If you are dissatisfied with your career, take heart. You are not alone. There are very few professions out there that tick all the right boxes- growth opportunities, excitement, job satisfaction, financial security, and incentives.
Fortunately for us, this is the 21st century. Both students and adults have more courses and options to choose from instead of being forced into a line of work they don’t necessarily see themselves in. Economic recessions, pay cuts, and personal issues have also been instrumental in making people break free of their learned behaviors and comfort zones and embark on a voyage of self-discovery – the professional way.
Given below are some of the most exciting career options you can look forward to if you don’t want to tread the beaten path:
1. Oceanography: Oceanography is more of an umbrella term because it consists of the sub-fields of marine chemistry, marine biology, and marine geophysics and geology. However, since these sub-fields are closely related, oceanographers work together to achieve a common objective: to unravel the secrets, stories, and mysteries of the great seas. This profession is research-intensive and appealing to those with a love for marine life, geography, and science as a whole.
Oceanography is an exciting career to pursue because the global populace is waking up to the importance of sustainable living and nature preservation. Technological advances and the growing need for systematic use of energy, waste disposal, and even oceanic transportation means there is a demand for specialists who have immense knowledge about the ocean and its inhabitants. This is a dream job for people who would like to contribute to the Earth in their own small way.
2. Wine tasting: Sommeliers, more commonly known as wine tasters, are envied by many – and why shouldn’t they be? These individuals with discerning palates are experts on food and wine pairing and work in fine dining restaurants and hotels. The scope of their work includes making wine lists, procuring wine and storing it well, inspecting wine cellars, and recommending wines to clients, diners, or consumers.
If you want to apply as a wine taster in some of the finest eateries and clubs, you would have to undertake some of the toughest written, practical, and oral tests to get the highest accreditation in the business. There are thousands who apply for Master Sommelier positions each year, but just about 180 of them in the world! Don’t let that discourage you though. If you have a background in the food or hospitality industry and have significant know-how of wine, this is a vocation you will love.
3. Archaeology: Archaeology is a dream come true for history buffs and those who are fascinated by lost civilizations. Archaeologists are to times gone by what librarians are to books – indispensable. They give us glimpses into our past with their eye for spotting relics, remains, and other buried treasures.
Contrary to popular belief, archaeologists don’t live in khaki shirts and shorts all day long or stay put in mounds of dust during an excavation. Those who have majored in the subject can also teach at universities, work for the Government and museums, conduct research, be part of restoration projects, and even ‘protect’ historic sites prior to the formation of a new building at a purported historic site.
4. Yacht crew: Yachts are symbols of extravagance and luxury, and while it isn’t possible for hordes of people to get rich overnight and own these beauties, there’s no reason why some can’t dream about becoming yacht crew members. The best part about this job is that you don’t need to have any sailing experience even though it would work in your favor.
Yachts are a world unto their own and need crew to keep them running. From captains and stewards/stewardesses to deckhands, chefs, engineers, and even performers, there are many career opportunities aboard these vessels that are waiting to be grabbed. The icing on the cake is that you can get to work for and meet some of the world’s most influential people.
5. Video game testing: The gaming industry is one of the largest growing sectors in the world, and with good reason. The leaps and bounds in technology as well as the advent of handheld devices and mobile gaming have led to an increased demand for video game testers. This is a field with a world of promise and potential.
Video game testing is a viable career option for those who are creative and passionate about video games. The scope of game testing involves quality control and seeing to it that the games are devoid of software bugs and errors. In short, a video game tester is hired by the gaming franchise to test and review its gaming products.
Although being a video game tester can be immense fun, it isn’t exactly a walk in the park either. For starters, professionals must have a sharp eye for detail and a keen insight into how video game development works. With years of experience, testers may also be asked to consult or provide inputs on game plots, animation, and even promotions.
6. Stand-up comedy: Those with a sense of humor need not look anywhere else. While it can be an uphill climb to find a foothold in this profession, the rewards can be more than handsome. Stand-up comedy was once a very niche occupation, but it has found many, many takers over the past decade. Making people laugh can help you earn anywhere from a few thousand to a million bucks, depending on your years of experience, degree of fame and exposure, and reviews.
Of course, it goes without saying that your funny bone needs to dwarf those of many others if you want to make a comfortable living with this career.
These are just a few of the many new exciting careers that are up for grabs these days. Other notable mentions include astronaut, chocolatier, luxury car driving instructor, and forensic psychologist, to name just a few. Almost all these careers have a high degree of job satisfaction and offer good pay, so there’s no reason why kids and even adults these days can’t try their hand at something new. One final word: if you are passionate about something, pursue it, however unusual a career in that area sounds. Passionate people will make a career out of anything!
Visual Courtesy:http://www.flickr.com/photos/herry/
