| In-demand jobs often require specific degrees or | | | | school teacher may be a good fit. Elementary |
| career training, but you shouldn't feel discouraged | | | | school teachers teach multiple subjects to |
| if you lack the necessary education. | | | | students from kindergarten through sixth grade, |
| Today's abundance of online education options | | | | emphasizing understanding, responsibility, and |
| means you're never too old to go back to school, | | | | consideration. According to the BLS, elementary |
| and many online degree programs cater | | | | school teachers earned an average of $49,330 in |
| specifically to the busy lives of working adults. By | | | | 2008, and the field is expected to grow by 16 |
| working and attending school online, you can | | | | percent from 2008 to 2018. |
| prepare for your next job without sacrificing your | | | | 4. Computer Software Engineer |
| current income. The following jobs are expected | | | | Computer software engineers use principles of |
| to grow faster than average from 2008 to 2018, | | | | computer science and mathematics to design and |
| and each requires training that can be achieved at | | | | develop software. From computer games to |
| any age. | | | | networking systems, the programs developed by |
| 1. Physical Therapist Assistant | | | | computer software engineers help computers |
| Physical therapist assistants help physical | | | | function in our everyday lives. The BLS expects |
| therapists rehabilitate patients, including accident | | | | employment of computer software engineers to |
| victims and sufferers of debilitating diseases. | | | | increase by 34 percent thru 2018, which means |
| According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), | | | | plenty of opportunities to enter the field. In 2008, |
| employment of physical therapist assistants is | | | | these engineers earned an average of $85,430. |
| expected to grow 33 percent thru 2018, much | | | | 5. Management Analyst |
| faster than the national average. In 2008, these | | | | Management analysts (also called management |
| assistants earned an average of $46,140. | | | | consultants) are business experts that help |
| 2. Registered Nurse | | | | companies solve problems to remain competitive. |
| Registered nurses help doctors treat, diagnose, | | | | Management analysts must think strategically and |
| and care for patients in hospitals, doctors' offices, | | | | come up with innovative, effective solutions for |
| and care centers. Nurses make up the largest | | | | their clients. In 2008, management analysts |
| employment group within health care, and their | | | | earned an average of $73,570, and the BLS |
| numbers are expected to grow by another 22 | | | | expects their employment to increase by 24 |
| percent from 2008 to 2018. According to the | | | | percent in the next decade. |
| BLS, registered nurses earned an average of | | | | Taking the Next Step |
| $62,450 in 2008. | | | | These five careers prove that opportunities exist |
| 3. Elementary School Teacher | | | | across industries, and it's not too late to transition |
| If you have a passion for learning and enjoy | | | | into a field you're passionate about. |
| working with kids, a career as an elementary | | | | |