Beyond Payday: 5 Jobs With Great Perks

by Natalie Morris, FindtheRightSchool.com

Unless you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth and a trust fund in your back pocket, you need to consider compensation and benefits when choosing a job. But make sure to look beyond the basics of paychecks, health benefits, and a 401(k) to careers providing unique perks that can improve your quality of life. These five careers, available in almost every community, incorporate significant perks that make them worth a look.

Sales Representative

Sales representatives offer the classic example of on-the-job perks, although they can vary widely based on industry and level of responsibility. A life in sales requires regular communication with current and potential customers about products, pricing, and logistics, so you can expect common perks to include a cell phone, laptop computer, car allowance, and frequent flyer miles. Many companies offer incentives to their sales reps for excellent results, including bonuses, special gifts, or complimentary vacations.

You need to know: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), median annual earnings for a sales representative working directly for a wholesaler or manufacturer was $61,470 in 2008, rising to $79,260 for people selling technical and scientific products. Although no specific education is required for sales reps, a bachelor's degree or even an M.B.A. can increase your opportunities for career growth.

Registered Nurse

If your career checklist includes flexibility (check), helping people (check), and excellent compensation (check), becoming a registered nurse (RN) could prove extremely rewarding. As part of a health care team, RNs provide medical treatment to sick or injured patients in a wide variety of settings. Largely due to both an aging population and an aging nursing workforce, the BLS expects the demand for RNs to increase very quickly in coming years. In fact, they expect 587,000 new jobs for registered nurses by 2016, among the largest of any career group. So what kind of on-the-job perks can you expect as an RN? High demand means that hospitals and other health-care companies have to work harder to attract and keep their good nurses. In many cases, companies will offer perks like signing bonuses, flexible work schedules, and education assistance.

You need to know: RN salaries have become increasingly competitive, too, with a mean annual wage of $65,130, according to the BLS's 2008 report. Your career training options for becoming a registered nurse include pursuing an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree in nursing.

Public Relations Managers

Just working in the often glamorous field of public relations may seem like a perk. As a public relations manager, you would work closely with executives and clients to create a positive public image for a company or product. Schmoozing with media contacts, attending social events, and the opportunity to mix-and-mingle with high-profile execs could boost your social life and your career. Since wining and dining clients comes with the territory, company expense accounts are a typical perk for PR managers.

You need to know: The BLS reports that the mean annual wage for such jobs was $101,220 in May 2008. Not surprisingly, competition is high in the public relations field and if you have experience and a bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, or other related fields, you'll have a distinct advantage over your peers.

Hotel Manager

Love to experience new people and places? Working in hotel management can open up a whole world of travel possibilities. Hotel managers are responsible for ensuring that their guests enjoy all aspects of a visit and that their property is run with an eye on profit. If you're looking for the most perks, pursue jobs with high-end hotels and resorts whose benefits can include bonuses, tuition assistance, meals, laundry services, and more. One unique plus of this career is free or highly discounted hotel rooms throughout the United States and even internationally, a practice especially common for those working in a large hospitality chain.

You need to know: Career training programs are provided by many hotels and resorts, but candidates should have an associate's or bachelor's degree in hospitality or hotel management plus industry experience before applying. The BLS reports that in May 2008 salaried hotel managers earned a mean annual wage of $52,550.

Elementary Teacher

You earned your way through high school as a babysitter, you love the thought of making an impact on the next generation, and you've been thinking about becoming an elementary teacher. But you're scared off by talk about low salaries for teachers and other educators. Think again. Teachers enjoy one of the best perks out there: time! While teachers put in hundreds of extra hours outside the classroom, many school districts include approximately eight weeks off during the summer, not to mention holidays and other breaks during the school year.

You Need to Know: While the May 2008 BLS report showed a mean annual wage of $52,240 for elementary teachers, remember that the earnings per day worked could be higher than for other jobs at this salary level. Teaching in a public school requires a bachelor's degree in education or a bachelor's degree and completion of a teacher credential program.

Communities across the country will always have a need for salespeople, registered nurses, public relations managers, hotel managers, and teachers. Consider jobs that appeal to you most and then research your new career possibilities online.

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4 Career Success Stories That Inspire

by Amber Johnson, PayScale.com

Successful career paths have a lot in common, even in divergent industries.

The four people profiled here followed their passion, seized opportunities, and worked from the bottom up -- some without relying on a four-year degree.

What lessons do their stories hold for us in this down economy?

A Construction Career Built From the Ground Up
Say "yes" to new opportunities.

Gregory Hescock is a vice president at Boston-based Suffolk Construction, one of the country's most successful general contractors. He summed up his 22-year career with the company: "I've gone from being an assistant superintendent to a vice president, running the entire field operations of a billion-and-a-half-dollar company without any formal construction education."

In 1987, Hescock was director of buildings and grounds at The Rivers School, a private preparatory school Weston, Massachusetts. To cut costs on construction of a new building on campus, the school approached him to take on the role general contractor, avoiding the need to hire one. Hescock admits, "I'd never done anything like that." Though surprised by the offer, he recognized it as "a tremendous opportunity" and accepted.

Hescock explains, "I finished the project on time. The school was very happy and gave me a bonus." But there was a problem. He says, "They wanted me to go back to my old job."

He talked with a trustee of the school, with whom he'd worked during construction, about his desire to pursue construction. Through this connection, Hescock landed interviews with several general contractors and was soon hired by Suffolk.

"My first project was a six-building apartment complex. I was on the job 10 weeks when they fired the superintendent." Due to the strife caused by the superintendent's negative work style, "There was a revolt on the site." Hescock was asked to be the new project leader

The role of superintendent was a perfect fit. On that first job site, he realized, "I loved the job. I loved building."

Hescock's best advice for succeeding in construction has to do with people?not steel or concrete. "Take the approach that the people you work with are competent and doing their best. Give them respect. If you talk down to them, it sets the stage for failure. People can sense that."

Construction superintendent, commercial, over 20 years of experience, median annual salary: $85,385

Dedicated DJ Rises in Radio
Don't be afraid to start at the bottom.

With more than 20 years in radio, Bill DeVille has paid his dues in an elusive industry. He's now host of "Musicheads" on Minneapolis Public Radio's The Current (thecurrent.org).

After a nine-month program at Brown College's Broadcasting Program, DeVille sent out 150 resumes to radio stations -- not realizing that he knew one of the station's program directors, a former neighbor who would help him land his first job. DeVille explained, "In radio, it's not what you know, it's who you know."

"I started out at a country station in my hometown -- Sioux Falls, South Dakota." He worked four hours on Sundays. "I had no interest in it but wanted to start my career and knew I had to start from the very bottom."

Over the next decade, DeVille's career ramped up. "I'm doing a live radio show in the Twin Cities. I love it."

DeVille's main tip for those just starting out? Don't do what he did, when it comes to education. "I recommend getting a four-year degree and doing college radio." That's not the only route, however. "Or volunteer at a public radio station. With all the Internet opportunities, it's not as far-fetched as it seems."

Radio show, host, over 20 years of experience, median annual salary: $56,540

A Futuristic Career by Design
Pay attention to what you are good at.

Richard Zaragoza's first design job was worlds away from his current office at Microsoft headquarters in Redmond, Washington. Fourteen years ago in Rancho Cucamonga, California, he was doing holiday paintings on store windows for $70. It was humble work, but meaningful. "That [experience] gave me the confidence to get a certificate in computer graphic design."

Today, Zaragoza gets paid very well for "user experience design for software incubation." He's risen to the top despite having only attended trade school for one year. He explains, "I work with PhD's, so it can be awkward. I don't have any education listed on my Facebook page -- it's blank."

After trade school, he designed packaging for a packing factory. He never actually received a paycheck. "I took risks. I saw it as an opportunity to learn." The design work he did there, including boxes for liquor bottles and a clothing iron, formed the foundation of a portfolio that would lead to better and better jobs.

The first step toward a successful design career, Zaragoza believes, is to understand the range of options in the field. Four years ago, he didn't know that his current job even existed. As for the next step, he advises, "Find experts in the field you want to be in, and befriend them. I work with geniuses. I completely latch onto them and suck up any information they give me."

Final thoughts? "Foolish confidence is healthy. Also, failure is not the end of the road -- it's just the next step to success. Don't be afraid to screw up."

Senior graphic designer, 8-13 years experience, median annual salary: $56,832

Physician Assistant Takes Charge of His Career
Try out your new career before you pay for school.

"I'm really nobody's assistant," says Kris Johnson, a physician assistant in the emergency room at Valley Hospital and Medical Center in Spokane Valley, Washington. Johnson examines patients' histories, prescribes medications, and develops treatment plans. He points out, "My role is not too different from the physicians that I work side-by-side with."

While his salary is lower than that of an M.D., mainly due to less schooling, there are comparative advantages. "My hours are all over the place, but I don't have to be on call. I don't have anyone calling me at home from work."

In 2001, when Johnson was laid off from a machine shop just after the 9/11 attacks, a government program paid for nine months of school. Johnson chose to become a surgical technologist.

Within six months in the medical field, the role of physician assistant caught his eye. "I enjoyed medicine but hadn't thought it was something I could ever do. Medical school was out of reach."

He spent a year fulfilling academic requirements to apply to PA school and was accepted into a local program. Because he was employed as a surgical technologist in the school's hospital he attended night school for free while working fulltime.

He excelled in his studies. "It was the first time that I was in school and felt like it was something I could really do and looked forward to doing."

Johnson's advice for those pondering the physician assistant path? "If you have any desire to work in medicine, start in an ancillary position. Physician assistant programs require prior medical experience."

Johnson points out that after seeing the "not so glamorous aspects" of the field, you'll know whether it's right for you. For him, those early experiences were confirmation of his calling.

Physician assistant, 5-8 years experience, median annual salary: $88,214

Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with varied years of experience and include any bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.

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Stay Cool During the Unemployment Meltdown

5 Basic Reminders for Your Job Hunt

by Karen Noonan, TradePub.com

Layoffs have now reached the highest level on record. With the unemployment rate projected to reach 10 percent within six months, job security is waning and job availability is rapidly shrinking.

Lawrence Mishel, the president of the Economic Policy Institute, notes that for every available job, there are four people that are unemployed and looking for work. This statistic is more than double what it was in 2007, before the recession officially hit.

"This is a very rigged game of musical chairs," Mishel says, "with eight people moving around trying to find two chairs."

If you have found yourself unemployed or underemployed, you are not alone. And while there is strength in numbers, in this economy, the higher the unemployment rate, the weaker your chance of obtaining a job.

So, what can you do in order to beat the odds? Much of a job search comes down to luck and timing, but don't leave your future to chance.

Here are some tips to avoid becoming a casualty of the unemployment crisis:

1. Start your search as soon as possible.
Let your friends and family know that you are in the market for a new job. Be aggressive. Apply to every role that you are qualified for.

2. Be realistic -- you may need to take a pay cut.
"When you have a recession ... wage growth slows down because employers don't have to compete for workers," Mishel says. "Between 2007 and 2010 a typical middle class family will see at least six percent lower income."

Consider taking a role that is slightly lower on the totem pole than your previous one.

3. Stay informed.
Read local and national business newspapers, journals, and trade magazines. You can stay informed by subscribing to trade magazines and reports, many of which are free. (Find the right free publication for you here).

"Reading the trades helps me stay on top of what companies and agencies are doing," says Joe Anthony, a senior executive at a national public relations agency. "Reading trade magazines also allows me to keep up to speed on what agencies are making moves with new initiatives and new hires."

4. Believe in your value.
When you score an interview, never appear overanxious and never beg. Companies want to hire talented and confident professionals.

5. Don't forget to keep track of any job-search expenses.
Costs incurred may be tax deductible.

In addition to the staggering unemployment rate, 2.6 million people have been out of work for more than 6 months. Follow the steps above to keep yourself out of that statistic.

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Should You Look for a New Job Now?

by Caroline M.L. Potter, Yahoo! HotJobs

If you're like most workers, you're waiting anxiously for economic recovery to begin in the United States. While some economists believe it's coming, professionals are still behaving cautiously.

They have good reason: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, unemployment rates were higher in July than a year earlier in all 372 metropolitan areas. You may be tempted to put off searching for a new job as a result of such news. But don't.

According to Ron Katz, president of Penguin Human Resource Consulting, LLC, "This is probably the worst job market most of us have experienced, but that creates opportunity as well."

Find out why you this could be the right time for you to find your next opportunity.

1. Job security is a thing of the past.
A lot of people are happy "just to have a job" and worry about leaving the devil they know for the devil they don't. However, says Katz, "Just because you have a job today does not mean that you won't be looking tomorrow."

The absence of job security coupled with unhappiness in your current position should spur you to explore your options sooner rather than later. "The time to shop for gas is not when you're riding on empty," he adds.

2. Passive candidates have an edge.
Even if you're not actively searching for work, you should still be open to hearing about new openings. Katz, author of the forthcoming book, "Someone's Gonna Get Hired, It Might As Well Be You," says, "Recruiters, rightfully or not, prefer the 'passive' candidates -- the ones who are currently employed -- rather than unemployed people who are very actively out there looking."

Make sure you keep a current resume and an open mind, so you're prepared for anything that comes your way.

3. It's easier to find a job when you have a job.
In fact, if you aren't employed, it is often difficult to get someone to even look at your resume. Katz explains, "The volume of resumes recruiters receive is so great that, as wrongheaded as this sounds, many will simply disqualify resumes from people who are unemployed just to make the pile of resumes they have to review more manageable."

It's an unfortunate fact, but, he says, "Employed candidates are easier to 'sell' to the hiring managers, so recruiters will look for them and pass on the rest."

4. You don't have to accept every -- or any -- offer.
You may go through the hiring process and receive an offer only to decide you don't really want the job. You can still turn it down without fear of retribution. "Recruiters do not talk to each other about candidates who turned them down. It's bad press for the company," admits Katz.

He urges workers to exercise caution before jumping ship. "Any offer should be evaluated carefully for what it offers now and in terms of career growth," he says. "If the job is not right, the job is not right. Turn it down. Trust your gut. If you take a job for which you are unsuited, you very likely will be out there looking again in a few months, and this time without the safety net of already having a job."

Get new-job alerts from Yahoo! HotJobs on Twitter by selecting to follow the appropriate account here: http://twitter.com/yahoohotjobs/following. Choose the "list" view, and select to follow accounts based on relevant metros/industries.

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The Top 5 Stay-at-Home Careers

by Shannon Dauphin,FindtheRightSchool.com

You've probably seen the ads. Certain companies will guarantee that thousands of dollars can be made by stuffing envelopes at home, or doing something equally easy. These scams are everywhere, and sometimes obscure the truth: A college degree can lead to real money made in real work-at-home jobs.

These five jobs are among the top careers for those who prefer to stay at home while working. Some of them might surprise you.

Customer Service Representative

Large companies need someone manning the phones, often around the clock, in order to handle calls from their customers. With a dedicated phone line and a reliable Internet connection, the customer service representative can work from home. Patience and great communication skills are a necessity for this position.

An associate's or bachelor's degree in a related field, such as business or communications, is increasingly preferred by employers. Career training takes place on the job, and those who do well in the position might find opportunities to advance in the company. The average annual salary for a customer service representative in 2008 was $29,860, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Travel Agent

Want to help travelers find lodging, vacation packages, and those routes off the beaten path? You can do it from the comfort of your home office when you opt to become a travel agent. Travel agents customize the traveling experience for their clients and are often the source of recommendations and referrals.

A bachelor's degree in business can give you the skills necessary to launch your home business as a travel agent. Many vocational schools offer career training specifically designed for travel agents. Strong communication skills and a familiarity with reservation systems are a must, and extensive travel experience is a plus. In 2008, travel agents made an average of $30,570, according to the BLS.

Teacher

Do you think a teacher has to go into a classroom every day? Think again. As more students opt for online education, the classroom setting has changed for tech-savvy teachers. It is now possible to teach classes online without ever setting foot on a college campus.

The degree required for teaching at the post-secondary level varies depending upon your expertise and the classes you intend to teach. A minimum of a bachelor's degree in education will open the doors to your teaching career, though advancement might require a master's degree or doctorate. The annual income of postsecondary teachers was an average of $56,120 in 2006, the last year for which numbers were available.

Web Designer

If you know your way around a computer, becoming a Web designer can allow you to work from home. Web designers are responsible for the creation and design of Web sites. They sometimes serve as Web masters as well, handling the day-to-day operations of the sites they have created.

The world of technology moves fast, and the higher your degree, the better your chances of advancement. Those with a bachelor's degree in Web design or computer science are often qualified for entry-level jobs, but relevant experience and an associate's degree in a technical field is also acceptable. The median wage for a Web designer in 2008 was $75,150, according to the BLS.

Writer

A career as a writer often allows for great flexibility, which makes it an excellent choice for working from home. Time management skills are essential, as well as the ability to see a project through from start to finish. A degree in journalism, communications, or English is a good way to start your writing career.

Many employers seek writers who can provide Web content, so taking classes in computer science is a bonus. Those with technical degrees, such as a bachelor's of engineering, are often hired as writers for technical manuals and guides. According to the latest BLS numbers, writers could expect to bring home $53,070 each year, while technical writers averaged a bit more at $61,620.

The Best Stay-at-Home Jobs

As more companies offer telecommuting as an option to their employees, more jobs once reserved for the office cubicle are making the leap to the home office. Whether you are opting for your bachelor's degree, your associate's degree, or career training through an online vocational program, a work-at-home job could be just around the corner.

Shannon Dauphin is a freelance writer based near Nashville, Tennessee.

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Where the Jobs Will Be Next Year

by Mary Fineday, FindtheRightSchool.com

Where will you be in 2010? With an economy on the mend and renewed optimism towards job creation, many are considering upgrading their education and job status. With the right education, you could be among the successful job seekers in 2010.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) listed its occupations with the largest number of total job openings due to growth and net replacements from 2006 through 2016. Check out a few of the jobs that made the cut, and find out how you can use career training to secure a new position.

Career #1: Registered Nurses

This popular health care career tops the list with an amazing amount of projected growth. Over a million new jobs for registered nurses are expected to open up through 2016. And unlike some medical careers, you don't need to work through years of medical school; some registered nurses earn an associate's degree. The BLS reports that registered nurses earned mean annual wages of $65,130 in 2008, making nursing a caring career with real rewards.

Career #2: Child Care Workers

Working with children means having a fun and engaging career with a high level of potential job growth. About 646,000 new jobs are expected to open up through 2016. While entry level jobs in child care may be found with brief certification or on-the-job training, more lucrative management positions may require an associate's or bachelor's degree in child care management. Preschool education administrators earned mean annual wages of $46,370 in 2008, the BLS reports.

Career #3: Accounting Clerks

The clerks who assist accountants are expected to enjoy some job growth; about 594,000 new jobs through 2016. While fully licensed accountants typically need a bachelor's degree plus certification, accounting clerks typically need only an associate's degree in accounting. The BLS reports that accounting clerks earned mean annual wages of $33,800 in 2008. Earn your degree online, and you might not need to make any changes to your current work schedule while you train.

Career #4: Executive Secretaries

Far from an ordinary secretarial job, this career comes with the distinction of working at the top of the secretarial career ladder. Executive secretaries perform high-level administrative support, working closely with executives and other top staff. Training and supervisory duties are often expected, and executive secretaries often hold at least an associate's degree in office administration. These trained pros earned mean annual wages of $42,340 in 2008, according to the BLS, and about 497,000 new careers are expected to open up through 2016.

Career #5: Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers

If you have some retail work experience and you're looking for a leg up, take heart; this is one career with a lot of growth potential. The BLS projects that about 352,000 new jobs for retail sales supervisors are expected to open up through 2016. What's more, the degree profile for the job is somewhat broad, meaning that the type of bachelor's degree you earn doesn't matter as much as the fact of the degree itself. For the most competitive management careers, a master's degree in business may be recommended. Supervisors of retail sales workers earned mean annual wages of $39,910 in 2008, the BLS notes.

Students Consider Online Career Training

Thinking of training for some of the hottest jobs of the future? Completing your career training online has specific benefits. You can attend school and study on your time without the hassle of travel and required classroom attendance. Many full-time workers even choose to keep their jobs while studying online.

While no degree can guarantee a particular career or salary, the practical training you'll receive in an online associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree program can give you the preparation you need to compete for these popular future careers. Even though hundreds of thousands of new jobs are expected to open up, you should always be prepared to experience competition for the best careers. Completing career training beforehand helps you face that competition.

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Ceiling Busters: 4 Paths to Career Advancement

by Woodrow Aames, FindtheRightSchool.com

Hitting a career plateau can be unsettling and disappointing. You know you've hit a plateau when you've gone as far as you can in your job and you find it unchallenging and well below your earning expectations.

Continuing education can be a real tonic. By adding a certification or advanced degree in your field, you can become more competitive for advancement or find fresh interest in a profession that has gone stale. Online career training or college degree programs can take as little as a year, while some educational pathways take a little longer. But the flexibility of online learning means you can meet your work commitments or family obligations while injecting fresh energy into your professional life.

If you love your field, take a look at these fast-growing careers and advanced training that can boost your challenges, responsibilities, and earnings.

Health Care: Medical and Health Services Managers

If you've gone as far as you can go with your existing health care training, consider taking a new degree to move into management. For registered nurses, convert your associate's degree into a bachelor's degree to qualify for teaching or leadership roles. RN to BSN programs can add skills that interest hiring managers.

Or enroll in an online master's degree program in health services administration, business administration, or public health administration to move into human resources, operations, or facility management. Job openings for health care managers are predicted to increase by 16 percent during the 2006-2016 decade.

Earnings: The median 2008 wage was $80,240, with top-tier salaries at $137,800.

Business: Management Analyst

Backed up against the wall in your business life? Become a consultant. Jobs for management analysts are expected to grow by 23 percent between 2006 and 2016. More than a fourth of all management analysts are self-employed contractors. That means you're the boss. To qualify, enroll in an online master's degree or MBA program in information technology, marketing, finance, human resources, or management.

You can build upon your experience and training in your current field, while preparing to lend your knowledge through your own consultancy or a management services company. This ceiling-buster career serves organizations across the entire business spectrum. Management analysts are hired to help streamline business processes, helping organizations become and remain profitable. Some take long-term positions with government agencies.

Earnings: The median 2008 wage was $73,570, with top-tier salaries at $133,850.

Education: Post Secondary Teachers

You've reached the top-end of your profession and still find it wanting. You're sure you know the business so well you could teach it. And here's a good reason why you should: Jobs for postsecondary teachers are expected to increase 23 percent between 2006 and 2016. Qualifications for educators vary by institution.

For most colleges and universities, you'll need to return to school to complete a Ph.D. in your specialty. Community colleges and trade schools may hire instructors who hold a master's degree, and some vocational schools will allow teachers to combine an undergraduate degree with extensive professional experience.

Earnings: Salaries vary greatly by institution. The middle 50 percent earn between $39,610 and $80,390, with top salaries reaching more than $113,450.

Computer Technology: Database Administrator

You've worked the help desk long enough. Perhaps you've built and massaged databases for several years and the bachelor's degree you earned a few years ago in computer science now seems like common currency. Now's the perfect time to keep your day job and enroll in an online advanced degree program in technology, or an MBA degree program in IT management.

If you're looking for rapid career growth, consider that jobs for computer scientists and database administrators are slated to increase by 37 percent from 2006 to 2016. Add some certifications along the way in dedicated software to build a rock-solid ticket.

Earnings: The median 2008 wage was $69,740, with top-tier wages of $111,950.

Considering the upside of these professional roles, it makes for sound career strategy to seek advanced training. The scheduling flexibility of online college degree programs make it convenient for professionals to remain in their jobs while training for advancement. And some employers will reimburse you for tuition and books. Goodbye, plateau.

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