By : Rich Heintz
When Money magazine, in cooperation with Salary.com, produces its list of the 50 best jobs in America, you would expect the results to be credible. And for the most part, it’s a fresh approach to the standard formula.
So, is your career headed down the wrong path if your ideal job didn’t make the list?
Like most such lists, the magazine began by assembling the fastest-growing jobs according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Next, they tossed out jobs paying less than $50K, ones that did not require at least a bachelor’s degree, and professions that employed a small number of workers. Finally, they considered stress, flexibility in hours, working environment, creativity, and how easy it is to enter and advance in the field. The result is an engaging directory of top professions.
By their very nature, lists of best jobs tend to whitewash some of the day-to-day challenges people might encounter should they pursue a particular profession. This is, after all, a list of best jobs – so that’s what the story sells.
CJJ decided to take a closer look at the top ten professions on the Money list and offer a few additional observations that might help readers gain some perspective on the recommendations.
The List
1. Software Engineer – "The best jobs in America," exudes Money. They based that observation on strong growth prospects, average pay of $80,500 and potential for creativity. In particular, Money points out what’s cool – "cutting-edge projects, like designing a new video game or tweaking that military laser. Extra cash from freelance gigs." On the downside, the magazine cites corporate dullness, outsourcing, eye and back strain.
A Closer Look: Consider the comments of Zac Belado, author of the online article Confessions of a Beta Tester. He provides an insight into the ethical scuffles some software experts encounter regarding quality control: "During the test cycle for one of the last two applications, we (the testers) were told that the latest build was going to be the last one before shipping. I, for one, was stunned speechless. The product was nowhere near ready for release. Posted bugs were still causing problems in [the current version] and I was finding new bugs. But a decision had been made." Saner heads eventually reversed the decision. But Belado confesses he avoids buying the first version of a video game or other software.
2. College Professor – "While competition for tenure-track jobs will always be stiff, enrollment is rising in professional programs, community colleges and technical schools," writes Money. The magazine likes how professors have flexibility in their schedules, can exercise creativity and have no dress code. What the magazine does not like is the "tick-tick-tick of the tenure clock," meaning you have to get tenure in a certain time or move on to a different college.
A Closer Look: Apparently Money was running out of time when it alluded to the tenure issue. Consider (untenured) professor Kathy Newman, who wrote in an online essay about her own career angst: "To the outside world, the ivory tower looks like a good gig. Nice work, indeed. But for those of us inside the academy, the thorny issues of tenure, salary, workload, teaching evaluations and research quotas are rarely laughing matters. We (the untenured) are not a lighthearted, fun-loving lot . . . I do not have tenure, and I am trying to maintain my sense of humor."Apparently was running out of time when it alluded to the tenure issue. Consider (untenured) professor Kathy Newman, who wrote in an online essay about her own career angst: "To the outside world, the ivory tower looks like a good gig. Nice work, indeed. But for those of us inside the academy, the thorny issues of tenure, salary, workload, teaching evaluations and research quotas are rarely laughing matters. We (the untenured) are not a lighthearted, fun-loving lot . . . I do not have tenure, and I am trying to maintain my sense of humor."
3. Financial Advisor – The numbers (many about to retire) and the headlines (pensions are passé) both point to the grand prospects of counseling people on where to invest. Money sees this as offering people the chance to work for themselves, or be employed by a small shop or a giant financial services firm. What’s not so cool are the rules and regs and mountains of paperwork. "Stress? You have to build a practice from the ground up," Money concedes. That point deserves further comment.
A Closer Look: Financial advisor Jim Cramer points out in an article on Allbusiness.com that he had a rude awakening. "A contemporary study indicated quite strongly that the American people were hungering for good, client-oriented financial advice," he writes. Then he opened his practice and nothing happened. "Not to worry, the think-tank study said that potential clients were dying for financial advisors like me," Cramer figured. He found that there was truth to the study – people were eager for the advice, but they put it off like a trip to the dentist. The solution? Independent advisors need to develop a strong marketing campaign. "You gotta sell. The discerning reader will understand by now that my problem was that I didn’t want to," Cramer admits.
4. Human Resources Manager – "At more and more companies, HR is no longer about benefits administration and the employee newsletter," writes Money. "Those tasks are increasingly outsourced, and directors and VPs are considered strategic planners." What’s cool, says Money, is the mission "to make work more rewarding for workers. You help shape corporate culture and strategy." What’s not cool is fighting the "fluffy HR" stereotype and firing people. "At more and more companies, HR is no longer about benefits administration and the employee newsletter," writes "Those tasks are increasingly outsourced, and directors and VPs are considered strategic planners." What’s cool, says is the mission "to make work more rewarding for workers. You help shape corporate culture and strategy." What’s not cool is fighting the "fluffy HR" stereotype and firing people.
A Closer Look: A thorn in the side of every HR career will be the shrinking labor pool (thanks to baby boomers retiring). Not being able to easily find the quality workers your organization needs is going to create more than a little stress in the HR department. A thorn in the side of every HR career will be the shrinking labor pool (thanks to baby boomers retiring). Not being able to easily find the quality workers your organization needs is going to create more than a little stress in the HR department.
5. Physician’s Assistant – "For most doctors, the worst part of their job is filling out paperwork and battling insurers," reports Money."Physician’s assistants get to skip all that. Under a doctor’s supervision, they provide routine healthcare." Good hours, with part-time work available." For most doctors, the worst part of their job is filling out paperwork and battling insurers," reports Physician’s assistants get to skip all that. Under a doctor’s supervision, they provide routine healthcare." Good hours, with part-time work available.
A Closer Look: Money is on target with this profession, at least according to Tanya Wade, who writes in her article for the online version of the Palm Beach Post, how much she enjoys her job. Her biggest challenge? "Many patients don’t know what a physician’s assistant is." More serious concerns include the demands of keeping up with advances in medicine and treatment strategies, while maintaining a full workload. At times, you will also face the stress of making life-and-death decisions (in cooperation with a physician). Money is on target with this profession, at least according to Tanya Wade, who writes in her article for the online version of the how much she enjoys her job. Her biggest challenge? "Many patients don’t know what a physician’s assistant is." More serious concerns include the demands of keeping up with advances in medicine and treatment strategies, while maintaining a full workload. At times, you will also face the stress of making life-and-death decisions (in cooperation with a physician).
6. Market Research Analyst – "If you want to know what the next big thing is, this is your field," Money writes. "Before launching a product or service, companies turn to market research analysts who collect and evaluate data about consumer wants, needs and buying habits." The magazine points out how cool it is to test products before they hit the market. What’s not cool is being mistaken for a telemarketer.
A Closer Look: In another life, I compiled market research reports. Tracking down the sources can indeed be a challenge. A greater challenge? Making sure you work for an ethical company. Sometimes it is hard to know how the information you gather will ultimately be used. Or if the report is truly objective or slanted to achieve a marketing goal.
7. Computer IT analyst – "Seems like the entire world is at the mercy of information technology folks, and all of these jobs pay well, from desktop support technician to webmaster to database worker," says Money. Carpal tunnel injuries and offshoring are the two top drawbacks. "Seems like the entire world is at the mercy of information technology folks, and all of these jobs pay well, from desktop support technician to webmaster to database worker," says Carpal tunnel injuries and offshoring are the two top drawbacks.
A Closer Look: Courtesy of InfoWorld: "A new study claims that IT is the most stressful occupation, ahead of engineering, sales, finance, HR, and pretty much everything else. The study, commissioned by e-learning provider Skillsoft, surveyed 3000 people and found that 97 percent of IT pros report daily stress stemming from user complaints, managers and deadlines. Common complaints included stress due to taking on other people’s work, lack of job satisfaction, lack of control over daily duties, interruptions, and bullying.
8. Real Estate Appraiser – "The housing boom has meant beaucoup bucks for appraisers in recent years, but the field hasn’t gotten as crowded as real estate brokerages. And because valuations are needed whenever any property is sold, mortgaged, insured, taxed or developed, there’s going to be work even when the market slows. Abundant self-employment opportunities."
A Closer Look: The workload is unpredictable. At times, requests can trickle in, while at other times you may face a flood of work. Clients typically demand prompt service. And while a down market still requires some appraisals, layoffs are common when home loan orders stall.The workload is unpredictable. At times, requests can trickle in, while at other times you may face a flood of work. Clients typically demand prompt service. And while a down market still requires some appraisals, layoffs are common when home loan orders stall.
9. Pharmacist – "Demand for pharmacists is exploding as the population ages and new medications are developed. By 2010, the number of prescriptions filled is expected to rise 27 percent to 4.1 billion," writes Money.
A Closer Look: Dealing with the public can be a challenge. "Bullies are a pain, and for some reason I get a lot of them," writes Max Gibson in Diary of a Neighborhood Pharmacist at Medhunters.com. "I am, in my own mind at least, the nicest, sweetest, most professional person to walk the planet. But I can’t get delivery of an out-of-stock medication at 3am, and I can’t call somebody from the insurance company to go into the office and OK your prescription, and frankly, I am not afraid of the store manager."
10. Psychologist – "The pay is good, the hours are flexible, and it’s pretty hard to top the psychological benefit that comes with bringing relief to a troubled mind,"writes Money.
A Closer Look: According to the Princeton Review Career Guide, anyone planning a career in psychology should plan on spending many years in school. "Doing graduate work toward a doctoral degree consumes between five and seven years."
So what’s the moral of this story? Don’t accept generalizations (even your own) about any career as gospel. Find out from people in the field or learn firsthand through an internship what the day-to-day reality is in any particular job. Next, explore the courses available through adult education classes, community colleges, or vocational schools. For a small investment of time and money, you’ll get a pretty good idea of what a particular calling is like.
When you find the right career, it shouldn’t matter whether it made a list of best careers – it will be perfect for you, and that’s all that counts.
Job Vacancy , Indonesia Job , Job Indonesia
When Money magazine, in cooperation with Salary.com, produces its list of the 50 best jobs in America, you would expect the results to be credible. And for the most part, it’s a fresh approach to the standard formula.
So, is your career headed down the wrong path if your ideal job didn’t make the list?
Like most such lists, the magazine began by assembling the fastest-growing jobs according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Next, they tossed out jobs paying less than $50K, ones that did not require at least a bachelor’s degree, and professions that employed a small number of workers. Finally, they considered stress, flexibility in hours, working environment, creativity, and how easy it is to enter and advance in the field. The result is an engaging directory of top professions.
By their very nature, lists of best jobs tend to whitewash some of the day-to-day challenges people might encounter should they pursue a particular profession. This is, after all, a list of best jobs – so that’s what the story sells.
CJJ decided to take a closer look at the top ten professions on the Money list and offer a few additional observations that might help readers gain some perspective on the recommendations.
The List
1. Software Engineer – "The best jobs in America," exudes Money. They based that observation on strong growth prospects, average pay of $80,500 and potential for creativity. In particular, Money points out what’s cool – "cutting-edge projects, like designing a new video game or tweaking that military laser. Extra cash from freelance gigs." On the downside, the magazine cites corporate dullness, outsourcing, eye and back strain.
A Closer Look: Consider the comments of Zac Belado, author of the online article Confessions of a Beta Tester. He provides an insight into the ethical scuffles some software experts encounter regarding quality control: "During the test cycle for one of the last two applications, we (the testers) were told that the latest build was going to be the last one before shipping. I, for one, was stunned speechless. The product was nowhere near ready for release. Posted bugs were still causing problems in [the current version] and I was finding new bugs. But a decision had been made." Saner heads eventually reversed the decision. But Belado confesses he avoids buying the first version of a video game or other software.
2. College Professor – "While competition for tenure-track jobs will always be stiff, enrollment is rising in professional programs, community colleges and technical schools," writes Money. The magazine likes how professors have flexibility in their schedules, can exercise creativity and have no dress code. What the magazine does not like is the "tick-tick-tick of the tenure clock," meaning you have to get tenure in a certain time or move on to a different college.
A Closer Look: Apparently Money was running out of time when it alluded to the tenure issue. Consider (untenured) professor Kathy Newman, who wrote in an online essay about her own career angst: "To the outside world, the ivory tower looks like a good gig. Nice work, indeed. But for those of us inside the academy, the thorny issues of tenure, salary, workload, teaching evaluations and research quotas are rarely laughing matters. We (the untenured) are not a lighthearted, fun-loving lot . . . I do not have tenure, and I am trying to maintain my sense of humor."Apparently was running out of time when it alluded to the tenure issue. Consider (untenured) professor Kathy Newman, who wrote in an online essay about her own career angst: "To the outside world, the ivory tower looks like a good gig. Nice work, indeed. But for those of us inside the academy, the thorny issues of tenure, salary, workload, teaching evaluations and research quotas are rarely laughing matters. We (the untenured) are not a lighthearted, fun-loving lot . . . I do not have tenure, and I am trying to maintain my sense of humor."
3. Financial Advisor – The numbers (many about to retire) and the headlines (pensions are passé) both point to the grand prospects of counseling people on where to invest. Money sees this as offering people the chance to work for themselves, or be employed by a small shop or a giant financial services firm. What’s not so cool are the rules and regs and mountains of paperwork. "Stress? You have to build a practice from the ground up," Money concedes. That point deserves further comment.
A Closer Look: Financial advisor Jim Cramer points out in an article on Allbusiness.com that he had a rude awakening. "A contemporary study indicated quite strongly that the American people were hungering for good, client-oriented financial advice," he writes. Then he opened his practice and nothing happened. "Not to worry, the think-tank study said that potential clients were dying for financial advisors like me," Cramer figured. He found that there was truth to the study – people were eager for the advice, but they put it off like a trip to the dentist. The solution? Independent advisors need to develop a strong marketing campaign. "You gotta sell. The discerning reader will understand by now that my problem was that I didn’t want to," Cramer admits.
4. Human Resources Manager – "At more and more companies, HR is no longer about benefits administration and the employee newsletter," writes Money. "Those tasks are increasingly outsourced, and directors and VPs are considered strategic planners." What’s cool, says Money, is the mission "to make work more rewarding for workers. You help shape corporate culture and strategy." What’s not cool is fighting the "fluffy HR" stereotype and firing people. "At more and more companies, HR is no longer about benefits administration and the employee newsletter," writes "Those tasks are increasingly outsourced, and directors and VPs are considered strategic planners." What’s cool, says is the mission "to make work more rewarding for workers. You help shape corporate culture and strategy." What’s not cool is fighting the "fluffy HR" stereotype and firing people.
A Closer Look: A thorn in the side of every HR career will be the shrinking labor pool (thanks to baby boomers retiring). Not being able to easily find the quality workers your organization needs is going to create more than a little stress in the HR department. A thorn in the side of every HR career will be the shrinking labor pool (thanks to baby boomers retiring). Not being able to easily find the quality workers your organization needs is going to create more than a little stress in the HR department.
5. Physician’s Assistant – "For most doctors, the worst part of their job is filling out paperwork and battling insurers," reports Money."Physician’s assistants get to skip all that. Under a doctor’s supervision, they provide routine healthcare." Good hours, with part-time work available." For most doctors, the worst part of their job is filling out paperwork and battling insurers," reports Physician’s assistants get to skip all that. Under a doctor’s supervision, they provide routine healthcare." Good hours, with part-time work available.
A Closer Look: Money is on target with this profession, at least according to Tanya Wade, who writes in her article for the online version of the Palm Beach Post, how much she enjoys her job. Her biggest challenge? "Many patients don’t know what a physician’s assistant is." More serious concerns include the demands of keeping up with advances in medicine and treatment strategies, while maintaining a full workload. At times, you will also face the stress of making life-and-death decisions (in cooperation with a physician). Money is on target with this profession, at least according to Tanya Wade, who writes in her article for the online version of the how much she enjoys her job. Her biggest challenge? "Many patients don’t know what a physician’s assistant is." More serious concerns include the demands of keeping up with advances in medicine and treatment strategies, while maintaining a full workload. At times, you will also face the stress of making life-and-death decisions (in cooperation with a physician).
6. Market Research Analyst – "If you want to know what the next big thing is, this is your field," Money writes. "Before launching a product or service, companies turn to market research analysts who collect and evaluate data about consumer wants, needs and buying habits." The magazine points out how cool it is to test products before they hit the market. What’s not cool is being mistaken for a telemarketer.
A Closer Look: In another life, I compiled market research reports. Tracking down the sources can indeed be a challenge. A greater challenge? Making sure you work for an ethical company. Sometimes it is hard to know how the information you gather will ultimately be used. Or if the report is truly objective or slanted to achieve a marketing goal.
7. Computer IT analyst – "Seems like the entire world is at the mercy of information technology folks, and all of these jobs pay well, from desktop support technician to webmaster to database worker," says Money. Carpal tunnel injuries and offshoring are the two top drawbacks. "Seems like the entire world is at the mercy of information technology folks, and all of these jobs pay well, from desktop support technician to webmaster to database worker," says Carpal tunnel injuries and offshoring are the two top drawbacks.
A Closer Look: Courtesy of InfoWorld: "A new study claims that IT is the most stressful occupation, ahead of engineering, sales, finance, HR, and pretty much everything else. The study, commissioned by e-learning provider Skillsoft, surveyed 3000 people and found that 97 percent of IT pros report daily stress stemming from user complaints, managers and deadlines. Common complaints included stress due to taking on other people’s work, lack of job satisfaction, lack of control over daily duties, interruptions, and bullying.
8. Real Estate Appraiser – "The housing boom has meant beaucoup bucks for appraisers in recent years, but the field hasn’t gotten as crowded as real estate brokerages. And because valuations are needed whenever any property is sold, mortgaged, insured, taxed or developed, there’s going to be work even when the market slows. Abundant self-employment opportunities."
A Closer Look: The workload is unpredictable. At times, requests can trickle in, while at other times you may face a flood of work. Clients typically demand prompt service. And while a down market still requires some appraisals, layoffs are common when home loan orders stall.The workload is unpredictable. At times, requests can trickle in, while at other times you may face a flood of work. Clients typically demand prompt service. And while a down market still requires some appraisals, layoffs are common when home loan orders stall.
9. Pharmacist – "Demand for pharmacists is exploding as the population ages and new medications are developed. By 2010, the number of prescriptions filled is expected to rise 27 percent to 4.1 billion," writes Money.
A Closer Look: Dealing with the public can be a challenge. "Bullies are a pain, and for some reason I get a lot of them," writes Max Gibson in Diary of a Neighborhood Pharmacist at Medhunters.com. "I am, in my own mind at least, the nicest, sweetest, most professional person to walk the planet. But I can’t get delivery of an out-of-stock medication at 3am, and I can’t call somebody from the insurance company to go into the office and OK your prescription, and frankly, I am not afraid of the store manager."
10. Psychologist – "The pay is good, the hours are flexible, and it’s pretty hard to top the psychological benefit that comes with bringing relief to a troubled mind,"writes Money.
A Closer Look: According to the Princeton Review Career Guide, anyone planning a career in psychology should plan on spending many years in school. "Doing graduate work toward a doctoral degree consumes between five and seven years."
So what’s the moral of this story? Don’t accept generalizations (even your own) about any career as gospel. Find out from people in the field or learn firsthand through an internship what the day-to-day reality is in any particular job. Next, explore the courses available through adult education classes, community colleges, or vocational schools. For a small investment of time and money, you’ll get a pretty good idea of what a particular calling is like.
When you find the right career, it shouldn’t matter whether it made a list of best careers – it will be perfect for you, and that’s all that counts.
Job Vacancy , Indonesia Job , Job Indonesia
No comments:
Post a Comment