Is the rat race running you ragged? If so, you're not alone. The American Prospect recently reported that a quarter of workers in the U.S. get no paid vacation, and compared to our peers in Europe our allowance of holiday time is a pittance. With this lack of leisure time impacting our health and personal life, the situation seems pretty grim.
With the convenience of online degree programs, you could work your way towards a great new career from the convenience of your own home. The following five professions could allow you to pay the bills without having to miss another school play or girl's night out.
1. Registered Nurse
You'd have to be living on a deserted island to have missed the news that nurses are in high demand. Employment of registered nurses (RNs) is expected to increase by more than 27 percent through 2014, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
- What to Study: Get your nursing certification to qualify for jobs in this field. Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and you'll greatly improve your earning potential. There are plenty of online nursing schools that allow you to study from home.
- Work/Life Perks: Whether you want to work nights so you can be home with your toddler during the day or prefer to work three 12-hour shifts and have four days off, a career in nursing can offer you a work schedule that fits your life. The median annual earnings of RNs was over $52,000 in 2004.
2. Accountant
Accounting benefits add up. In addition to the savings you'll enjoy by filing your own taxes (and making lots of friends by helping others with their 1040s), a career in accounting can also allow you have a life away from your adding machine.
- What to Study: Most jobs require at least a bachelor's degree in accounting, although earning your MBA could give you the extra edge to qualify for more competitive jobs. Online MBA programs abound and can help you earn your degree at your own pace.
- Work/Life Perks: Complete your business degree or online MBA and you could enjoy the flexibility of working as much or as little as you like as a self-employed accountant. While earnings vary, the median annual salary for accountants was over $50,000 in 2004, according to BLS.
3. Physical Therapist & Massage Therapist
Sick of not having time to train for that half-marathon or attend the yoga retreat you've been reading about? Consider a career in massage or physical therapy that could give you the time to pursue your interests while using your knowledge of the human body to help others.
- What to Study: Over 1,300 massage therapy degree programs exist in the U.S. They can prepare you for the national certification exam that's required for practice in some states. Physical therapy degree programs can train you for the licensure exam in this field.
- Work/Life Perks: Graduate from a physical therapy school or start a career in massage therapy and you could treat patients from a home office or clinic, working when your schedule permits. With median hourly earnings over $15 for massage therapists and median annual salaries of over $60,000 for physical therapists, these careers can't be beat!
4. Graphic Designer
Instead of feeling frustrated that your job doesn't give you enough time for artistic pursuits, make art your work. Graphic design is the fastest growing design occupation, and a career in this field could give you the flexibility to do more than work.
- What to Study: While you may be able to get some entry-level positions with no formal training, a degree in graphic design will offer you more employment options. Online graphic design degrees are available from many schools, so you can take courses on your own schedule.
- Work/Life Perks: Thirty percent of all graphic designers are self-employed, according to BLS. Upon graduation from a graphic design college you could join their ranks and work as much or as little as you wish.
5. Teacher
When it comes to work/life balance, teaching is a no-brainer. Your schedule from September to June can get a bit hectic, but summer vacation makes up for it all. If you have school-aged children, this is a great option.
- What to Study: To become a teacher, you must have your bachelor's degree and complete a teacher training program that usually involves working in the classroom. You'll find many online education courses that can help you work toward your teaching degree.
- Work/Life Perks: Not only could you enjoy the same schedule as your children, but having an education degree also provides the perk of being a better advocate for their education. Median annual earnings of over $40,000 don't hurt, either.
Time to Play
Reclaim your life! Cook dinner for your girlfriend or coach your daughter's soccer team - the options are endless. Your future doesn't have to involve 60-hour work weeks or stress-induced health problems. Go to school and start a great career that will allow you to be a whole person.