1. Data Scientist
Data Science is the art of taking complicated analytics and information from a variety of aspects of a company, from SEO to website performance models, and putting it into easy to understand terms. The results of data science research and their job allows companies to become more productive and create even more products. The use of data science in almost any sector makes job availability higher than many other fields. Data Scientists consistently rank number one in work-life balance. Median Salary: $90,000 – $120,000 (2013)
2. Game Designer
The individuals who are behind the creation of some of your favorite video and iPhone games also have some of the best work-life balance totals. They should be differentiated from game developers, who are tasked with implementing the operation of games, one of the most difficult jobs in tech creation. Game designers simply sketch and implement the user experience and interface of games. The use of creative skills, having a hand in tech innovation, and consciousness of worker well-being that tech and gaming companies strive for contribute to high work-life balance. Median Salary: $50,000 – $80,000 (2013)
3. Social Media Manager
Social Media Managers are the individuals tasked with ensuring that the digital marketing aspect of a company is in tip-top shape. In the past, such a career wasn’t as well developed and was even seen by some as a freelance task rather than a full-fledged career. However, with the face of social media being that of not simply sharing what you ate this morning, but the use of advertisements and marketing campaigns, Social Media Managers are being given a second look. The digital-focused aspect of the job allows for multiple telecommuting opportunities and a great work-life balance in the end. Median Salary: $55,000 – $70,000 (2013)
4. Investment Advisors
Investment Advisors are individuals who ensure that the investment portfolio of individuals the bank is representing is under tip top shape. Through their knowledge of the markets, the financial level of their client, and their specialties, the Investment Advisors can inform individuals on the best choices. Investment Advisors, due to the calibre of their undergrad degree, usually need no more than a Bachelor’s in Economics or Finance. Aside from tight deadlines that could keep you some days, you’ll rarely find that work-life and home life mixes, with most work staying in the office. Unlike Investment Banking, that comes with gruesome hours, advising is usually set with hours. Median Salary: $65,000 – $75,000 (2013) + Bonuses
5. Web Developer
Web Developers are individuals who work to create websites and other content for the web that makes use of programming, designing, and in some cases team management. Web Developers can be multi-facet “full-stack” developers or can simply be a developer in one aspect of the process. Web Developers are known as great examples of work-life balance due to the myriad of opportunities, with some hands-on experience, to excel to the level of a freelancer or telecommuter. This is where you can truly tailor your own schedule. Median Salary: $65,000 – $80,000 (2013)
6. Message Therapist
Through improving the well-being of their clients, massage therapists are able to make use of the skills learned in vocational school to relive their clients of pain, stiffness, and muscle aches. Message Therapy is also a well paying field as well. The ability to either work for yourself in freelance or professionally taking appointments through working at a spa or hotel, you are able to truly create your times of availability. Median Salary: $46,000 – $55,000 (2013)
7. Bookkeeping
In other words, the career as a Bookkeeper technically entails ensuring that the company you work with is able to keep their records updated and in tact. The amount of work the job entails is usually predictable, due to how there are known high points and low points in the amount of work you will receive and deadlines you’ll have to meet. This promotes high flexibility, while also providing low stress despite increased responsibility and accountability. Median Salary: $38,000 – $45,000 (2013)
8. Optician
Opticians are medical professionals who ensure that their patients are able to maintain eye health through assistance in choosing the right eyeglasses and corrective lenses. This presents the pay that comes with those in a similar field, while also offering the flexibility and stress level that comes with others in a more retail industry. Similar to those in specialized fields of medicine and private practice, hours are almost always part-time. Median Salary: $45,000 – $55,000 (2013)
9. Sports Coach
Being a sports coach is the optimal example of time flexibility. As a leader for a little league or school team, you are able to have a myriad of time off to pursue other skills during off-season while having a more full-time schedule during the sports season. Those with experience in multiple sports that have differing playing seasons can balance multiple teams at once. Stress level is quite low as well. Compared to other jobs, the stress you’ll get from not having a compliant team is manageable. Median Salary: $28,000 – $45,000 (2013)
10. Tour Guide
Making use of the skills and knowledge you have of a particular location, attraction, or college can translate into a career as a tour guide. Tour Guides escort guests around a particular location, explaining the significance and history of various aspects of the place, and providing answers and guidance when needed. Schedules as a tour guide ultimately depend on the industry you choose. Archeological and animal reserves depend a lot on the season, colleges have peak times being during the summer, while other industries operate year-round. Median Salary: $26,000 – $35,000 (2013)
11. Fitness Instructors
Through helping individuals reach their fitness goals, Fitness Instructors are one of the careers that have a great work-life balance due to the ability, like other health and personal care professionals, to set your own hours with appointments. This is a field that depends more on adequate certification rather than a specific degree. The perks are also a great aspect of the job, including free gym membership and access to certain parts of the gym others would pay top dollar for. Median Salary: $43,000 – $55,000 (2013)
12. Sales Engineer
As a Sales Engineer, your job is to acquire enough knowledge of complex products and services to sell to companies shopping for their company’s needs. This is a sales job, more complex and put in overdrive. However, while it does come with the hours typical of other sales positions, you need to have an education in Engineering to get this high-paying job. Being a sales job, you are able to set your own hours, but the amount of hours put in correlates to the amount you make. Median Salary: $81,000 – $90,000 (2013)
13. Registered Nurse
Becoming an RN, or Registered Nurse, is a great way for individuals to get into a fulfilling career in the medical field without the debt and time needed to become a doctor or other medical professional. Registered Nurses inform patients on proper medical care and health conditions. Registered Nurses usually require participation in a nursing program in combination with your Bachelor’s Degree or Associates Degree. Median Salary: $65,000 – $85,000 (2013)
14. Law Clerk
The pressure that lawyers have to ensure that the case of their clients ends with the best verdict possible can put a lot of stress on them. Having a Law Clerk, an individual to assist lawyers in research and organizing files, is a great way to reduce the stress that lawyers are under. To make deadlines, Law Clerks may find themselves pulling in longer hours, however many times this work can be telecommuted in situations where such an arrangement is needed. Education can come in the form of a degree or certificate in Paralegal Studies or simply on-the-job training. Median Salary: $33,000 – $45,000 (2013)
15. Firefighter
Firefighters certainly do more than rescue cats from the top of trees. From assisting in rescuing individuals from fires to informing the public of proper protection and use of hazardous materials, firefighting can be a very rewarding job for those willing to encounter the risk of the job. Firefighting also comes with a flexible schedule. While you will find that you are working certain weekends and even holidays, you can find yourself with a lot of days with free time as well. Median Salary: $45,000 – $50,000 (2013)
16. Project Manager
When a company has a certain plan or project that are looking to execute, they will tap a Project Manager to ensure that teams are organized, specifications are in order, and that the project is able to successfully get completed in a timely manner. Project Managers usually have extensive experience in the field that their company is in. It is usually the next step after their previous respective position. For example, a software engineer may rise to become a Project Manager, and later a senior Software Engineer. This means that this position is achieved through a certain number of years of work experience. Project Manager’s duties can usually be achieved in a mix of telecommuting and office time. Median Salary: $89,000 – $95,000 (2013)
17. Curriculum Developer
Engaging students and ensuring that they are getting the most out of lessons are the main goals of teachers. However, it can be difficult to do this, not due to a weak lesson plan, but due to a weak curriculum. The difference between both is that a curriculum is usually set by a school or a district that are the basis for lesson plans. Curriculum Developers ensure that students are learning at a level that is in keeping with the current times. They can be telecommuting, and in many cases, are also freelancers. Median Salary: $55,000 – $58,000 (2013)
18. Speech Pathologist
Speech Pathologists are individuals in a great field of ensuring that their patients are able to overcome speech and communication disorders, to live a more fulfilling life. Speech Pathologists usually work in a larger company, but many times, well trained and skilled Speech Pathologists can also work in their own companies. In either case, you can take patients based on your own schedule, making for a great work-life balance. Median Salary: $69,000 – $75,000 (2013)
19. Online Tax Advisor
Filing taxes can be a very stressful task for individuals every year. In addition, during the year, there are individuals who may have questions about how their specific situation translates into taxation (freelancers, home offices, etc). As an online Tax Advisor, you are able to work from home to offer your expertise. For those not looking to freelance, you can work with a tax filing company such as H&R Block. Business picks up during tax season, however, you’ll find yourself with part-time employment during the rest of the year while you take on another job. Median Salary: $65,000 – $79,000 (2013)* *Higher for full-time professionals in a wealth management firm.
20. Account Manager
As an Account Manager, you are responsible with ensuring that clients accounts are kept in order and that they are updated with the times and availability of services. Account Managers can work with a company, full-time, in the office or freelance with your own hours. The flexibility is what makes this managerial position sought over for its work-life balance. Median Salary: $50,000 – $90,000 (2013) Thinking of making a career change? Let us know in the comments below on how you hope to do so while continuing to maintain a strong work-life balance. Featured photo credit: Lifehack via cdn-media-2.lifehack.org
