If you want to make a career change but think that doing so would take too much time or be too difficult, you may not have been contemplating the right careers. Jobs in many satisfying, well-paying, and growing fields require less preparation than you might think.
These six "quick-change careers" can be ideal for people who need a new career path but don't have years to spend on earning new degrees. Some require only volunteer work and self-teaching to get in the door; others can be prepared for in your spare time before you make the leap.
1. Wellness coach
Similar to fitness coaches, wellness coaches support clients in quitting smoking, reducing stress, eating more healthily, and avoiding lifestyle-related diseases. Wellness coaches can find work with larger companies, clinics, and health insurers, although most are hired directly by a client. Those with two years' experience in the field can earn from $25 to $50 and up per hour, according to Margaret Moore, founder of Wellcoaches.com.
What you'll need: Right now no formal degrees or credentials are required, says Moore: "People who enter the field have a passion for wellness, often starting with their own personal struggles to overcome physical problems, and they immerse themselves in learning on their own." She adds that it's ideal for a mid-career professional who doesn't mind working part-time on building a practice before jumping in full-time.
More information: Institute of Coaching and Wellcoaches.com
2. Personal chef
If you're a great cook but can't stand restaurants, you might consider working as a personal chef. You could earn between $200 and $400 per day, although pay rate depends on what you negotiate with your client. Private chefs may also receive free lodging, meals, and transportation. It could be a cushy job or a very demanding one--it all depends on your boss's needs and temperament.
What you'll need: You have to know how to cook well; where you gain that knowledge is not so important. Organizational skills and trustworthiness are helpful. It's also wise to get some additional training in areas such as sanitation, safe food handling and storage, economical use of ingredients, and basic accounting. You'll need to network with wealthy (and busy) people to find jobs.
More information: American Personal and Private Chef Association
3. Patient advocate
The complexity of healthcare has created opportunities for professionals who can educate patients and family members about dealing with healthcare providers, doctors, insurance companies, and so on. The patient advocate, a liaison between the patient and the system, is most often self-employed, but some work for hospitals, clinics, and insurers. Salaries range from about $25,000 to more than $70,000.
What you'll need: A thorough understanding of hospitals, insurers, and patients is necessary. Advocates often come from the business side (insurance and billing) or the medical side (nursing is common). Others are social workers or even people who have navigated the healthcare industry for a loved one.
More information: National Patient Advocacy Foundation
4. Prospect researcher
Many nonprofits rely on researchers to find likely donors; the researchers uncover information about a wealthy prospect's hobbies, likes and dislikes, and past donations. Salaries range from $30,000 for newbies up to $80,000 for seasoned pros.
What you'll need: It helps to have volunteered for a nonprofit, but if you have a strong record of business development, or if you've done political-campaign research and outreach, you'll have a leg up. Strong research skills and social media savvy are required.
More information: Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement
5. Solar-energy system installer
One of the most promising entry-level green-collar jobs has recently had a boost from federal and local solar tax credits. Any mechanically minded or green-oriented person can make a good installer. Starting pay is about $12 per hour and rises to about $20 for those with a few years' experience. Installers can earn more by becoming supervisors who bid for jobs, coordinate product and labor at job sites, and help workers solve problems.
What you'll need: Installers need sun block, good overall health, and physical stamina. The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners offers classes and certification. Training and apprenticeship can take about two years--less if you have a background in renewable energy, electrical systems, or construction. Jobs can be found with roofing companies and building contractors.
More information: North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners
6. Emergency manager
Federal, state, and local governments, as well as hospitals, universities, and some corporations, now use full-time emergency managers to evaluate risks, prepare for disasters, and plan for recovery from disasters. Specialists in large cities can pull in nearly six figures a year, while a county worker in an area with a low population might make do with a small stipend.
What you'll need: The field is becoming more formal, but right now no specific degree or credential is necessary for most jobs, according to Pam L'Heureux, president of the International Association of Emergency Managers: "Any skills you already have, such as planning, writing documents, computer programming, and even archiving can be useful." She adds that the best way to get your foot in the door is to volunteer for the local or county emergency-management offices or fire departments.
More information: International Association of Emergency Managers
Source: Salary estimates are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, PayScale.com, and/or professional organizations.
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