of these careers is right for you, consider the time and money it will take to get started vs. what kind of salary and lifestyle you can achieve once you have the job.

In general, the higher the degree, the higher the salary, but it may be more important to you to get into a stable career quickly, and at a lower cost. In addition, think about whether you want to work part-time or full-time, and feel around for what opportunities there are for that kind of work in your area. Pick any one of these jobs, and you’ll find a career that will earn for your family for years to come.

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5 Work-at-Home Jobs for Parents

Parents have always struggled with returning to work after having kids. Some people can’t put in the same amount of time they did before they became parents, and others simply don’t want to be away from their kids for that long each day. There are more ways than ever to earn money from home.

Here are five jobs that will allow you to schedule your work around your family’s needs, and not the other way around. 

1. Turn Your Hobby Into a Business 

Do you have something you love to do in your spare time? Are you a baker, crafter, or designer?  Maybe your friends tell you, “You’re great at that! You should start a business!” Well, now is the time to make it happen. Local farmers’ markets, vendor shows, and craft shows can help you get your name and products out into the community. A Facebook Business page is a great alternative to a website, if you’re just starting out and don’t know how to build or maintain one. And of course, there’s good old Etsy, which can help you reach far beyond your local customer pool.

2. Transcription

If you’re a grammar snob and a fast typer, transcription could be the job for you. There are several websites that offer transcription jobs, each with varying pay rates. Check out Rev.com, TranscribeMe, and Speechpad.com. Each site has its own testing protocols and set of grammar rules, so be sure to read all the starting documents carefully. A lot of jobs are first come, first served, so this is a good gig for someone who is online a lot and able to check the websites often. Some sites, such as TranscribeMe, have options for higher-paying jobs the more experience you get.

3. Writing

You may not think of yourself as a writer, but did you do any writing for your previous job? Have you ever kept a blog? Do you have education or experience in writing or communications? Then try content writing. Gather up any writing samples you have and make a portfolio for future employers. Set up accounts on content agencies like Upwork and WriterAccess, and check out writing boards like Problogger to look for gigs. Also, search Facebook and Twitter for writing groups that help connect writers to jobs. The more experience you get, the more you can add to your portfolio, and the more competitive you’ll become. 

4. Tutoring/Music Lessons

Tutoring is a great way to turn your knowledge of a particular subject into an income. Tutors can start small with little to no overhead, allowing them to keep the majority of their profits. First, figure out the subjects you’d like to teach. Perhaps you’re a grammar fanatic and want to make some extra money to go along with that transcription work. Maybe you’re a wiz with equations or a guitar prodigy. Then, decide which age groups you want to teach and what the demand is in your area for the subjects you can offer. Next, find out how much your competitors are charging. Last, get the word out through social media and parent groups.

5. Web Design

Do you have experience with web design from a previous job? Maybe you helped create or maintain your old company’s website. You could turn this into a freelance career. There are several businesses out there that need someone to design and maintain their websites so they don’t have to. Develop a portfolio by working on your own projects or by helping a friend (say, a baker, crafter, or tutor) develop a website for their business.

Once you have a solid portfolio, you can start applying for jobs. If web design sounds interesting to you, but you don’t have any experience, there are online courses from sites like generalassembly.com and coursera.com to help you get familiar with the technology. Then you can figure out if it’s a career you want to pursue.

Being there for our kids is important–but so is providing for them financially. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to earn money from home. And by taking something you enjoy and turning into a career, you might just have a little fun while you’re at it.

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What To Consider When Starting a Home Beauty Business

The beauty industry is booming like never before, as there are many opportunities to start lucrative businesses from your home. There are several exciting beauty business ventures to embark on, like home hair salons, nail salons, lash services, makeup services, and more. Here’s what to consider when starting a home beauty business so that you can set yourself up for success.

Follow Laws and Regulations

When starting a home beauty business, the first thing to consider is what laws and regulations you will need to follow. Depending on your state and the type of services you’ll offer, laws, regulations, and business requirements may vary. It’s essential to determine the laws in your area so that you can abide by them accordingly.

For example, you may need a business license or permit, a cosmetology license, an employer identification number, and certifications for your specific services. You’ll also want to meet the proper OSHA requirements. You’ll need your home beauty business to meet the correct standards so that you can abide by the law and continue providing services to clients.

Create a Business Space

Creating a business space is the next step you will need to take when starting a beauty business from your home. Since you’ll be running your business in the comfort of your home, you’ll need to set aside a designated area where you’ll provide services to clients. For example, you can convert an extra room into your business space so that clients have a place to go when they come in for appointments.

You’ll also want to furnish this space with the necessary furniture, equipment, supplies, and tools you’ll need to provide your beauty services to your clients. For example, if you’re opening a home salon, you should purchase salon chairs, shampoo bowls, styling stations, etc. If you’re providing lash extension services, you’ll need a facial beauty chair, a styling station, and a mirror for your clients to see their beautiful lashes.

Develop a Clientele Base

You will also need to develop a clientele base when embarking on a home beauty business venture. You may already have some existing clients, but if you don’t, there are many marketing tips and strategies you can use to grow your business.

For example, suppose you’re starting a home lash extension business. In that case, one of the effective ways lash artists can build clientele is by networking, going to beauty expos, using social media, and putting out advertisements. You want to use as many marketing tools as possible to grow your audience and attract potential clients. The more you get your beauty brand out there, the more people will notice your services.

Keep these things to consider when starting a home beauty business in mind as you begin your journey. Following these tips will help set you up for success, so put in the necessary efforts to reach your business goals.

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Profitable Business Ideas for People Who Love Food

If you want to make a career change, why not start your own business? People who love food should consider looking into these profitable business ideas.

 Are you tired of working a standard nine-to-five job? If so, now’s the perfect time to combine your love of food and entrepreneurship. Foodies have many opportunities to start their own small businesses, sharing their love of sweet and savory treats with local communities and the world.

Other than opening a restaurant, what business options do you have? From meal prepping for fitness goals to offering beverage services, the sky is the limit. People who love food should consider these profitable business ideas to take their careers into their own hands.

Wine Business

Those with a taste for the finer things in life should open a wine business. Since wine can be a difficult product to navigate, people will spend a pretty penny for expert advice. Offer your services as a sommelier and help people pair luxurious vino from around the world with delicious meals at weddings, tastings, and corporate events.

Are you looking for a retail-based hustle? Consider starting an online wine club. Members will pay a monthly subscription and receive hand-selected wines based on their unique tastes. You could also open a wine bar to fill a gap in your local restaurant scene.

Food Truck

Opening a restaurant is a massive undertaking. Opening a successful and profitable restaurant is an even more difficult task. If you like the idea of serving guests but want a less risky venture, consider running a food truck. First, you’ll need to select your cuisine and find a vehicle with enough space to accommodate a portable kitchen.

Food trucks have the advantage of movement; if one location isn’t profitable, you can pick things up and move to a new spot. Food trucks are becoming increasingly popular in urban areas, around business complexes, and at weddings. You still need to adhere to food safety and handling guidelines, so make sure you have the right licensing before you open.

Meal Prep Kits

Building meal prep kits is another highly profitable business idea for people who love food. This is your chance to get into the personal fitness industry and make perfectly portioned, nutritious meals for health-minded consumers. Local businesses can offer daily doorstep delivery so customers have fresh food every single day.

Meal prep kits aren’t just for people concerned about fitness. They’re lifesavers for busy people who work multiple jobs or long hours. Premade meals are also excellent for single parents who might neglect their own well-being to take care of rambunctious children.

Ice Cream Shop

Has there ever been a time in modern history when people didn’t love ice cream? Capitalize on the obsession with this cold, sweet treat by opening your own ice cream shop. You could design an old-school parlor and include a vast array of interesting flavors and toppings.

Don’t forget to include ice cream varieties, like gelato and sorbet. Mix things up by selling other sweet goodies like ice cream cookies, cakes, and milkshakes. You could even combine this idea with a food truck and bring ice cream trucks back to your local neighborhood.

Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something you’re passionate about. Take your career in a different direction by incorporating things you love into your daily work. Incorporating your passions into your career will only benefit you to be an ambitious and thoughtful entrepreneur.

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Starting a New Job? 3 Common Mistakes To Avoid

You finally landed a new job at your dream company. Now, it is time to prepare for your first week, your first month, and your first 90 days. What steps can you take to effectively prepare for your new job? How do you ensure success as you onboard at your new company? What mistakes should you avoid at your new company?

Mistakes To Avoid When Starting a New Job

Here are three mistakes to avoid to ensure you successfully hit the ground running in your new role:

1. Not conducting a listening tour at your new organization.

While it may be tempting to enter your new organization and immediately take action, you want to avoid the common mistake of moving too swiftly without first building relationships. Subsequently, you want to devote significant time developing relationships, gaining influence, and understanding your new company’s culture during your first 90 days at your new organization. After all, you cannot successfully implement changes operating in a silo.

One way to help convert your ideas into action is by conducting a listening tour at your new organization. Meet with your most important stakeholders to hear their key concerns, allow them the opportunity to voice their major barriers and roadblocks, and learn how your role can help set your stakeholders up for success.

Additionally, take time to get to know your colleagues and clients on a personal level during your first 90 days. Those initial few months in your new job are an opportunity to really leverage being the new employee within the organization. Aim for at least one to two coffee chats per day as you ramp up at your new company.

2. Speaking more than you listen.

Next, I want you to think about the relationships at your new organization like a bank account. You want to make notable relationship deposits before you attempt to take relationship withdraws. This is because your account will quickly become overdrawn if you take large relationship withdraws before you make relationship deposits.

You can mitigate the common mistake of overdrawing too early by listening more than you speak during your onboarding period. This is particularly important if you are a manager or executive who needs to influence large groups of cross-functional stakeholders.

I challenge my career and executive coaching clients to only ask coaching questions during their listening tours and initial stakeholder meetings. While this is more challenging than it sounds, it allows my clients to demonstrate their coaching prowess as well as collect critical information that will set them up for future success in their new organizations.

3. Forgetting to revisit your 90-day new job onboarding plan.

Finally, remember to take time to update – or create – your 90-day onboarding plan. Although you may have developed a draft onboarding plan during your interview process, you want to iterate the plan after you join your new employer and get to know the company, the culture, and the distinct pain points facing the organization.

Consider asking yourself these questions as you develop your onboarding plan and strategy:

• What pain points and areas of opportunity were uncovered during my listening tour?
• What actions can I take to immediately add value to my new employer?
• How can I make my boss and my boss’s boss look good?

This list is just a start to help you hit the ground running in your next role. As you enter your new organization, remember to get buy-in for your ideas, speak more than you listen, and revisit your onboarding plan. You’ve got this!

Guest Author Kyle Elliott, MPA, CHES is the founder, career coach, and interview coach behind CaffeinatedKyle.com. His goal is simple – to help people find jobs they LOVE. He is an official member of the invitation-only Forbes Coaches Council as well as a member of the Gay Coaches Alliance.

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