I work from home.

This is such a huge relief for me because I have children and still need to earn money, so what better way to accomplish that than to work from the comfort of my own home?

Granted, it isn’t always easy. Freelancing gets you sporadic work, so maintaining good client relationships with several clients or client companies is a must if you want a stable income.

So how do people break into freelancing and what can you do as a freelancer?

There are a number of viable possibilities. Some people write, some do graphic design, some are commissioned to create soundtracks or record an audio book… some are web designers, editors, call center representatives, and medical billing specialists. Some do transcriptions and others data entry… think about it: if you can do it on the computer, chances are that you can do it from home.

This can be a highly lucrative business, depending on what you do as your freelance work. There are a lot of different jobs and tasks out there, and people are more and more likely to hire an independent contractor than an employee, especially for projects that are temporary.

When an employer hires an employee, there are a great number of liabilities, extra taxes, and obligations for the employer to meet, sometimes including health insurance and a number of various taxes. Small businesses oftentimes can’t afford to do this – that’s when they go to a web site like oDesk or Elance and post their job requirements for a freelancer to check out and bid on.

This simplifies things in many ways. If an employer or business owner finds a contractor they like, they can go back to that same contractor for more work. If they work with one they don’t necessarily love, they can always go back and find a different one.

Employers and contractors alike don’t need to commit to a single person or company for work all the time. Employers don’t need to pay taxes for their contractors, nor do they have to provide health insurance or pay into unemployment.

Freelancing is a great way to make a living from the comfort of your own home. Of course there are other possibilities out there, too, but this is by far one of the most viable, honest, and straight-forward ways to go. I’m not saying you need to go find out how to become a computer programmer in order to do it, either – if you have a marketable, useful skill that not everyone has, you can offer it as a freelancer.

Anyone with a teaching career in youth education will tell you that a big part of their success in the classroom comes from the support of parents at home.  Teaching education to children is a huge responsibility for teachers as they prepare students for more advanced concepts taught the following year.  Ensuring that their students have an enjoyable year and are up to speed in all subjects is the overall goal in any classroom.  Parents play a significant role in assisting teachers with this resolution.

Parents can help most, by volunteering.  Many teachers rely a great deal on room mothers.  The primary purpose of a room mother is to host classroom parties, and recruit other student mother’s and father’s to volunteer.   Classroom parties encourage children to be creative, help foster good teacher student relationships, reward children for working hard and make the year fun and memorable.  There are also parent helpers that make copies, cut, organize, file, assist with field trips, grade papers, give spelling tests and other duties.  By helping with these tasks, teachers are able to focus their efforts towards teaching because they are not bogged down with planning parties or general classroom maintenance.  Volunteering is well worth your time considering your child will have greater enthusiasm for learning and receive a better education.

Besides volunteering another important role in supporting your child’s education is by being an active tutor at home.  Parents that participate by offering guidance with homework or act as a study partner, facilitate learning.  Another way to be supportive is to take advantage of teaching opportunities at home that correlate with their current school studies.  For example, if your child is learning multiplication, pop quiz them and offer praise when they answer correctly or take them to the library and check out books or videos relating to their studies.  There are multiple ways to enhance their education thru at home application.

Another of my favorite methods is by praising, and rewarding your child for academic accomplishments.  Children love the recognition and positive feedback.  Praising  your child’s efforts encourages them to continue doing their best.  Every child is unique in their abilities so rewarding them for improvements rather than A’s sets the stage for constant improvement and future success.

If you like baking in the kitchen, have an artistic eye and can appreciate a decedent dessert then consider making a living as a pastry chef.  As a Pastry Chef you have many choices of where to work.  Restaurants, large hotels, bistros, casinos and bakeries are some of the various types of establishments that hire pastry chefs.  Another option is to venture out on your own and either cater, sale baked goods from home or own and operate your own bakery locally.  Making desserts for a living can be a “sweet” way to make a living.

You may already have plenty of experience baking up yummy treats in your own kitchen but if you’re wondering how to become a pastry chef and want to make the claim official, you generally will need an educational background in culinary arts. Obtaining a degree or certificate for an entry-level position may take less than a year but to get hired on in a more advanced position an associates or bachelor degree is necessary.   Compare culinary programs to find the best one and many of the course requirements can be done through an online school.

Employers seek individuals with a good work ethic, culinary ability and creativity, and someone who pays close attention to detail.  A good work ethic is sought after in many kitchens because of the physical work required.  Being a pastry chef, believe it or not can be very physically demanding.  It requires long hours on your feet, shifts can start as early as 3 or 4am and some heavy lifting is usually involved as well.  Also, culinary skills and creativity are a must.  Knowing how to bake, what ingredients are needed and making the food look as good as it tastes makes a successful pastry chef.

Employers like to hire individuals with experience so working in a bakery or kitchen as an assistant while getting your education will help you advance your career more quickly once you have your degree.  Upper level and management positions pay upwards of 60,000 a year.  Working in food industry as a pastry chef can be challenging, interesting, creative and complex.  The pay is good and there are many opportunities.

In order to be successful at sales and marketing you must possess certain qualities.   So what separates the top salesman from your average salesman?

Self Motivated – Many sales and marketing jobs pay on a commission structure.  Money talks and employers want to keep their employees motivated, but some individuals inherit a quality that keeps them self motivation.  This inner drive enables someone to work harder, set higher goals, and continue even when they encounter adversity.  A self motivated person doesn’t need constant supervision or pressure because they already have enthusiasm and interest to achieve what’s expected of them.

People Person – Someone who has a knack for connecting with others is considered a people person.  Being able to easily communicate and make others feel important, valued and appreciated is a useful skill.  It promotes trust and puts people at ease.  A people person is dedicated to creating and keeping friends and positive company.

Persuasive – Getting someone to act, feel or adopt a belief is persuasion.  There are people who excel at doing this and these persuasive individuals are typically confident and are seen by others as an authority figure therefore becoming a leader that others follow.

Outgoing – When promoting or selling, outgoing people have the advantage because they are not afraid to get up in front of or talk to others.  They are able to go out of their way to speak with or interact with people.  Being able to stand out in a crowd or initiate introductions helps to find potential clients or create the right atmosphere to sell.

A Good Listener – A good listener is also an active listener and is able to hear what the other person is saying and tune in.  Being able to listen is a vital tool in sales.  It keeps someone from jumping to conclusions or prematurely predicting what the other person is trying to convey.  Being able to listen without interruption helps salesman know what their clients or potential clients wants and needs are.

Educated – A good education in effective sales and marketing techniques teaches someone all the tools they need to be great, not just good at sales and marketing.  Taking courses in marketing communications at any of the top online universities will give them an edge over the competition.  It is also important to be educated on the product or service to be an efficient salesman.

Have you ever had to deal with a police officer who had attitude or wondered why they always look and act so serious and stern?  Some civilians stereotype cops as having a complex, or feel like they must, as an old friend used to say, “have small man syndrome.”  Whether you are someone who respects law enforcement officials or who doesn’t, here are a few reasons to cut them some slack.

First off a police officer never truly feels like they are off duty.  People expect anyone who is in an authoritative position to uphold certain behaviors and act a certain way at all times so they are treated and dealt with differently than you and I.  Having to take charge and control situations at any given moment keeps them on duty even when they aren’t officially on the clock.  They feel they must be ready at any given moment to serve and protect, rarely if ever letting their guard down.

Wearing a badge, uniform, and carrying a gun isolates them from society.  It sets them apart as someone whose role or job is to protect, guard and promote peace.  This segregation leads to many psychological effects and can cause negative personality traits.  Many law enforcement officers say they feel there is a mask or role that comes along with the uniform and research shows that people in uniform tend to dehumanize people who don’t wear one.

Working shifts is common or even working graveyard shifts but police officers work a “rotating shift“.  This keeps them up at odd times of the day and night causing irregular schedules and sleep patterns. We all have internal biological clocks and when our sleep and awake time isn’t consistent, it gets thrown out of whack and affects their physical and mental balance.

Stress is a familiar part of many jobs but being a police officer is stressful in an unusual way.  Typical stresses of everyday life for most people tend to build up, which can then be reduced by coping or adapting to it before it gets out of control.  A police officers stress comes in bursts.  It can get out of control within seconds.  Their jobs are reactive not proactive.  They go from low activity to extremely high stress activity almost immediately.  These sudden sharp increases of stress may be caused by a pursuit or because their life is threatened.

In order for police to perform their duties correctly they must react and measure their actions according to written law.  Unlike everyone else in the real world we live in an opinion-based society.  What we read, the court system, relationship decisions and even proper parenting techniques are opinion based.  Police regulate without any gray areas.  There are specific rights and wrongs when they encounter a situation.  Because the law is fact based cops must approach what they do keeping that in mind.

The health-care industry is growing at an accelerated rate.  Baby boomers are getting older, and in need of medical care.  This influx of patients will keep the health-care fields growing and in need of hiring staff.  According to the U.S. Department of Labor Services, 8 out of 20 careers projected to grow fastest are in the health-care industry.  That’s great news for anyone thinking of becoming a medical assistant.

So what does a medical assistant, assist with?  Medical assistants are health care providers who perform administrative and clinical tasks to support the work of medical doctors and other health professionals.  Wikipedia says that the following are also duties performed as routine tasks such as; measuring patients’ vital signs, administering medications and injections, recording information in medical records-keeping systems, preparing and handling medical instruments and supplies, and collecting and preparing specimens of bodily fluids and tissues for laboratory testing.

Another reason you should consider becoming a medical assistant is that because of online colleges getting the necessary training and certification is easy and you can start in less than a year.  Most medical assistant programs offer short-term training so that you can get the experience and on the job training needed to begin your career path.  Instead of requiring 2 to 4 years of general education requirements most Medical Assistant programs only require that you complete courses that teach material you will use on a daily basis.  These programs include classes on things like; patient care, health sciences, bookkeeping, Laboratory procedures, Pharmacology and other related subjects needed to require certification.  Once you complete these courses there are 4 major organizations to choose from in order to become certified.

A Medical Assistant’s salary isn’t the biggest reason individuals choose this career path.  With an average salary of about $30,000 a year the draw isn’t the money, it’s the opportunity to serve, and help people.  Medical Assistants are the heartbeat of most clinics or hospitals so it is important to have passion for this type of work.  It’s a job that takes compassion.  Understanding someone’s suffering and being able to assist in the healing process for someone else can be very rewarding and fulfilling.   If you are looking for a service oriented career that you can begin within a short time frame, Medical Assisting may be the job for you.

Is’s a busy time of year for both consumers and retailers. That’s why the Holiday’s provide new opportunities for work.  Most retailers up their workforce by at least 4% during the last few months of the year.  You won’t find temp jobs on any top careers list but temporary jobs can lead to full-time employment or at least offer job experience to add on a resume.  Because many businesses have a fiscal year that ends Dec. 31st, January is the busiest hiring month of the year.  A temporary job may be a vehicle to full-time work or at least a great way to earn money and work experience.  Here are my top 4 suggestions for places most likely hiring this Holiday season.

Malls and Stores

Retail jobs are easy to get because because retailers need extra staff to help with the influx of shoppers.  Extra hands are needed to stock shelves, as cashiers to alleviate long lines, and customer support representatives to assist clients.  An added bonus is that many of these businesses provide employees with special in store discounts. Many stores will post help wanted signs in their window and you’re best bet, if you’re interested in a retail job, is to walk around the mall or town, stop in and fill out an application.

Restaurants and Caterers

Due to all the consumers out and about shopping for Christmas there is a jump in the amount of people dining out.  Also, with holiday parties and extra family visiting for the season, restaurants and caterers need extra people to keep things running smoothly.  One of the perks to working this time of year are good tips since people are feeling extra generous and giving.

Ski Resorts

As soon as the cold weather hits and snow begins to fall people head up to the ski resorts so there is a need for instructors, hotel and restaurant staff and other jobs available in and around the resorts.  An added perk to working at the resort are discounted lift tickets, meals or other added freebies.  If you don’t live close to any ski resorts look at other winter sport related businesses that get busy during the winter months like ice skating rinks.

Offices

Many employees take time off during the holidays leaving employees scrambling to find replacements.  Registering with a temp agency early will put you at the top of the list for these openings.  Companies also need help with end of the year projects. People with good typing skills and that are efficient with common office computer programs have a leg up on the competition but there are plenty of positions available for answering phones to filing.

Paralegals have taken a variety of paths to their careers.  These paths are comprised of different educational degrees, while some have formal training with a background in law, others consist of on the job training, or specialized certifications, but generally there is no requirement to becoming a paralegal.  California is a major exception, requiring completion of a 24 credit unit paralegal program at an accredited institution.  Most paralegals are notaries and can be registered or certified but it is voluntary in most states.  In many places paralegal training increases the likelihood of hire or promotion, and gives the individual credentials as someone capable of working on par with certain standards in their field.

Most successful paralegals are passionate about justice and upholding the law and find their work in the legal field personally and professionally fulfilling.  Paralegals serve the public, help people in difficult situations and can be proud to have a career respected by others.  Assisting clients that have been taken advantage of in some way or helping prove their innocence can be particularly rewarding.  Having good communication, and people skills in most law offices is crucial to a paralegals success.

Other helpful skills involve being meticulous with paperwork, being prompt, handling stress effectively, and organization.  Writing is essential for litigation paralegals whose job duties may include drafting correspondence, discovery, pleadings, motions briefs, legal memorandums and other documents which can be complex.  As well as Transactional paralegals who draft resolutions, agreements and contracts.  Another core paralegal skill is having proficiency at Internet research and legal research databases such as Westlaw and Lexis/Nexis in addition to mastering traditional legal research methods.

Obtaining a paralegal certificate, although, not required gives an individual the knowledge base needed in a competitive job market.  National agencies that offer certification are progressively becoming more stringent on their requirements; therefore, obtaining an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies gives you an edge and could assure you longevity in the field.  The two most popular agencies are the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA).

Just the other night, I made a 911 call to report an altercation in my neighborhood.  A concerned Father who tried to slow three teens racing motor bikes up and down the road was beaten up.  Five police officers showed up in minutes of placing the call.  Besides making an arrest and having witnesses fill out reports of what they saw, I began to wonder what else a police officer does other than breaking up fights and giving out tickets.  So what does a police officer do?  What is in their job description?

1.  The primary duty of sheriffs and police officers is to enforce the law.  So knowing the law is a required part of becoming a cop and necessary for them in order to do their jobs correctly.   In major cities and communities a four year degree in criminal justice is a must.

2.  They help the community fight criminals by making arrests.  Putting drunk drivers and thieves behind bars to keep our communities safe is also in their job description.  Working in law enforcement can be physically demanding, stressful, and dangerous in some areas.

3.  Sometimes the first person at the scene of an accident is a police officer.  Assisting people with emergency situations is also an officers duty.  Most cops have training and received their, Certified First Responders certificate which enables them to give pre-hospitalization care in emergency situations.

4.  Police also investigate crimes like burglaries, domestic abuse, missing persons, and numerous others.  When the officer gets a report of a crime they arrive on the scene, arrest any suspects, and fill out detailed reports of why they made arrests and their observations.  Police officers must be able to write concise and coherent reports.  If the crime is serious and complex, the police then assign an investigating officer (usually a detective) to the case.

5.   Police officers spend time at court houses testifying, at jails booking criminals, in their cars patrolling and spend time in their offices writing reports.  Education needed to become a police officer include, good communication skills, excellent judgement and decision making skills, and keen listening skills are also necessary.  Speaking foreign languages is an added plus and possessing good vision, driving ability and knowledge in accounting, computers weapons and business also come in handy.

If you like office work, have office skills and are experienced in a lower-level secretarial position then you have the qualifications to become an Administrative Assistant.  An Administrative Assistants job duties and role has evolved as we have become reliant on technology, and most employers are seeking assistants with extensive knowledge base with computer software, typing, and other skills using technology helpful in an office setting.  An Administrative Assistant’s core responsibilities have remained the same and therefore; strong organizational, communicative, and interpersonal skills are still sought after.

High school graduates with office experience will posses the basic skills required but in a competitive job market or to qualify for an Executive Administrative Assistant position a Bachelor degree or higher level of training is often required.  Training courses in office administration are offered at top online schools or vocational-technical schools and can be the determining factor on whether or not you get hired over someone less qualified or trained.  Administrative Assistants should be proficient in typing, grammar, good at spelling, punctuation and be able to work independently, have the ability, to use discretion, good judgement and have initiative. Other skills and abilities are required for legal administrative assistant positions or medical administrative positions depending on the specific job duties and description.

They must adapt quickly to their boss and perform their office duties up to their standards and expectations.  Some executives ask their assistants to manage personal items as well, like booking airfare for vacation, picking up dry cleaning, ordering lunch, writing and mailing out Thank You cards etc.  Managing the needs of the office and your boss can be challenging but most Administrative Assistants enjoy that their day to day work varies and appreciate the changing dynamics.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, administrative assistants and secretaries rank among the largest occupations in the U.S. economy and jobs are expected to grow with the national average.  The salary expectancy varies but most positions pay on average a salary of between $32,000 and $50,000 a year.  Virtual administrative assistants set their own rate structure based on the type of work, skill level and cost of living in their area.  Those who bill an hourly rate can expect anywhere from $25 to $100 per hour.

Administrative Assistants are said to be the life blood of any company or organization.  Their desk is usually near the public entrance and so they greet and direct visitors, sign for deliveries, and answer phone calls.  It’s a popular occupation and one definitely worth considering.

If you find yourself in a tough position because your parents have decided a career path for you, you’re not alone.  My best friend comes from a long line of doctors.  Her parents are both doctors and her grandparents and so on and so on.  They wanted her to major in premed but she hated math and really wanted to major in political science and focus on the psychology part of it.  Her parents were pushy but in the end she convinced them that, although, she wanted to please them she wouldn’t be happy.  It wasn’t an easy feat for her but definitely a victory she felt was worth fighting for.

It wasn’t a decision she made over night.  There were a lot of things for her to consider, and as her close friend and confidant I tried to listen and support her as she explored her options.  On one hand, she knew that becoming a doctor meant secured employment and income.  As for most young adults keeping the tradition of career can mean job security if you have the option of working in the family business.  She would also have her family to rely on for support and feeling the camaraderie of sharing the same field of work was appealing because she valued the close relationship she had with her parents. On the other hand, pursing her true passion meant she would like her day job and she could enjoy her online course material because it interested her.  The idea of being successful was easier to imagine if she was working and researching something she loved.

As Shakespeare once said, “we are masters of our fate.”  Our own happiness rests in our hands.  If choosing a career path goes against your families wishes you may be up for some resistance.  Weigh the pros and cons carefully and always choose to follow your heart.

If you spend a lot of time at a desk taking online courses or working and could use a distraction there are a number of toys, games and puzzles to keep you preoccupied.

Doodle – This is a great past time especially if you’re on the phone a lot while at your desk.  It helps time fly and keeps you looking busy even when you’re not. It is fun to scribble out your creativity and you may just uncover a new talent.  For your best doodles, keep a box of colored pencils nearby to add some color.

Desktop Games – I bought a mini game of horse shoes and bowling at Barnes & Nobles the other day.  It turned into an office competition and my boss bet on a game, lost and had to buy the office lunch.  These types of games offer a bit of play and a quick break.

Puzzles – If you like brain teasers and puzzles have you tried a Rubik’s Cube or a Ball of Whacks?  Give your brain some mental exercise and take a crack at one of these.  These will keep you busy for hours trying to figure them out.

Stress Balls – Not only are they fun to squeeze their fun to look at!  Stress balls can be foamy, stretchy, nubby or soft.   Some light up, bounce or change colors.  They are fun to collect and are great at relieving stress.  Or try, Chinese health balls for meditation therapy and extra relaxation.

Fidget Toys – If you struggle with being idle keep any number of fidget toys in arms reach at you’re desk.  Anything to fumble and tinker with can provide entertainment at your desk from poppers, to wikki sticks, a smooth stone or a simple paper clip.  Or fidget with the iconic Gumby, Slinky, or wooden wiggle snake.

Download games on your phone or computer – I downloaded, Plants and Zombies one of my favorite online games, and it doesn’t take an education in computer forensics to figure it out but it will challenge you and keep you entertained for hours.  Just beware, you may not get any work done at your desk once you start playing, you’re hooked!

Why would anyone choose to be a school teacher?  They are underpaid, the job is mentally and physically demanding, they babysit children all day, barely have enough time to pee or make a phone call, deal with parent complaints, and do not have many rights or liberties to protect themselves from, unruly kids or violent behaved students.  Plus, statistics show that most teachers work 40 hours or more a week, including school duties outside the classroom.  Even with all the negatives there are still plenty of reasons for becoming a teacher. Here are a few…

1.  You have the opportunity to help with the youth of America.  Today’s children are tomorrow’s decision makers.  Educating young people is a serious job and it makes a difference in their lives and for future generations.

2.  Teachers can be role models for kids.  Especially for those who may not have any at home.  Most grown adults can tell you at least one teacher that played a significant role in their life.  Mine happened to be my 5th grade teacher.  She was always neat, orderly, kind and had high expectations but the students respected her.  I looked up to her and always tried my best in her class because of it.

3.  The holidays and vacations make it worth it!  Considering teachers have summers off, 2 weeks for Winter Break, 1 week for Spring Break, and national holidays it’s a definite plus.

4.  Job prospects are good according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics because of the need to replace the large number of teachers expected to retire during the 2008-2018 period. Another reason for the demand is due to teacher involvement in school policy, and greater public interest in education.

5.  The job allows you to be creative.  You have the freedom to teach the material how you decide.  Using your creative side to make learning fun and interesting can be a challenge but it’s one of the best parts about being a teacher.  You’ll never be bored and some learning activities seem like play.

Are you trying to decide on a college major?  With so many options available how do you begin to narrow the field?  For most people they know what they don’t want but have not identified what they do want.  Without creating your own personal criteria the options are numerous and overwhelming.  There are so many factors to take into consideration.  Besides determining which skills or tasks you enjoy most or what interests you try also determining as part of your criteria which degree program out of your top choices is the easiest to obtain with the potential for the highest payout or rather the best return on investment (ROI).

Getting your education through online learning is said to be one of the fastest ways to complete a degree because students can go to school virtually anytime, anywhere.  In order to balance and manage a social life, family, and work simultaneously having the flexibility to schedule your time commitments allows an online student to take more courses completing the degree requirements at a quicker pace.  So, if you haven’t considered online schools for education it may be time to search for your top degree programs at the best colleges when making a final decision.

There are plenty of online degree programs to choose from but researching salaries for jobs within their scope may give better perspective.  Money shouldn’t be the only factor when choosing a career, it could mean high stress, long hours, tedious work or even your happiness.  I suggest using this criteria only when you’ve limited your choices to your top 2 or 3.  If you have considered a degree in criminal justice most jobs under it’s career umbrella will only pay up to about $40,000 a year but a crime scene investigator job earns up to $110,000.  Software engineers or a project manager salary both have the potential to make up to $100,000 a year as well.  If a nursing degree is on you list, an RN’s salary may be discouraging but with experience you can apply for a Director of Nursing position which pays twice or three times as much.

Finding a quick and easy degree that pays well may feel like a daunting task but there are plenty of choices available.  Do your research and find the degree programs offered online with high salary prospective.

These days it seems everything and everyone is online, from how we communicate with each other, to managing our finances, buying and selling products, books and video, even our photo albums.  We live in a virtual world making our lives almost completely manageable with the touch of a button.  So why not make things easier and get your degree online?  It’s cheaper, more convenient and in many ways faster.  If you want to become a police officer, school teacher, or crime scene investigator it’s possible to complete the necessary online courses in your own home.  Imagine attending class in your pajamas and without the headache of commuting.  Just a few of the benefits of our technologically advanced era.

First, find the best online colleges and make sure they offer the degree you’re interested in.  Even if you are undecided on a degree, go to an online university and scroll through their list of programs to get ideas. Then, follow a few easy steps and you can officially become a college student.  The process is quick and painless.  Also, don’t forget to apply for grants, scholarships or financial aid which can be completed online as well.

Going back to school online is more flexible too.  Typically the only time constraints given, are deadlines for turning in assignments.  I’ve taken online courses which only required I turn in assignments each quarter before a test, allowing me the freedom to schedule my own time for classwork and study.  I could upload papers at 1a.m. if I wanted or post on the class blog at 4p.m.  If you are employed or a parent this is the ideal scenario, creating opportunity for those who can’t find the time otherwise.

Getting your education or obtaining a degree online can put you on the road to new career possibilities.  It’s easier and more convenient than ever.

If you have a strong desire to help people and enjoy improving others lives then social work is a profession you would most likely enjoy and find fulfilling.  A social workers main responsibility is to improve others quality of life by helping them cope and deal with their daily struggles.  It is a profession dedicated to the pursuit of human rights and social justice.

The nature of this work can be classified into three main categories.  The first, being family, child and school social workers which provide social services for children and their families.  Examples of work titles under this category include, child welfare social worker, family service social workers or child protective services social workers.  The next are social workers in medical and public health.  These include social workers employed at hospitals, nursing care centers, or personal care facilities.  They work with patients and families to help give advice to family caregivers, counsel patients, arrange services for aftercare or discharge planning.  The last are social workers that help with mental health or substance abuse.  Some of their work involves individual or group therapy, social rehabilitation, crisis intervention, outreach and teaching skills for everyday living.

The United States Department of Labor projects employment in this profession to grow faster than the average for all occupations and because it has a broad spectrum of employment opportunities as mentioned above, this career choice is highly desirable.  If you want to know how to become a social worker, a bachelors degree of Social Work (BSW) is the minimum requirement for employment but it may be helpful and open up other job opportunities or higher pay if you have a major in psychology, sociology or other related fields.  A masters degree in Social Work (MSW) is required for some positions like clinical workers or typically in school and health settings.  Often they must also obtain a license or be professionally registered.  More and more graduates of social work continue and advance to post-doctoral studies.  Some argue that social work education is suppose to be a lifelong process.

Social worker salaries range from 30,000 annually up to about 60,000 for the top 10 percent within the field.  Although this type of work generally requires long hours, average pay at best and oft times immense stress, those who have a sincere interest in making their community a better place, want to improve lives and have a positive impact on children, elderly and disadvantaged will not be discouraged.

A pharmacy technician is a specialized field and it is fairly easy to obtain certification.  In a tight, competitive job market this may mean the difference between having a job or unemployment.  The hours are flexible and the pay is relatively high considering this position doesn’t require a degree.

According to Wikipedia, a Pharmacy Technician is a health care worker who performs pharmacy related functions, generally working under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist or other health professional.  They have the ability to work at various locations from community/retail to hospitals, long-term care facilities, pharmaceutical manufacturers or in government or teaching.

First off, a Certified Pharmaceutical Technician should be a proficient typist, and posses character traits such as, fast learner, alert, observant, organized, dedicated and responsible.  Also, a pharmaceutical tech is required to be on their feet most of the day so physical endurance will be helpful for this career choice.  And good people skills may also be required, as you assist customers or healthcare workers with their pharmaceutical needs.  Generally, completion of high school is needed to be eligible to become a Pharmacy Technician but a university degree is not required.

There are a few ways to get your pharmacy technician certification.  You can apply for a job at a local retail pharmacy such as, Walgreens, Costco or in your local grocery stores to work as a pharmacy service associate (PSA).  Most of the major retail pharmacies will pay for you to take the national CPh test.  Second, to receive formal training you can either sign up for a local or online class to help you prepare for the test or study on your own and take the test when you feel prepared.

Salary for a pharmacy technician ranges from about eight dollars an hour up to eighteen dollars an hour or a yearly salary of between $17,000 to $36,000.

It’s a great career choice especially if you do not anticipate acquiring a degree and potentially provide you with a service oriented healthcare position and stable income.