teacher

Careers (You May Not Have Thought of) with the Highest Happiness Rates

pixabay

For nearly all of us, having a job is a must. Aside from the money earned, we perform a duty of some sort that help keeps the world go 'round. Some folks love what they do, others can't wait for the clock to strike 5 (or whenever the workday comes to a close.) And while we all can't have our "dream job," whatever that may be, finding happiness in the work we do makes life so much sweeter.

If you are just starting to plan your career or are looking for a change to improve your overall life satisfaction, consider the following careers which have been determined to have a high happiness rate. Work can be wonderful when you've got a smile on your face!

Teachers

Teacher pexels

Teachers have one of the most important roles in our lives. Their salaries may not reflect the hard work they do, but those who go into the profession do it for the love of children and the desire to make their futures brighter.

As told to Business Insider, teacher Cheryl Gferer described why teaching makes her happy. "My students teach me how to face challenges, how to behave with integrity, how be more than people expect of me, how to stand up after being knocked down. it is the most gratifying job I can imagine. I'm lucky to be a teacher."

Monster ranks teaching as one of their top 10 industries for job satisfaction. "Educators enjoy teaching the next generation valuable skills and knowledge that will help them achieve success," they explain.

Firefighters

Firefighterspexels

Their lives are on the line but that doesn't mean firefighters don't find satisfaction in the risky role they've taken on. As per Business Insider, "They have a supremely important job that's also highly rewarding. They protect people and their most sacred possessions. Second, the work environment is a good one. They develop strong bonds by spending so much time together."

America's Job Exchange adds, "Studies have shown that people's job satisfaction rises with how well their jobs are respected by society. Therefore, it makes sense that firefighters would experience such high levels of happiness with their positions." And who doesn't have appreciation for the men and women willing to risk their lives for ours?

Physical Therapists

Physical Therapist atlanticptcenter.com

Forbes notes how "social interaction and helping people" make the job of a physical therapist one of the happiest. As per the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), "Being a physical therapist is very rewarding. You will work with patients one-on-one, see them progress through treatment, and know that you are really making a difference in their lives."

Not to mention job security and a nice salary. APTA adds, "According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for physical therapists is expected to spike upward by an astonishing 34% between 2014 and 2024—a much quicker rate than average." Business Insider remarks on pay, "Salaries also tend to go up with each year spent in the field, rewarding a commitment to that career."

Accountants

Accountant gobankingrates.com

While many of us dread going to our accountant or tax consultant, the job lends itself to happiness. "This career made Forbes' 'Happiest Jobs in America List' and has even been named one of the greatest jobs by U.S. News & World Report," according to Nexxt.

As Monster explains, "A good work-life balance helps this industry nab the top spot—perhaps owed to the seasonality of the work. Reviewers in the field also heralded the fact that they're trusted to work autonomously. (They have) the ability to be relaxed and having never been chased for hours or orders by management."

Nexxt further describes why accountants are among the most satisfied workers, "Aside from good pay and job stability, accountants can be the happiest people on Earth due in large part to the job satisfaction that comes from helping people navigate rough financial territory."

If these jobs aren't your calling, consider these perks and plusses of what makes people happy at work, according to JobDig.

  • A short commute
  • Being in control of your own work
  • They are listened to
  • They are cared about
  • They are given freedom
  • Having mission-driven work
  • Being challenged and able to grow

If you are lucky enough to find one or more of these examples in your workplace or can make it happen, happiness on the job can be realized.

Related Articles Around the Web
happiness at work
PayPath
Follow Us on

Talk Your Way to the Top - Careers That Will Put the Money Where Your Mouth Is

Do you have the "gift of gab" and want to put your money where your mouth is, somewhat literally? Using your voice to help you career-wise is perfect for those who love to talk and do it well. There are specific careers that are well-suited for folks who thrive on inter-personal communication done the old-fashioned way, you know, before texting was the norm. No more keeping quiet on the job front when you can talk your way to the top.

Advertising Sales Representative

Communication is key wirthconsulting.org

If you are a big talker with genuine charisma and trustworthiness, ad sales may be your calling. Being a rep will put you in front of lots of potential clients, or at least on the phone with them. You will need to not only know the ins and outs of what you are selling, but how to convince people to buy into your marketing.

As Monster notes, "A key to their (ad sales reps') success? Developing solid relationships with their clients, which, of course, means having lots of conversations."

Career Builderadds, "Even after a sale, staying upbeat is a huge part of the job, so non-talkers need not apply."

Customer Service

Being able to speak with customers is a valuable skillvceplus.com

If you are not only the chit-chatty type but also enjoy solving problems and helping others, customer service would serve you well. As per Monster, "Customer service reps are constantly fielding questions and concerns from customers, either over the phone or face-to-face. Customer service reps are expected to have all the answers and be able to communicate clearly."

You will need plenty of patience when customers call in with a gripe, but if you can put your top-notch talking skills to task, both parties will wind up satisfied in the end.

Teacher/Professor

Effective communication is an essential part of teaching dreamstop.com

Teachers and professors talk nearly all day long. Communicating with students clearly and impactfully is a must in order for the lessons to be well-presented and powerful. Monster notes, "Teachers must have the stamina to talk throughout the day, often repeating the same material to different classes of students."

As Career Builder points out, "No matter what age you teach, your speaking skills are crucial to being a successful mentor and inspiring your students. Teachers are some of the best communicators around." Have you thanked a teacher lately?

Lawyer

Persuasive talker? this could be the career for you! sciencenews.org

A quiet lawyer in the courtroom is not the one you'd want to represent you. As Business Insider explains, "The ability to communicate well is crucial to any lawyer's success. They need to be able to talk with clients, argue motions, meet with judges, and question witnesses during the course of a trial. Many also have to present evidence to defend clients or prosecute defendants in criminal or civil litigation — and how they do so, verbally, can determine the outcome of a case."

There is a load of preliminary work, back and forth communication, following up, and following through. Attention to detail is of the essence along with confidence and compassion that must come through when speaking.

Public Relations

Being the face of a brand or campaign takes A+ communication mediabistro.com

In PR, you are representing someone else, so not only will you need to come forth as well-versed and outgoing, but you will need to leave a lasting impression. A positive one.

According to Career Builder, "Most public relations executives need to spend a great deal of time communicating their clients' messages to media. Pitching journalists is a large part of the job, which is perfect for talkers."

Monster adds, "They're constantly meeting with people and making phone calls." If you consider yourself a "Chatty Cathy" or "Chad," then public relations can be fulfilling. Talk up your clients… and talk some more!

Be heard on the job front. Mimes need not apply.

Related Articles Around the Web
careers for talkers

2017’s Best and Worst States for Teachers

Teachers have one of the most important jobs in the world – educating our youth to become the future of our world. For those who choose the career path to become a teacher, they know it may not be easy, but they are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of their students, whether they teach Pre-K or graduate school classes.

Many teachers don't get the credit they deserve for doing such noble work. They may not be rightfully appreciated, paid very well, or work in an environment that provides the best atmosphere for them and their students. Others are luckier, with teaching/learning-conducive schools, fair pay, and are treated with the utmost respect, as they ought to be.

Depending on the U.S. state in which they teach, the opportunities and environments can be as different as night and day. That is why WalletHub's recent analysis of 2017's best and worst states for teachers is eye-opening. The personal finance website compared the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia to help educators find the best places in the country to teach based on 21 key metrics. These include annual salaries, teacher turnover rate, teacher-student ratio, school spending, the best and worst school systems, teacher safety, and more. WalletHub's panel of experts reviewed and assessed the findings to determine which states were the best in terms of teacher-friendliness and which fared worst.

The top 5 states for teachers (#1 being the overall best):

  • 1. New York
  • 2. New Jersey
  • 3. Illinois
  • 4. Connecticut
  • 5. Pennsylvania

The bottom 5 states for teachers (#1 being the overall worst):

  • 1. Arizona
  • 2. Hawaii
  • 3. South Carolina
  • 4. Mississippi
  • 5. Florida

Did your state rank in the top or bottom 5? If you're a teacher or aspire to get into the profession, will these findings make an impact on where you choose to teach?

While these states are not in the top 5, some notable standouts include:

Wyoming – ranked #8 overall. Here teachers earn the highest starting salary (cost of living adjustments considered). They make $47,185 at the start of their career on average.

Vermont – ranked #27 overall. The student-teacher ratio is lowest in Vermont – 10.55. Students will get greater personal attention when the teacher has fewer students in their class.

Massachusetts – ranked #7 overall. This state ranked #1 for the very best school systems in the nation.

For the full ranking and additional specifics on WalletHub's findings, see the entire report.

If you are not in the teaching profession but are curious about the best and worst cities for jobs on the whole, see our report on WalletHub's best and worst cities for jobs in 2017.

Get Ready for Halloween!! Find Your Costumes at TIPSY ELVES!

Related Articles Around the Web