Jobs and Training for the Non-Conformist
There are many careers that are geared towards those who march to the beat of their own drum. For example, if you dream of being a professional storyteller, or enjoy making things out of materials such as wood and steel, there's no need to go back to school for a vocational degree. There are plenty of jobs in industries such as storytelling and metalwork that cater exclusively to non-conformists.
Jobs for Non-Conformists
Professional storytellers have the ability to combine their love of storytelling with a steady income. By telling stories and keeping the audience's attention, they entertain the masses through various mediums. Storytelling has been around for centuries, and while it is alive and well today, many people still believe that working as a professional storyteller is a waste of time. But it's not just professional storytellers who make good salaries. Electrical engineers, welders and metalworkers also enjoy high salaries as do barbers and hairstylists.
Welders – In 2011, welders enjoyed an average salary of more than $40,000 per year according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This was significantly more than the $20,320 average wage for all occupations in the country.
Electrical Engineers – Electrical engineers help design electrical power systems and other electrical components for big companies and small businesses alike. They also fix problems with existing electrical components. In 2011, electrical engineers earned an average salary of $88,340 per year according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Barbers and Hairstylists – Many barbers and hairstylists are accomplished storytellers, but they're also able to tell a good joke or two while they cut hair. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these predominantly self-employed professionals earned an average salary of $33,240 in 2011.
Metal Workers – Metal workers were among the top 10 highest paid occupations in the U.S. in 2011, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. These workers earned an average salary of $76,120 per year that year and enjoyed a 4 percent increase in employment from 2010 to 2011, according to the agency's records.
Woodworkers – Woodworkers are another group of workers who enjoy high salaries. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these workers earned an average of $52,040 in 2011. That was nearly twice the national average for all occupations for 2011 ($23,060), and double the average for all jobs that year ($22,110).
Psychologists and therapists – Psychologists and therapists regularly make over $100,000 per year in some states despite lower educational requirements than other occupations with similar educational levels. For example, California requires a master's degree whereas other states require a bachelor's degree or some graduate studies.
Storytellers make between $40k-60k a year! http://t.co/q2QMpVn8 — Tell-a-Story (@Tellastory) June 14, 2012
Non-Conformists and the Job Market
According to a recent survey by the American Psychological Association (APA), there has been a significant increase in Americans who are questioning the value of higher education. The APA's report also showed that employers are also questioning the value of a traditional college education as well. A full 27 percent of college graduates under the age of 25 were either unemployed or underemployed according to another report from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These findings have led some people to question their own need for an expensive university degree.
Non-Conformists and the Job Search
A degree may be necessary for some positions, but there are many non-conformist jobs that don't require a four year degree. Some companies are even taking the lead in hiring candidates with little or no college experience. The Mark Cuban Companies, for example, hires candidates with only a high school diploma and six months of work experience with other companies. This approach can save both time and money when searching for new employees who will fit in well with their existing team members.
Traditional college graduates often need help finding jobs that are a good fit for their skills and interests. Some of these same people are turning to the growing trend of "hack school" or "boot camp" style programs. These programs offer technical training in software development, computer programming and other areas that don't require a degree. This kind of training is also a good alternative for non-conformists who may want to reboot their career, but don't want to spend time and resources on a traditional college degree.
Non-Conformists and Job Satisfaction
When you find a job that fits your personality, and matches your interests, it's easier to be successful and enjoy what you do each day. That's why it's important to find work that matches your personality type. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is one of the most well-known personality tests and is used by many career counselors and hiring managers to match candidates to the right jobs.
The MBTI helps professionals understand their preferences and strengths, and helps them find careers that will suit their personalities. The test uses four categories to define personality types: E-I, S-N, T-F and P-J. Half of all people have strong preferences in two categories while only 16 percent have strong preferences in three or more categories. The remaining personalities are classified as having a preference for only one category.
Most people's MBTI preferences stay consistent over time. Some people may change their general interests or job preferences, but when it comes to traditional careers, most people just have too many interests and don't want to try them all in one career. When a career doesn't match up well with your personality type, you're more likely to find yourself bored and unfulfilled with work.
The right job can help you reach your goals and make the transition into retirement easier. But before you decide on your next position, take a look at the projected 10 best-paying jobs of 2014 according to U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
The 10 Highest Paying Jobs of 2014*
1. Surgeons – These medical professionals are the highest paid workers in the U.S. with a median annual salary of $208,000. The top 10 percent of earners make more than $316,000 per year, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data from 2012. The salaries for surgeons vary significantly across the country, with top salaries in the West being considerably higher than those in most other states, according to 2012 data from PayScale.
2. Chief executives – Chief executives and other senior managers made an average salary of $182,170 in 2012 according to U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics data from that year.
Conclusion
Although salaries for some of the highest paid jobs are dropping, there are many other high paying jobs that don't require a four year degree. There is also a growing trend in many states to lower the education requirements for these positions. If you are thinking about your career goals, consider making a change that puts you more in line with your personality type and interests. The right job can make all the difference in your happiness and success.
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