Jobs That Let You Enjoy Life

Posted on Jan 31st, 10:31 pm, under Career Advice

Have you ever wanted to get started on that novel you've been meaning to write? Or have you wished that your job let you take a few months off every year, so you could travel? Or perhaps you just want to have a little more time to spend with your kids?

These days, it seems like everything has to take a backseat to work, especially in this tough economy. But even if most leisure activities don't pay the bills (though some do), they are no less important to one's sanity and health. A life that revolves completely around work is no life at all. So with that said, here are a few career paths that give you plenty of "me time" to enjoy life:

1. Retail salesperson

Granted, this particular field doesn't pay as much as others, but it is booming, with around half a million new jobs expected by 2016 (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics). The pay does reach around $40,000 yearly for sales professionals, especially those working in insurance. What's more, you don't need any formal training to get into entry-level positions. For those who'd like to climb the management ladder, the minimum requirement is a bachelor's degree in business or marketing.

The real pay-off is in the amount of leisure time you can get. You'll rarely work from 9 to 5 each day, since most customers make purchases during weekends or in the evenings. This schedule is particularly suitable for people who want to pursue personal activities in the daytime.

2. Administrative staff / assistant

Offices around the country are always in need of administrative assistants for their daily operation. You'll need at least a certificate, online diploma, or an associate's degree to break into this field; wages averaged around $30,000 as of 2008.

Unlike with other jobs, you won't be on call at the end of the workday or during evenings and weekends, so working as an administrative assistant gives you plenty of free time to do as you wish.

3. Computer support staff

Many computer technicians are self-taught, but you'll be a much more attractive prospect to employers if you've got at least an associate's degree in a computer-oriented course. If you've got a bachelor's degree in computer science or similar, so much the better. Your duties will include network maintenance, hardware and software upgrading, and so on. Computer support specialists can expect to earn around $42,400 yearly.

Though you might occasionally have to address technical problems at odd times, you'll usually enjoy a typical 40-hour work week, leaving you lots of leisure time with relatively few out-of-office obligations.

4. K-12 teacher

To get into a teaching career, you'll need at least a bachelor's degree, and then you must enroll in a master's teaching course which will allow you to get certified as a teacher. Fortunately, completing this course doesn't typically take much longer than a year. In fact, your school even allow you to teach while you study by offering training programs. Average salaries for K-12 teachers were around $50,000.

But what's the best part of being a teacher? You get summer and winter vacations, just like your students do. When your students are out enjoying themselves during their breaks, you can unwind and take your own vacation as well.