Doctor, lawyers, celebs, and CEOs. When we hear these job titles, we know there's money in them… piles of it in many cases. But not all of us are cut out to be the next Mark Zuckerberg or Nicki Minaj. Does this mean that high-paying careers are not in our futures? Not so. While most of us will never make Dr. Phil-level cash, there are plenty of careers that pay surprisingly well.
These eight jobs are varied and interesting, falling all over the map when it comes to creativity, compassion, hard work, and handiness. No matter where you live, there is promise for a career that is motivating and money-making. Broaden your horizons with these eight well-paying positions.
Medical Writer
mediabistro.com
If you are interested in the medical field from a technical aspect rather than a hands-on approach like a doctor, nurse, or surgeon, consider becoming a medical writer. According to Job Hero, "The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 10 percent increase in jobs for all technical writers, including Medical Writers, by 2024." With demand comes supply, meaning potentially more money for those who choose to enter this detail-oriented and highly important field.
As perStudy.com, "Companies and institutions that hire medical writers need professionals who offer a dynamic union between scientific medical knowledge and written communication skills. Hospitals, academic medical centers, pharmaceutical companies and science publications and websites are potential employers."
Study.com adds that you will need a bachelor's or master's degree in English or journalism as well as writing/editorial skills, medical field knowledge, ability to conduct research, and regulation and approval processes.
According to Glassdoor, "The national average salary for a Medical Writer is $82,641."
Paralegal
pixabay.com
You don't have to become an attorney to be involved in the legal profession in an important and significant way. The paralegal is an intricate member of nearly any legal team, and the pay is good.
As explained by The Balance, "Paralegals, also known as legal assistants, are individuals who are trained to assist attorneys in the delivery of legal services. They work in law firms, corporations, the government and other practice environments and must operate under the supervision of a lawyer. Paralegals assist attorneys in resolving lawsuits, and as such, their duties are diverse."
According to Learn How to Become, "The most-common educational path to becoming a paralegal includes an Associate degree. These two-year programs are offered through community colleges, universities, or online, and teach the basic skills and knowledge required of an entry-level paralegal or legal assistant. A four-year bachelor's degree in paralegal studies may be a requirement for paralegal positions with major law firms, government legal departments or in corporate law.
"The median annual paralegal salary is $53,651, as of January 30, 2018, with a range usually between $47,440 - $60,577," according to Salary.com.
Social Media Manager
pixabay.com
When we think of social media, posting pics to Instagram or "tweeting" about current events comes to mind. But for a marketing-minded business, the role of social media manager is highly valued to get word about their brand out to the public, gain customers, and make money. And with that, the social media manager will make a nice living for themselves.
ZipRecruiter explains, "As a social media manager, you will update social networks and curate content to gain new followers. You will also create new social marketing campaigns, build brand recognition, and manage all published company content. While working with web analytic tools to track campaign progress and researching industry trends, you will maintain an active social presence and reply to customer inquiries. A successful social media manager will collaborate with marketing, PR, and legal teams to align company messages, promotions, and goals."
That's a lot of responsibility for one person, but for today's social media-savvy folks, this job can be fun and creative. And the demand is only increasing as more businesses move and grow with the times.
As per Study.com, "Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or marketing," is needed for this job.
"The average salary for a Social Media Manager is $60,784," as per Glassdoor.
Translator/Interpreter
thebusinesswomanmedia.com
If you are fluent in more than one tongue, put those talents and skills to use at work by taking a job as a translator or interpreter. As Truitydescribes, "Interpreters and translators convert information from one language into another language. Interpreters work in spoken or sign language; translators work in written language."
"The goal of a translator is to have people read the translation as if it were the original. (They) must be able to write sentences that maintain or duplicate the structure and style of the original meaning while keeping the ideas and facts of the original meaning accurate. (They) must properly transmit any cultural references and other expressions that do not translate literally," explains Truity. And, "Interpreters convert information from one spoken language into another—or, in the case of sign language interpreters, between spoken language and sign language. The goal of an interpreter is to have people hear the interpretation as if it were the original. Interpreters must usually be fluent speakers or signers of both languages, because they communicate back and forth among the people who do not share a common language."
According to Study.com, "Translators often specialize in a certain topic, such as literature, finance, law, medicine, or technology. Most staff employment opportunities are in Washington, D.C., New York, and California; however, the need for Translators is expanding throughout the U.S., especially in the area of healthcare. (You'll need) a bachelor's degree and expertise in multiple languages."
As per U.S. News & World Report, "Interpreters and translators earned a median annual salary of $46,120 in 2016. The best-paid earned more than $83,010."
Auditor
forbesindia.com
Are you good with money, math, and management? A career as an auditor may be your calling, and a path to a generous paycheck to boot. As per Target Jobs, "Auditors are specialists who review the accounts of companies and organizations to ensure the validity and legality of their financial records. They can also act in an advisory role to recommend possible risk aversion measures and cost savings that could be made. Auditors work in the accounting departments of a huge range of firms and with independent chartered and certified firms, examining the money going in and out of organizations and making sure it is recorded and processed correctly."
As far as schooling goes, "Auditors typically need at least a bachelor's degree in an accounting-related field, and earning optional certification, such as those offered by the Institute of Internal Auditors, can increase job prospects and/or earnings," according to Study.com.
Look out for an 11% growth in the demand for auditors through 2014, which is, "faster than average of all occupations," as per Study.com.
According to Glassdoor, "The national average salary for an Auditor is $58,083."
Court Reporter
lanjinchilawteam.com
Be part of the justice system by becoming a court reporter. If you are interested in the legal system, but don't have the desire to become a lawyer or judge, a court reporter can be a fulfilling career full of excitement and importance.
As per CourtReporterEdu, "Court reporters – also referred to as short hand reporters – are responsible for keeping written records of legal proceedings, whether in government, court, or private settings. The verbatim documentation in criminal, civil and other court proceedings requires professionals who are highly skilled and trained in court reporting, which usually involves stenography."
You'll need lots of talent, skills, and a solid work ethic to be a consistent and capable court reporter. CourtReporterEdu lists some of the traits of and knowledge needed to be a competent court reporter:
- Operate a stenographic machine at 200 wpm
- Advanced spelling, punctuation, vocabulary and grammar skills
- Perform legal clerical work with a high degree of accuracy and speed
- Remain seated for long periods of time
- Knowledge of clerical and legal recordkeeping practices and procedures
- Operate a variety of equipment, including transcription machines, computer terminals, audio equipment, and printers…
…and the list goes on.
You will need to become a stenographer, as per WikiHow, and meet state requirements. "The requirements for becoming a court reporter vary by state. Some states, for instance, only require certification from one of the court reporter's associations, while some require both certification and completion of a vocational program at a technical school. Many states require aspiring court reporters to take a licensing test produced by the state."
Are you up for the courtroom challenge? If so, not only will your skills be put to good use, but you will make a living that reflects your attention to detail and aid in making judicial proceedings run effectively.
As per CourtReporterEdu, "The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that court reporter jobs are expected to grow 14 percent (by) 2020." Salary.com lists a salary range for a court reporter to be $40,147 - $72,828.
Flight Attendant
unsplash.com
Travel the world, meet new people, take care of others, and keep travelers safe by taking your career to new heights (literally) as a flight attendant. If you have a flexible schedule and can manage non-traditional work hours and an out-of-the-box atmosphere, a job on a plane may have you on cloud nine!
According to Truity, the following duties make up a flight attendant's work:
- Attend preflight briefings on details of the flight
- Ensure that adequate supplies of refreshments and emergency equipment are on board
- Assist in cleaning the cabin between flights
- Demonstrate the use of safety and emergency equipment
- Ensure all passengers have seatbelts fastened and ensure other safety requirements are met
- Serve, and sometimes sell, beverages, meals, or snacks
- Take care of passengers' needs, particularly those with special needs
- Reassure passengers during flight, such as when the aircraft hits turbulence
- Administer first aid to passengers or coordinate first aid efforts, when needed
- Direct passengers in case of emergency
As per Study.com, "Becoming a flight attendant requires little formal education. Flight attendants need to hold a high school diploma and complete a training program leading to certification by the Federal Aviation Administration."
"The national average salary for a Flight Attendant is $52,217 in United States," according toGlassdoor. Are you all aboard for a career in flight?
Dental Hygienist
allalliedhealthschools.com
If the idea of helping others maintain good oral hygiene is something that makes you smile, then a career as a dental hygienist will have you creating pearly white smiles for those in your community in need of dental care.
Being a dentist isn't for everyone, but there is more to good oral care than the work of a dentist or orthodontist. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for signs of oral diseases such as gingivitis, and provide other preventive dental care. They also educate patients on ways to improve and maintain good oral health. Dental hygienists typically need an associate's degree in dental hygiene. Programs typically take 3 years to complete. All states require dental hygienists to be licensed; requirements vary by state."
And choosing to get into this profession is a smart idea, as the career is booming. As perThe Balance, "The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has designated this a 'Bright Outlook' occupation because of its exceptional job outlook. Employment, through at least 2024, is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations."
The Balance adds, "Dental hygienists who worked full-time earned a median annual salary of $72,910 in 2016."
Give these careers a chance, not only for their interesting duties, but for the nice pay that is associated with each.
It's Southwest Companion Pass Season. Here's Why It's The Best Flight Deal on the Market
Southwest Companion Pass
There’s all this talk about solo travel. And for good reason — no wasting precious time waiting for others to get their act together, take the plans out of the group chat and actually buy the tickets. Going solo, you can be spontaneous. You can plan your trips according to your precise tastes. You can hop on any flight and fly awayyyyyy.
But what if each time you flew you’d get a free ticket? That’s what you get with the Southwest Companion Pass.
Award status, upgrades, lounge access — there are many perks in the frequent flier game. But one of the coveted holy grails is the Southwest Companion Pass.
What is the Southwest Companion Pass?
The Companion Pass is part of Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program. You get to choose one person to be your “companion,” and they fly with you for free (plus some taxes and fees) on every flight. That’s right. Two for the price of one. That’s half off each ticket if you split it! Whether you’re flying with a partner, family member, friend, or anyone else, they can tag along for free.
And it gets better: once you earn the pass, you can reap the rewards for that full calendar year … AND the next. That’s why people go mad trying to earn a companion pass during the early months of the year. The sooner you qualify, the longer you can use it.
There are also no blackout dates. There are no limits. And if you didn’t purchase the ticket (think: work travel, your companion, or a generous benefactor), there are no restrictions! As long as you’re the one on the plane, your companion can also … be on the plane.
You can also switch out your designated companion 3x a year. So, no need to stay in a relationship simply to get the most out of your companion pass! Ghost and fly away — with a whole new companion!
If this sounds too good to be true — it’s not. But there is one small catch. It’s kinda tough to earn this mega reward.
How to qualify for the Southwest Companion Pass?
You can qualify for the pass in one of two ways:
- Fly 100 qualifying one-way flights
- Earn 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year.
Clearly, this is no small feat — especially if you’re trying to qualify ASAP.
So how do you actually earn the Southwest Companion Pass?
Don’t worry, there’s a path to earning this amazing reward without climbing on 100 flights or spending an exorbitant amount of money.
Earning 135K reward points may seem completely impossible, but it’s easier than it sounds. Simply sign up for a Southwest Credit Card and turn those spending habits into a rapid rewards account. Through the Rewards Priority Credit Card, earn points when using local transit and commuting, plus score major points and miles whenever you spend.
Stay with me here. This is not some scheme to get you into credit card debt. Many airline cards come with potential savings, giantic rewards, awarding you points, and cashback with every purchase you make that can be redeemed for travel. And often they can come with passive sign-up bonuses. If you spend a specific amount of money within a certain timeframe of opening the card, you can be in for a windfall of points.
Now that’s where the companion pass comes in:
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card
- Southwest Priority Credit Card
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
- Southwest Performance Business Credit Card
Southwest has three personal cards and a business card. Each of these cards offers rewards between 30K-80K points. In the past, people could open two cards and get a bonus that granted enough points to almost meet the minimum. However, with new restrictions on personal cards, you can only get one bonus every 24 months. Boo!
However, this doesn’t apply to business cards. If you’re eligible, have good credit, and not likely to spiral into insane credit card debt, you can open a business card and a personal card, and accrue 100K+ points. The Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card will get you points after you spend money in no time.
Now to earn the rest of them.
The secret to gaining these credit card points is to plan your card sign-ups around big purchases. Just before a recent move, I opened a card . . . and the rewards came rolling in — a small balm to ease the pain of how exorbitant moving can be.
Put everyday spend — especially big purchases or bulk items — on your Southwest credit card and watch your award points quickly add up. Typically, you earn 1 point per $1 spent on your Southwest card and 2 points per $1 on actual Southwest purchases.
But there are other ways to earn points, including:
- Flying Southwest: Booking travel on Southwest earns more points. The cost of this travel will be worth it with your companion pass
- Shopping from Rapid Rewards Partners: Purchases with Southwest’s “Home & Lifestyle” and “Shop and Dine” Partners also earn Companion Pass qualifying points. While you shouldn’t make gratuitous purchases, browse Southwest’s partners to see if you could earn extra points for items you'd be purchasing anyway. All this, simply from enrolling in their Dining Program and shopping with their partners.
So there you have it! And since it’s almost Spring, get to earning and soon you’ll be flying two for the price of one!
Oh, how far we’ve come!
Women’s History Month is here. What a pertinent reminder of how far women have come in society — but this far is far from far enough. From the pay gap to daily microaggressions, it’s still obvious that women are treated as lesser-than in society. This is especially clear when you look at how few female-founded businesses there are.
According to Rolling Stone, it’s crucial to support female-owned businesses. They report: “While it is true that the different experiences and backgrounds that women and men have undoubtedly affect business approaches, this is actually a good thing. A business with diverse perspectives is an innovative business that can actually push the boundaries of industries.” Like with any other social justice cause, uplifting marginalized folks is good for everyone involved. We all benefit from the increased, diverse worldviews brought about by representation.
The article continues: “Having a gender-diverse business yields better consumer insight, and in turn, a more profitable business. Back in 2015, McKinsey & Company found businesses that were more gender-diverse were likely to outperform approximately 15 percent above the industry median. Years later in 2020, they found that the percentage had increased to 25 percent.”
Therefore, even if we aren’t focused on all the social and political reasons to uplift female entrepreneurs, it’s better for everyone’s bottom line if we do.
Yet, despite this oft-proven reality, archaic stereotypes and oppressive systems stand in the way of progress in every sector. An article in Business News Daily outlines some of the obstacles women face as entrepreneurs. The number one hurdle they face? Social expectations.
The article advises that in order to beat this imposter syndrome, female founders should stick to their guns rather than trying to conform. “Women may feel as though they need to adopt a stereotypically "male" attitude toward business: competitive, aggressive, and sometimes harsh. But successful female CEOs believe that remaining true to yourself and finding your own voice are the keys to rising above preconceived expectations.”
But often, women are told their lack of professional advancement is their fault. You’re too shy. You’re not assertive enough. You need to ask for what you want. Otherwise, how do you expect to get it?
However, despite this refrain, it’s actually not their own fault. This scapegoating convinces ambitious women that if their careers are stifled, it’s their fault. This causes imposter syndrome, lack of representation, and real industry consequences.
According to BND, “Raising capital is even more difficult for women-owned businesses. A 2014 Babson College report found that less than 3% of companies with venture capital funding had female CEOs … venture capitalists tend to invest in startups run by people of their own ‘tribe.’”
Other things that get in the way of women climbing the ladder to success include: struggling to be taken seriously, owning their accomplishments, building a support network, balancing business and family life, and coping with the fear of failure.
These are real, tangible barriers that most female entrepreneurs face. The women who have succeeded should be celebrated — and this month is the perfect one to do so. Luckily for us, we can vote with our dollars, supporting the businesses we love so that there can be more like-minded companies out there in the world.
Here are some of my favorite female-owned brands to shop during Women’s History Month:
Bee’s Wrap
Sustainable brands are on the rise and women are leading the charge. Bee’s Wrap is a savvy alternative to disposable food covers like tin foil and cling film. It’s also much cuter and easy to use and reuse over and over again.
Southern Elegance Candle Co - Sweet Tea
A divine self-care day — or rather, night — isn’t complete without candles. This female-owned Southern Elegance Candle Co is backed by Dianne Furstenburg. Their candles blend luxury and comfort with the down-home scent of sweet tea. Their signature scents will fill your home with relaxing aromas that will remind you to stop the insanity and slow down.
The Chai Box - The Ultimate Chai Lover's Gift Set
There’s nothing like curling up at night with a cozy, warm drink. This Chai Set gives you the opportunity to make your chai anyway you like it with the most high-quality spices you can buy.
Bossy Cosmetics Style, Meet Substance Eyeshadow Palette
This brand keeps natural shades of make-up from being boring. Earth tones and metallic shades combine to create a palette that’s bright without being garish. Plus, it's not just woman-owned, it’s Black-owned, and also vegan.
Pura Terra Complexion Clay
Clay masks may be effective at detoxing your pores of excess sebum and clearing pimples. But they can strip your skin of some of the good oils it needs to thrive. This complexion clay is the best of both worlds, making it tough enough to work and gentle enough not to demolish your moisture barrier.
OBIA Naturals Babassu Oil Deep Conditioner
Restore your hair’s natural moisture levels with this rich, nourishing conditioner. It’s enriched with babassu oil, an oft-overlooked oil that pumps your strands full of goodness without leaving a residue. Combined with avocado oil, and pro-Vitamin B5, you’ll have your healthiest hair yet.
Why You Need Cometeer Coffee: Coffee You Can Take on the Go
There’s an internet trend that says that everyone has three drinks: one for energy, one for hydration, and one for fun.
Hydration drinks are usually seltzer, a sports drink, or good old-fashioned water. Fun drinks can be anything from boba to kombucha to a refreshing fountain sprite. But the drink you choose for energy says the most about you. Are you a chill tea drinker? An alternative yerba mate devotee? A matcha-obsessed TikTok That Girl wannabe? A chaotic Red Bull chugger? Or are you a lover of the classics, a person after my own heart, who just loves a good cuppa joe?
Coffee can come in many forms. Straight black, concentrated like cold brew for a heartier flavor, or a milky, sugary, frothy treat for a blend of energy and fun.
But the dreaded coffee descriptor: downright bad.
We’ve all been there — free hotel coffee, questionable diner coffee, disappointing overpriced coffee shop coffee. Pour one out for the cups we left unfinished due to sheer revulsion.
In those moments — taking a sip of bitter, bad bean juice and worrying that someone might know if we slyly spit it back into the offending cup — I start to wonder if the “make your coffee at home” brigade is right.
It’s a common point of contention in the personal finance community — but also in the world at large. Is it really such a monumental waste of money to buy coffee instead of making it at home?
If you go by the dollar, of course, it’s cheaper to brew a cup at home. Plus, you’ll always know what you’re getting. It’s not exciting, but it’s not disappointing either. You'll never risk a truly awful cup unless you never learned how to use that French press of yours.
But what about the emotional cost? Especially during the height of the pandemic, going out for a little coffee and a walk was one of the few indulgences we were allowed. Plus, there’s a reason coffee shops are always bustling and busy. They’re a place of communion. Of community. To gather intentionally, to bump into the same 9:47 a.m. crowd every morning on your commute, or to stumble into delight.
And, while the money you save making every single cup of coffee at home could compound into hundreds of dollars over your lifetime…is it worth it?
If your coffee habit is integral to your happiness — for so many of us, it is — don’t give it up. Add it to your budget alongside other delights that align with your values like your Apple Music premium subscription or your travel fund.
Maybe reduce other expenses like that accompanying pastry, disposable cups, or larger sizes over smaller ones. You can also find a middle ground. Save your coffee walks for a special occasion or reduce to a few times a week. A few times a week, why not splurge on an at-home coffee brand you truly adore to make yourself more likely to brew at home. Better yet: one you can take on-the-go. Never stoop to subpar coffee again!
Enter: Cometeer Coffee.
Cometeer is the latest coffee innovation: flash-frozen coffee pods. They developed a proprietary extraction system that optimizes all the variables that lead to spectacular coffee. This is achieved with high-quality coffee beans, flash freeze them, and deliver the pods right to your door. Simply melt and enjoy.
26 grams of coffee go into each capsule, brewed with a process that’s carefully calibrated to extract as much flavor as possible from the beans — which are sourced from an array of the country’s best roasters. As soon as it’s brewed, it’s frozen at a chilly -321 degrees to lock in its flavor. The result? The perfect icy puck of the most complex coffee you’ve ever tasted.
And with a travel set to ramp up, having easy coffee pods on hand will be a game-changer. Everyone’s traveling — but travel better by packing Cometeer pods.
Based on research from the travel guidance firm The Vacationer, more than 42% of Americans are expected to travel this summer than last, while only 12% will travel less. (The 42% is a notable jump from the 25% who said they would travel more in 2021's survey.)
It’s the summer of revenge travel, promising lots of trips … which means endless nights, early mornings, and long airport lines. Get through them with coffee, but don’t settle for less than the best.
Cometeer's hyper-flavorful top-tier beans come from the world’s best roasters, ground and brewed with incredible precision, flash-frozen at peak flavor, and ready to be melted by you.
Making great coffee is hard, but melting great coffee is easy. Peel back the lid and drop it in a mug. Add hot water, enjoy. The end.