Five Adrenaline-Pumping Jobs

By Amelia Gray
Five Adrenaline-Pumping Jobs

Tired of the office job? Bored by retail? You may be suffering from Boring Job Syndrome. You can break free from the daily grind with a heart-pumping career. But beware: these jobs aren't for the meek.

Whether your interest is in the legal, business, or health care professions, online training is available for a range of high-stakes, fascinating careers. If your education matches your drive to succeed, you may find yourself in a thrill-ride career with daily rewards.

Crack the Case with Paralegal Training

What's more interesting than real-life legal drama? Paralegals, sometimes known as legal assistants, earn their salary with their research, trial preparation, and legal knowledge. This growing field may have you working long hours under deadline pressure, but the thrill of pulling a case together can't be beat.

An associate's degree in paralegal studies is considered entry level training, but if you already have a bachelor's degree, a quick certificate may be all you need to work in the field. Paralegals earned mean annual wages of $47,600 in 2007, according to a report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Private law firms are the biggest employers, though corporate legal departments are expected to employ a growing number of paralegals.

Career Training in the Fast Lane

You may have changed a tire before, but have you ever done it in twelve seconds? The seven-person pit crew assigned to any given NASCAR team needs to work in harmony, refueling the car, making minor adjustments, and changing those signature treadless radials. One wrong move can mean losing the race, and only the most precise automotive techs find their way onto the track.

To get into some of the most elite garages in automotive sports, you need to train and work your way up. Certificate and diploma programs in automotive service serve as your first step towards apprenticeship in a garage or dealership. Automotive service technicians and mechanics earned $36,480 in 2007, the BLS reports. Those working for automobile dealers earned $41,660.

Saving Lives as a Registered Nurse

Long hours, stressful work conditions, life-or-death situations--these terms describe what many call their dream job. Why do nurses love the work they do? The power of saving lives and providing real comfort is only one perk of working as a nurse in a hospital, clinic, or home health care service. Registered nurses use their training daily in a career with daily challenges, stresses, and rewards.

Training to become a registered nurse can be completed with an associate's degree, certificate, or bachelor's degree, leading to a national licensing examination. Many nurses-in-training work as assistants or aides while continuing their education. The BLS notes that registered nurses saw mean annual earnings of $62,480 in 2007.

Turning Education into Big Business

Shows like The Apprentice prove that top business positions require organization, people skills, and the ability to withstand high levels of stress. Working in business comes with its own unique stress, but what could be more thrilling than closing the big sale?

Graduates of business business education programs apply their degrees or certificates to a range of industries and specializations. Salaries and job duties vary widely by position, but a business degree could have you working your way up the corporate ladder or working on your own as an entrepreneur.

Online Training to Secure Borders

A growing call for secure borders means more jobs for trained, professional homeland security workers. Specialized education in homeland security is available online in degree and certificate capacities. Students use their legal and policy training in security positions in federal, state, and local law enforcement positions, in addition to security positions in private business.

Homeland security employees enjoy the typical benefits of working for the federal government, including a tiered salary structure. Border patrol agents earned average salaries of $63,550 in 2007, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

Study Online From Home

While these careers all offer adrenaline rushes to workers, the training process isn't nearly so stressful. Online education gives you the chance to study whenever you have a free moment, meaning you can pursue your degree at your own pace.




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