joi, 31 martie 2011

50 Happiest Occupations In the World

Clergy

Perhaps it’s because their careers serve a higher calling, members of the clergy and other religions careers are among the happiest occupations on the planet.
    1. Priests. It takes a lot of time and personal investment to become a priest, which may be why it’s one of the most rewarding careers out there. Obviously the desire to become a priest comes from within, so it isn’t a path for everyone, but for those who complete the journey, it consistently proves to be a happy occupation no matter where you are in the world.
    2. Nuns. There are many phases to becoming a nun and the women who make it through all of them, usually find a very rewarding career once they’ve become nuns. While the reason behind being a nun remains the same, the lifestyle of nuns has changed in some ways thanks to the Internet where nuns congregate and participate in lively religious discussions.
    3. Monks. Maybe this one isn’t fair since monks are professionals when it comes to finding the positive side of everything, but monks are among the happiest in their careers. It’s a job that takes serious commitment and for those who can live the lifestyle, it puts them in a very happy place.

Public Service

Public service positions don’t always pay the big bucks, but they do provide plenty of satisfaction to those who help protect the public.
    4. Police officer. Many police officers interact with citizens daily. It’s for this reason that they feel job satisfaction, since their line of work often includes immediate gratification for helping those in need.
    5. Firefighters. This one’s self-explanatory. Firefighters go beyond rescuing people from burning buildings (though they do that too). They’re often the first to arrive during an emergency situation and can help people when they’re off-duty. Over half of firefighters describe themselves as “very happy.”
    6. EMS workers. EMS workers can reach out and help those in need even when they aren’t on the clock. Outside of that, they deal with emergency situations when on the job and see their skills put to use on a daily basis.
    7. Teachers. Despite being severely underpaid as a whole, teachers rank at the top for happiest occupations. This job isn’t for everyone, but for those who want to make a difference in the lives of kids and teenagers, it is very rewarding.
    8. Social workers. This is another moderate paying job that keeps employees happy despite the heavy workload and long hours. Social workers are happy with their careers because they are helping those in need who may not be able to help themselves.

Labor

Perhaps getting your hands dirty is the key to being happy with your job. These positions require folks who enjoy manual work.
    9. Butler. There are different types of butlers, but in most cases, a butler is hired and stays with a family for a very long time after. Most of the time a butler retires only after his or her boss has passed away. Waking up with a clear idea of what to do each day and being needed may be the reasons behind a butler’s happiness with their career.
    10. Maid. This goes for maids who are live-in or work for the same clients regularly. Maids who are sought out randomly through a temp agency or other service are not as happy with their positions. Feeling needed and having an emotional connection with a long term employer make this job a happy one.
    11. Construction management. Overseeing a design and watching it go up are rewarding events for a construction manager. Most construction managers have moved up the ranks, which makes them more appreciative of their position.
    12. Construction. Even those who work basic construction jobs are happy with their positions. It could be the teamwork, responsibility and know-how involved to help construct a building or road.
    13. Mechanics. Due to the special skills needed to be a mechanic, the vast majority are very happy with their jobs. With being a mechanic comes the ability to help people out in a time of need which could also account for the job satisfaction.
    14. Plumbers. Plumbers are happy with their jobs, especially if they are self-employed. While this job isn’t seen as glamorous or sought after by graduates, it pays well and has instant gratification when it comes to helping people out when they’re in a pinch.
    15. Farmers. This labor intensive job is also rewarding. Farmers often work on land that has belonged to their family for several generations, offering a sense of pride in the work. The trend of eating local and organic has also given farmers back more power than when working with a conglomerate.

Healthcare

The healthcare industry is full of people who are happy with their jobs thanks to the ability to help people when they need it most.
    16. Physicians. Physicians know they’re a valuable asset to society, which causes them to be satisfied with their jobs. General family practitioners rank among the happiest physicians because they usually stay in one location for the vast duration of their careers.
    17. Surgeons. Surgeons are happy. Considering they save people’s lives in many cases, they should be. Surgeons are among the wide variety of people with specialized skills that are very happy with their daily work duties.
    18. Nurses. Registered nurses are happy with their careers. In many cases, a RN has much leeway on where they practice, how long they stay there and what positions they can move on to. There are many options within being a nurse which may account for happiness.
    19. Psychologists.Count psychologists as happy. This is probably because they lend an ear to patients in need and often treat the same patients for many years, allowing them to see their work help someone and improve his or her lifestyle.
    20. Dental assistants. While their bosses have the highest suicide rate of any profession, dental assistants are pretty happy in their jobs. Dental assistants put in a couple of years for training and make excellent pay and have several responsibilities, which could account for their level of happiness.

Entertainment and Designers

Most who work in entertainment make excellent money and are naturals at what they do. It’s no wonder they’re walking around so darn happy.
    21. Professional athletes. What’s not to be happy about? Millions of dollars, endorsement deals and “playing” for a living makes professional athletes among the “very happy” when it comes to describing their job.
    22. Actors and actresses. Again, it’s the money, fame and glam lifestyle that makes actors and actresses among the happiest folks on the planet. Still, even those who are aspiring to make millions are still quite happy with their positions.
    23. Directors. Directors are happy with their careers because they see their vision come to life on the big screen. Whether they’re directing blockbuster hits or D-list movies that go straight to DVD, directors are happy.
    24. Entertainment managers. Perhaps it’s the ability to watch a talent blossom into a household name, but those who work in management in the entertainment sect are among the happiest in the biz.
    25. Advertising. Those who work in advertising in the entertaining sector are happier than those who work advertising products. Like PR, promoting a movie or album seems to bring more joy than pushing a car model or food product.
    26. Authors. Many authors work on their own watch, which is probably quite satisfying (and easier to handle than a 9-5 job). They also get to see their work published and sometimes see directors and script writers adapt their stories for television or the big screen.
    27. Graphic designers. Graphic designers sometimes work freelance which could account for their happiness. In addition to this, they start a project for a client and see the design come to fruition which is rewarding.
    28. Visual artists. Visual artists create and see their work come to life and enjoyed by the public. Not to mention they often win praise from critics and local publications for expressing themselves.
    29. Musicians. Musicians, whether they’re A-list or toiling away working local gigs are happy with their careers. It’s probably because they have the ability to create and give people a good time when they perform.
    30. PR specialists. Working in public relations is tough, but those who work in a specialty department such as film or fashion tend to be happier with performing their job.

Business

Working on the business end of things makes people happy for different reasons. The responsibilities, the leadership and the reward of seeing a business thrive allow these jobs to rank among the happiest occupations.
    31. Economists. It’s not an easy job to get, but once you have it, you’re sitting pretty. Economists are among the happiest people in any business and rank head and shoulders above the rest in their immediate industry.
    32. Accountants. Where would we be without accountants? They know we’d be lost which is likely why they’re so happy in their positions. Accountants are well-paid and put their specialized skills to use daily.
    33. Auditors. Again, this is a job that serves a specific purpose. While the rest of us may not be so fond of auditors, they’re happy with their occupation whether they’re working for an agency or a private firm.
    34. Financial service sales. Selling someone something they need seems to bring happiness to those who work in financial services. Whether this is helping someone plan for retirement or managing their stock portfolio, those selling get instant gratification when making a deal.
    35. Property managers. The responsibility and daily interaction with tenant makes property managers happy. From major problems to the small hiccup that strikes, property managers know they’re needed and that makes them smile.
    36. Clerical work. Perhaps it’s the ease of the job, but clerical workers are happy with their occupation. Some work for large companies and other for small local businesses, but either way they’re happy with what they do.
    37. Human resources. Those who work in HR for major corporations are happy in their careers because they feel they’re helping the company run efficiently. Creating a happy work environment is also the job of some HR reps, giving their position the satisfaction of seeing others enjoy the work place.

Miscellaneous

Here’s a collection of jobs that require varying degrees of skill, but one thing they all have in common is they make for happy employment.
    38. Repair jobs. Whether they’re a handyman or specialize in airplane maintenance, anyone who makes a living repairing things are happy with their career. It’s rewarding to fix something for any of us, much less being paid for it and having happy customers.
    39. Engineers.Engineers are very happy workers. The majority of engineers undergo significant schooling and training to get their jobs and all of that pays off. Engineers also have high earning power making it a career that’s seemingly rewarding in every way .
    40. Pilots. Pilots are happy with their careers. While the industry is less in demand than it used to be, those who have snagged jobs often stay at them for a decades and work schedules that are different than most, but still allow for ample family time.
    41. Science technicians. This includes those who work in the research field. Science techs love their jobs. It may go back to the same reason clergy members enjoy their gigs – feeling as if what you do is a small part of a big picture.
    42. Special education teachers. Special education teachers deal with children with physical or mental disabilities and find their jobs rewarding because of it. Even among teachers (most of whom are happy with their job), special education teachers rank the highest in terms of job satisfaction.
    43. Architects. Like engineering, practicing architecture requires serious time and study. Architects are employed by many entities including the government and private companies and overall they’re happy with their careers.
    44. Ticket agents. They may not make mad dough, but they do issue you tickets for fun events. Ticket agents are very satisfied with their jobs. Maybe it’s the excited customers they deal with? Whatever the answer is, it’s a job worth exploring if you aren’t too concerned with salary.
    45. Secretaries. This one surprised us too. Perhaps it’s the secretary from the days of yore, where working for the same employer meant decades of work in the same office, cultivating relationships and becoming a right-hand woman. Secretaries love their jobs and over half describe themselves as being “very happy” on the job.
    46. Bus drivers. Overall, bus drivers are happy with their jobs. Transporting people from one place to the next (especially folks who may not be able to get there otherwise) is rewarding, primarily in cities where public transit is a way of life.
    47. Education administrators. We aren’t just talking about the elementary school principal, but also the dean of a university. Education administrators feel the same pride as someone working management, only with a sense of educating students which adds more dimension to the reward.
    48. Lawyers. Maybe you don’t love a lawyer, but lawyers love what they do. It’s still an industry that almost guarantees employment, as long as you aren’t picky about where you work. Maybe lawyers are happy to help people or maybe they just love the paycheck, but either way, they come home with a smile.
    49. Dispatchers. Telephone dispatchers who send the police or fire department to emergency situations are satisfied in their job choice. It is a great way to help people without intensive training, since most dispatcher positions are entry level.
    50. Personal assistants. Like secretaries, personal assistants often stay with the same client for years on in. This means a more personal relationship with the client that can be fulfilling in terms of sharing lives due to traveling and working together several weeks a year.


Sursa:onlinecolleges.org

duminică, 27 martie 2011

Physicist: Job Description



US only-> Education and Training: Doctoral degree
Salary: Median—$87,450 per year
Employment Outlook: Fair


Definition and Nature of the Work

Physicists are scientists who investigate motion and gravity, the behavior of gases, the structure and behavior of matter, the generation and transfer of energy, and the interaction between matter and energy. They identify basic forces and laws of nature. Theoretical physicists investigate these areas without thought to practical application, concerning themselves with concepts such as the nature of time and the origin of the universe. Other physicists apply their knowledge of physics to practical matters, such as the development of computers, transistors, laser beams, microwave appliances, communications satellites, and a wide variety of other devices. They solve problems in industry, medicine, defense, and other fields.
Physicists work at colleges and universities, independent research centers, hospitals, and government agencies. Many work in private industry, especially for companies that make chemicals, electrical equipment, missiles, and aircraft. Some physicists spend most of their time doing research. Others teach physics and related science courses.
Physics is a very broad science. Many physicists specialize in one branch. For example, nuclear physicists study the structure of atomic nuclei and the way that they interact with one another. Nuclear physicists sometimes use particle accelerators to smash nuclei as an aid to their research. Their work has led to the development of nuclear power plants and the use of radioactive substances that help medical doctors diagnose illness.
Solid-state physicists study the structure and properties of such materials as metals and alloys. They may grow synthetic crystals in a laboratory. The work of solid-state physicists led to the development of the transistor. Health physicists devise equipment to detect harmful radiation. They design and supervise radiation protection programs for nuclear power plants, hospitals, and industries that use radioactive materials. Astrophysicists develop instruments for observation and experimentation in space. Optical physicists are interested in how to control light. Their research on lasers has already been applied to everything from eye surgery to cutting tools. Elementary particle physicists study atomic and subatomic particles. Fluid and plasma physicists investigate the properties of liquids and gases. Plasma physicists are interested in electrically charged fluids, while fluid physicists are interested in uncharged fluids. Plasma physicists help in such areas as reentry of space vehicles into the atmosphere. Acoustical physicists study shock, vibration, underwater sound, and noise. Biophysicists research the medical application of physics. They are responsible for the development of the betatron for radiation therapy.

Source:The Gale Group, education.com

Editor, Magazine: Job Description



 US only-> Education and Training: College
Salary: Median—$43,620 per year
Employment Outlook: Good



Definition and Nature of the Work

In general, magazines fall into two categories: business and professional and those intended for the general public. A magazine's success depends largely on the work of its editors.
There are different kinds of editors on a magazine, and their specific duties vary. On large magazines, the executive editor or editor in chief sees that the company's editorial policy is carried out. This job is primarily administrative, but the whole magazine—text, pictures, captions, and headings—is the final responsibility of the editor in chief. On most magazines the chief editor also expresses the magazine's point of view through editorials, which are short essays on subjects of current reader interest.
Most large publications hire managing editors to take charge of getting each issue out on time. These editors look after the day-to-day work of selecting articles, arranging copy, and supervising other editors. Sometimes they are put in charge of a bureau or branch office in another location such as New York or California.
The editorial staff on a magazine may include senior editors, associate editors, assistant editors, and editorial assistants. These editors may have different job titles, but their basic responsibility is selecting and editing articles or stories for each issue of the magazine.
In general, editors do not write articles. Instead, they form and shape the content of an article, which is usually written by staff writers or freelancers. Editors revise articles and may write headlines and captions and review page proofs. They must also be sure that the articles are the right length. If a story is too long, for instance, it must be cut very carefully to fit the space available. In addition, editors plan the artwork, illustrations, and photos that go with each story. They work closely with the art and production departments to prepare and approve page layouts that carry out the magazine's visual or graphic style. To help them, editors have editorial assistants who may answer letters, do research, or screen manuscripts that arrive at the magazine. When the editor finishes with an article, it goes to a copy editor, who reviews, corrects, and tweaks the article to fit the magazine's style.
On smaller magazines, which have smaller staffs, the executive or chief editor may perform a variety of editorial tasks, such as writing, editing, and copyediting, besides supervising the staff and keeping the magazine on schedule. In a small company each staff member has multiple jobs.


Source: The Gale Group, education.com

vineri, 25 martie 2011

Restaurant Manager: Job Description




US Only->Education and Training: Minimum—high school diploma; college degree preferred
Salary: Median—$41,490 per year
Employment Outlook: Good

Definition and Nature of the Work

Restaurant managers, or general managers, keep their restaurants operating at a profit. To make a profit a restaurant must offer food, drinks, and service at prices the public is willing to pay. All restaurant activities are the manager's responsibility.
In some small restaurants the managers are also the owners and handle the business end of the operation. They buy food and beverages, advertise, and hire staff. They may also greet guests and seat them, serve as cashier, and even cook. This is especially typical of small, family-run restaurants.
In large restaurants managers' work is mainly administrative. While the executive chef is usually responsible for food preparation, the restaurant manager directs and coordinates the work of the rest of the staff. In certain restaurants, particularly those in hotels, managers may deal mainly with department heads. Nevertheless, restaurant managers must have a thorough knowledge of food service. They must also understand accounting, budgeting, credit policies, and banking methods.
Managers are responsible for resolving engineering problems as well. Equipment used for cooking, lighting, and ventilation is expensive. Managers must know about the cost, installation, and maintenance of such equipment.
Restaurant managers study community interests to devise special advertising. For example, a restaurant manager in a college town may make a special appeal to college students by decorating the establishment with pennants and pictures of the school's sports teams.

Education and Training Requirements

A high school diploma is necessary for anyone applying for a job as a restaurant manager; however, a college education including work in business administration is extremely useful. More and more employers are seeking college graduates Restaurant managers direct and coordinate the work of the staff. In hotel restaurants, such as this one, the manager deals mainly with the department heads who have completed programs in restaurant management or taken courses in hotel and restaurant administration. Restaurant chains often sponsor executive apprenticeship programs for future managers. In addition, aspiring restaurant managers may gain valuable practical experience by working in other restaurant jobs.
Restaurant managers must be skillful communicators and have supervisory ability. They should enjoy working with others. They also should have a good sense of taste, touch, and smell.


The Gale Group, education.com