@JOBS THAT MAKE THE MOST REWARDING CAREERS (AND PAY WELL)

 

EVERY JOB COMES WITH SOME AMOUNT OF STRESS. BUT SOME ARE WORTH IT, BECAUSE THEY'RE THE MOST SATISFYING. HERE ARE 6 OF THE MOST REWARDING CAREERS TO CONSIDER.

There are certain jobs that are universally known for their high-stress work environments–military personnel, police officers, firefighters and doctors. Then there are those jobs that on the surface may not seem as demanding, but are in fact filled with stressful experiences. Here are six of those jobs, the reasons why they are considered stressful and why they're still worth pursuing.

1. Editor

Why it will stress you out.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of editors is expected to experience little change to 2029. As online media grows and traditional newsrooms continue to shrink, editors will deal with more pressure and increasing workloads. Plus, working under tight deadlines and being responsible for the accuracy of published content can be stressful.
Why it's worth it:
Some people flourish when working under pressure. Plus, as a journalist, and someone who appreciates the written word, it's gratifying to publish work that is read and enjoyed by the public. If you're able to adapt to online media and are comfortable using digital tools, you'll have an advantage in the competitive job market.

Average salary for an Editor $69,500

2. Event coordinator

Why it will stress you out:
While it may seem like a glamorous job, the role of event coordinator can be highly stressful. You're responsible for handling the logistics and execution of events for clients, some of whom may be difficult to work with or demanding (weddings). If anything goes wrong, it's on your shoulders. No wonder it made the list of the 10 most stressful jobs..
Why it's worth it:
No two days are the same, and you're not constricted to a cubicle. Plus, it's exciting to see someone's vision come to life, and fulfilling to receive kudos from happy clients.

Average salary for an Event Coordinator $62,500

3. Public-relations manager

Why it will stress you out:
As a PR manager, it's your job to get your client or company in the news, which sometimes means dealing with reporters who aren't interested in what you have to say. Also, as a company spokesperson, you are responsible for representing the company, which can be stressful. When the company is faced with a crisis, you're the one who has to put out the fire.
Why it's worth it:
If you work at an agency, you may have a variety of clients, which can keep things interesting. You often get to flex your creative muscles when planning new campaigns or programs to get publicity for a client. And if you enjoy public speaking and like thinking on your feet, you'll find the job exciting.

Average salary for a Public Relations Manager $76,000

4. Real-estate sales agent

Why it will stress you out:
The volatile economy has made the job of real-estate agent more stressful. You have clients with unrealistic expectations of what their home price should be, and having to sell a home for more than it's worth can be a challenge. You may also devote time and energy to helping clients find a new home, only for them to back out on the sale. And working on commission means you rely on those sales for a paycheck.
Why it's worth it:
According to the National Association of Realtors, total home sales in 2012 were the highest they've been in five years, and they predict that sales will continue on an upward trend. Also, it's a great job for people who don't want to sit at a desk all day.

Average salary a Real Estate Agent $72,500

5. High school teacher

Why it will stress you out:
According to a recent CareerBuilder survey, high school teachers were named among the most frightening professions. And no wonder -- dealing with hormonal teenagers can be scary. Also, some teachers deal with large class sizes and financial strain, which can make their jobs more difficult. They're also held accountable for students' academic performances and may encounter disrespectful students or unhappy parents.
Why it's worth it:
It may be one of the most stressful jobs out there, but it's also one of the most rewarding. There's no better feeling than teaching students new skills and seeing them grow and succeed.

Average salary for a High School Teacher $53,500

6. Veterinarian

Why it will stress you out:
As the BLS notes, "Veterinarians' work can sometimes be emotionally stressful as they deal with sick animals and the animals' anxious owners. Also, the workplace can be noisy as the animals make noise when sick or being handled." Basically, working with sick animals can take a toll on you.
Why it's worth it:
Job prospects are good; according to the BLS, employment of veterinarians is expected to grow 36 percent from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations. Plus, if you love animals, you get to have a direct hand in helping them.

Average salary for a Veterinarian $76,000

@THE PERFECT ANSWERS TO 10 COMMON JOB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

 

REGARDLESS OF YOUR INDUSTRY, A JOB INTERVIEW FOLLOWS SOME PARTICULAR PATTERNS. TRUST US, SOME OF THE SAME, TIME-WORN INTERVIEW QUESTIONS WILL SHOW UP.

As you prepare for that interview, shift your perspective.

PREPARE INTERVIEW ANSWERS FOR CATEGORIES, RATHER THAN TO ACTUAL QUESTIONS.

Because the sequence, wording and content will vary from interview to interview, you should focus on general topics. Doing so ensures you're ready for whatever comes your way. Plus, by thinking in big picture terms for each category, your answers will ultimately come across as more conversational, and believable, which will make the interview better for everyone. Here are the 10 biggies you should consider:

"Tell me about yourself."

At first glance, this question can seem easy to answer (and it can be), but you need to have your compass pointed true North to pull it off.

To prepare, start by thinking of 3-5 strong and relevant adjectives that describe you and your values. Tell the interviewer what they are, then give real examples of how you embody the adjectives. Certainly, you can mention hobbies or interests in your explanation, but keep them relatable to the job.

"Describe a challenge or conflict you've faced and how you dealt with it."

Your potential employer needs to know how you respond under pressure and how you resolve conflicts.

Most everyone has a story where they reacted less than ideally to a workplace issue. You can mention one of these experiences if you feel it's appropriate — it could ultimately make your case stronger. But you can also use an example that didn't happen in the office. The important part is how you describe the resolution, not that there was an issue.

Choose an incident in which you were frustrated but overcame the emotional turmoil or one where you had to make a sacrifice that didn't jeopardize the quality of your output. Your interviewer's asking this question to determine if you're candid, coolheaded and willing to compromise.

"What's your greatest personal achievement?"

Choose one or two max. You do not want to come off as boastful, even if you have accomplished a lot. Your discretion in the choices you make will speak far more positively of you than offering an endless laundry list.

The example you choose should be something that's not widely applicable, meaning don't mention graduating college. Choose something that sets you apart, such as organizing a charity drive for local animal shelters where you raised $10,000. BTW, quantifying an achievement (re: $10,000 to a good cause) is a great trick. Just don't exaggerate.

"What's your biggest strength/weakness?"

Many of us tend to dislike this question, but we actually think it's one of the more fun questions you can be asked. It's an opportunity to showcase how well you really know yourself, which is more critical to employers than many applicants realize.

People often get stuck on how to spin a weakness into a positive asset because, admittedly, you shouldn't be telling a potential employer that you have bad habits. Let's say you have a tendency to get distracted. You can tell your interviewer that, but clarify the actions you've taken to remedy it. Mention that you've now implemented a schedule where you wake up early, work out and set aside the hours from 7-9 to respond to emails, then don't check again until right before lunch. Demonstrating your drive to better yourself is key.

"Why do you want a change from your current career path?"

You committed to one professional direction, but you're not feeling it anymore. That's fine, but make sure you explain it in a less cavalier way than that.

You'll need more than just, "It wasn't the right fit." Why wasn't it? You can start by explaining the parts you got right (no one wants to hear you hated everything about your last job), then explain what you didn't. Lack of career advancement? Wanted more responsibility or challenging projects?

Know your reasons, stick to them, don't apologize. You wanted something better, and that's why you're interviewing now.

"Where do you see yourself in [X] years?"

Even if you are 100 percent positive at the time of interview that the job is right for you, it doesn't mean you're ready to commit the next 10 years of your professional life to it. Don't play lip-service if you genuinely can't see it. Instead, talk about the things you would want to do long-term.

Talk about your passion for the actual work you'd be doing: "As a product manager, I would be able to fulfill my dream of executing a business strategy from conceptualization to market; these types of business plans are what I plan to be designing for the rest of my career."

You can also talk about personal goals of yours: owning a house, starting a diverse investment portfolio, supporting a family, managing/starting your own business. You can connect how the job description would allow you to better attain those personal goals. Just use discretion when discussing the new job as a potential means to an end. No one wants to hire someone because they cite the job as an ideal way to start their 401(k). Talk about personal goals in addition to succeeding in something your passionate about in the industry.

"Why are you interested in our industry?"

Again, your preparation and research will come in handy here. If you have a story about what first sparked your curiosity about your industry, that's a great thing to describe now.

Pick a moment in time when you felt particularly connected to the work that was going on in your field (positive or negative) and explain those feelings. If possible, reference something that just broke in the news having to do with your industry.

"How do you evaluate success?"

There is no wrong answer to this question. Be cognizant of the type of job you are applying for. If you're aiming for a big corporation, your emphasis should be on the bottom line. If you're applying for a non-profit, you should place more importance on social impact. If you're applying for a start-up or maybe a fashion house, you should talk about influence and media presence.

You'll also want to make the answer personal to you, such as always improving performance, furthering the company's mission, making a positive overall impact, maintaining the best quality of your work, up-keeping team morale, successfully and reliably completing projects, etc.

"What gets you out of bed every day?"

What's important with your answer is what's implied — employers don't care if you're into fly fishing or Baroque painting, they care about your personal values, well-roundedness, and dedication.

Although you can answer this question with a work-related passion, we suggest picking a hobby or "extracurricular," so to speak. Perhaps your passion is music – why does it make you tick?

"Do you have any questions for me?"

They want something specific from you: to see if you've been paying attention and whether you can multitask. There's a lot of new information thrown at you in an interview, and the interviewer wants to see how well you've processed it all.

You should try to ask at least three questions at the end of your interviews, but don't just ask to ask. If you can easily Google it, don't ask it. We actually recommend you prepare some questions specific to the company in advance and memorize them. If your head is spinning at the end of your interview, you can refer back to them. At the very least, they will know you did your research.

It also doesn't hurt to ask questions about what you can expect from the role. Think of questions like: "What's the biggest challenge you think I'll face coming into this position?" "Why did the last person leave the role?" "Who would I be working with on a daily basis, and what might an average day in the position look like?"

25 JOBS THAT PAY $25 AN HOUR

IF YOU HAVE A SPECIFIC PAYCHECK IN MIND, CHECK OUT THESE 25 JOBS THAT PAY $25 AN HOUR.

These 25 jobs, all of which are projected to grow over the next five years according to BLS, pay (about) $25 an hour. At 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year, you're looking around $52,000 per year - not bad, considering that several of these don't necessarily require a college degree.

1. Substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors advise people who suffer from alcoholism, drug addiction, eating disorders, mental health issues or other mental or behavioral problems. They provide treatment and support to help clients recover from addiction or modify problem behaviors.

Average hourly pay: $23.75
Number of jobs in 2019: 318,095
2019-2024 projected job growth: 11%

2. Athletic trainers specialize in preventing, diagnosing and treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses.

Average hourly pay: $24.12
Number of jobs in 2019: 31,452
2019-2024 projected job growth: 11%

3. Self-enrichment education teachers instruct courses other than those that normally lead to an occupational objective or degree. Courses may include self-improvement, non-vocational and nonacademic subjects.

Average hourly pay: $24.37
Number of jobs in 2019: 407,177
2019-2024 projected job growth: 9%

4. Heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers work on heating, ventilation, cooling and refrigeration systems that control the temperature and air quality in buildings.

Average hourly pay: $24.03
Number of jobs in 2019: 380,050
2019-2024 projected job growth: 8%

5. Audio and video equipment technicians set up and operate audio and video equipment. They also connect wires and cables and set up and operate sound and mixing boards and related electronic equipment.

Average hourly pay: $23.77
Number of jobs in 2019: 106,216
2019-2024 projected job growth: 7%

6. Child, family and school social workers protect vulnerable children and help families in need of assistance. They help families find housing or services, such as childcare, or apply for benefits, such as food stamps. They intervene when children are in danger of neglect or abuse. Some help arrange adoptions, locate foster families, or work to reunite families.

Average hourly pay: $24.03
Number of jobs in 2019: 350,458
2019-2024 projected job growth: 7%

7. Meeting, convention and event planners coordinate all aspects of events and professional meetings. They arrange meeting locations, transportation and other details.

Average hourly pay: $26.02
Number of jobs in 2019: 135,570
2019-2024 projected job growth: 7%

8. Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians collect samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissue and other substances.

Average hourly pay: $25.93
Number of jobs in 2019: 335,894
2019-2024 projected job growth: 7%

9. Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators work with one or several types of power construction equipment.

Average hourly pay: $25.52
Number of jobs in 2019: 412,986
2019-2024 projected job growth: 7%

10. Environmental science and protection technicians monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution and contamination, including those affecting public health.

Average hourly pay: $24.49
Number of jobs in 2019: 37,024
2019-2024 projected job growth: 7%

11. Surgical technologists assist with operations. They prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment and help doctors during surgeries.

Average hourly pay: $23.76
Number of jobs in 2019: 114,860
2019-2024 projected job growth: 7%

12. Credit counselors advise and educate individuals or organizations on acquiring and managing debt. They may provide guidance in determining the best type of loan and explaining loan requirements or restrictions.

Average hourly pay: $23.98
Number of jobs in 2019: 39,123
2019-2024 projected job growth: 6%

13. Chefs and head cooks oversee the daily food preparation at restaurants and other places where food is served. They direct kitchen staff and handle any food-related concerns.

Average hourly pay: $24.13
Number of jobs in 2019: 152,630
2019-2024 projected job growth: 6%

14. Paralegals and legal assistants perform a variety of tasks to support lawyers, including maintaining and organizing files, conducting legal research and drafting documents.

Average hourly pay: $26.32
Number of jobs in 2019: 330,917
2019-2024 projected job growth: 6%

15. Sheet metal workers fabricate or install products that are made from thin metal sheets, such as ducts used in heating and air conditioning systems.

Average hourly pay: $25.14
Number of jobs in 2019: 146,303
2019-2024 projected job growth: 6%

16. Industrial machinery mechanics keep machines in working order by detecting and correcting errors before the machine or the products it produces are damaged.

Average hourly pay: $25.94
Number of jobs in 2019: 379,596
2019-2024 projected job growth: 5%

17. Preschool and childcare center/program education administrators supervise and lead staffs, design program plans, oversee daily activities and prepare budgets. They are responsible for all aspects of their center’s program.

Average hourly pay: $24.74
Number of jobs in 2019: 70,513
2019-2024 projected job growth: 5%

18. Production, planning and expediting clerksmanage the flow of information, work and materials within or among offices in a business.

Average hourly pay: $24.06
Number of jobs in 2019: 377,120
2019-2024 projected job growth: 5%

19. Medical equipment repairers install, maintain and repair patient care equipment.

Average hourly pay: $25.35
Number of jobs in 2019: 50,238
2019-2024 projected job growth: 5%

20. Food service managers are responsible for the daily operation of restaurants or other establishments that prepare and serve food and beverages.

Average hourly pay: $25.71
Number of jobs in 2019: 305,111
2019-2024 projected job growth: 5%

21. Mobile heavy equipment mechanics repair and maintain construction and surface mining equipment, such as bulldozers, cranes, graders and excavators. Most work for governments, equipment rental and leasing shops, and large construction and mining companies.

Average hourly pay: $25.42
Number of jobs in 2019: 159,923
2019-2024 projected job growth: 5%

22. Civil engineering technicians help civil engineers to plan, design and build highways, bridges, utilities and other infrastructure projects.

Average hourly pay: $26.29
Number of jobs in 2019: 76,815
2019-2024 projected job growth: 4%

23. Traffic technicians conduct field studies to determine traffic volume, speed, effectiveness of signals, adequacy of lighting and other factors influencing traffic conditions.

Average hourly pay: $24.38
Number of jobs in 2019: 10,247
2019-2024 projected job growth: 4%

24. Firefighterscontrol and put out fires and respond to emergencies where life, property or the environment is at risk.

Average hourly pay: $25.60
Number of jobs in 2019: 331,574
2019-2024 projected job growth: 4%

25. Aircraft cargo handling supervisors coordinate the activities of ground crew in the loading, unloading, securing and staging of aircraft cargo or baggage.Average hourly pay: $26.47
Number of jobs in 2019: 10,494
2019-2024 projected job growth: 4%