Dear Stressedman,
Thank you for your question. First of all, I hope you're not *that*
stressed as your name might suggest. Wanting to do something in your
life, and knowing about some things that interest you, is a great
start. Some people don't even have that! You should be also happy for
the fact that you're "only" 22. I recently had a woman who was 34 and
in the same position as yourself, including more debts. Setting her
life on track would be much harder.
It is a widely known fact, that the more intelligent you are, the more
you worry about things (because unlike the "stupids" who don't think
about these things, you do), but it doesn't mean that you have to live
your life depressed and stressed. Actually, depression and stress is a
recipe for *not* doing anything with yourself, and remaining in the
same position.
I'll refer to your question in parts. Later, if you have any more
comments of you'll need clarifications, feel free to ask (through "ask
for clarification"). Some of my comments depend on variables you have
not mentioned, and if you think you have to add on them, feel free to
ask.
I'll begin with your debt. 2K debt is not a lot, but it's better to
start over - especially if you may have to relocate - with a clean
sheet. You should first think of ways to eliminate, or at least ease,
this debt. This is not going to be easy, but actually, a couple of
month of hard working and less spending could solve the issue. There
are several highly required jobs where you can earn a nice sum in a
short period. Among them: Working on fishing ships in Alaska; working
in tourist resorts (where you'd be paid, but could eat and sleep at
the resort); Snow shoveling; escorting and caring for old or sick
people. Christmas is also around the corner, and many shops require
extra help. Carpe Diem (sieze the day) and go for it. Most of these
jobs would also teach you a bit about yourself, and what you want.
Now, for your second question, regarding jobs. You have several
expectations from a job:
(1) It should be high-paid, at least relatively to the market in
general.
(2) You prefer to have contact with people and to help them.
(3) You prefer to think, not only to do something like a robot.
(4) You find "action" jobs, such as working for police, FBI, CIA,
interesting.
(5) You don't want to start at ground level position.
Some of these expectation, I hope you won't mind me saying, are a bit
unrealistic, and seemed like you might have watched a bit too much
television. I have worked for a certain organisation, similar to those
mentioned before. Most people there work very hard, spend long hours
in office, and although they do a very interesting and exciting job
(and they help people), they are not the Jodi Fosters and Alac Baldwin
you see on the movies. One of my best friends works for the police. He
solves crimes. However, he also works long hours, not paid enough for
these hours (although, of course, the salary in both cases is not
bad), and he has to deal with all kind of dirty, petty, criminals. Not
every criminal is Hannibal the Cannibal - most of them are homeless
alcoholises who robbed and murdered an old woman for the next drink.
So, if you go for this kind of jobs, you have to prepare yourself for
a very challenging and interesting work, but also very tough one, and
maybe also underpaid if you compare it to the long hours. You should
also bear in mind that most "high paying" jobs require higher
education - that means, graduate school, law school, etc.
In the "action" sector, you might want to consider gong stright to
officers' course, where it is possible. For example, in the military
you could become an officer, making better salary, helping people and
having "action". In the FBI and CIA it is also possible to begin as
the equivalent of an officer, although it has less meaning. It should
be mentioned that all these jobs require education, physical fitness,
and other terms.
"Police and sheriff's patrol officers had median annual earnings of
$39,790 in 2000. The middle 50 percent earned between $30,460 and
$50,230. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $23,790, and the
highest 10 percent earned more than $58,900. Median annual earnings
were $44,400 in State government, $39,710 in local government, and
$37,760 in Federal Government.
In 2000, median annual earnings of police and detective supervisors
were $57,210. The middle 50 percent earned between $43,630 and
$70,680. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $34,660, and the
highest 10 percent earned more than $86,060. Median annual earnings
were $74,070 in Federal Government, $57,030 in local government, and
$53,960 in State government.
In 2000, median annual earnings of detectives and criminal
investigators were $48,870. The middle 50 percent earned between
$37,240 and $61,750. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,600,
and the highest 10 percent earned more than $72,160. Median annual
earnings were $61,180 in Federal Government, $46,340 in local
government, and $43,050 in State government.
Federal law provides special salary rates to Federal employees who
serve in law enforcement. Additionally, Federal special agents and
inspectors receive law enforcement availability pay (LEAP)-equal to 25
percent of the agent's grade and step-awarded because of the large
amount of overtime that these agents are expected to work. For
example, in 2001 FBI agents enter Federal service as GS-10 employees
on the pay scale at a base salary of $36,621, yet earned about $45,776
a year with availability pay. They can advance to the GS-13 grade
level in field nonsupervisory assignments at a base salary of $57,345
which is worth almost $71,681 with availability pay. FBI supervisory,
management, and executive positions in grades GS-14 and GS-15 pay a
base salary of about $67,765 or $79,710 a year, respectively, and
equaled $84,706 or $99,637 per year including availability pay.
Salaries were slightly higher in selected areas where the prevailing
local pay level was higher. Because Federal agents may be eligible for
a special law enforcement benefits package, applicants should ask
their recruiter for more information.
The International City-County Management Association's annual Police
and Fire Personnel, Salaries, and Expenditures Survey revealed that 84
percent of the municipalities surveyed provided police services in
2000. The following pertains to sworn full-time positions in 2000.
Minimum annual base salary Maximum annual base salary
Police chief $62,640 $78,580
Deputy chief 53,740 67,370
Police captain 51,680 64,230
Police lieutenant 47,750 57,740
Police sergeant 42,570 50,670
Police corporal 35,370 43,830
Police officer 31,410 43,450
Total earnings for local, State, and special police and detectives
frequently exceed the stated salary because of payments for overtime,
which can be significant. In addition to the common benefits-paid
vacation, sick leave, and medical and life insurance-most police and
sheriffs' departments provide officers with special allowances for
uniforms. Because police officers usually are covered by liberal
pension plans, many retire at half-pay after 20 or 25 years of
service."
(Source: US Government, Police and Detectives
<http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos160.htm>).
As for working in the CIA, you can contact them at
http://www.cia.gov/cia/employment/ciaeindex.htm, their job range
includes the Clandestine Service; Scientists, Engineers and
Technologists; Analytical Positions and Professional Positions, as
well as language positions. Most analytical jobs require a graduate
degree (as most high paying jobs in general).
The FBI also have a vacancy page, where you could see your
possibilities: http://www.fbijobs.com/
In the armed forces, jobs could include civic professions such as the
care professions (social worker, psychologist, teacher, correctional
officer), but also other professions that might be fascinating and
full of "action" (Combat speciality occupations). You could read about
these jobs and the average salary here:
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos249.htm
The best paying entry level jobs are probably in the information
technology (IT) field, and in life sciences (doctors of biology,
chemistry, etc.). These jobs were not mentioned by you, but you should
consider them. You mentioned that "being doctor is out". I don't know
if it is because you scored a low MCAT ,that you don't want to go
through the hassle and hard work of being a doctor, or if you feel
that "you don't have the head for sciences". If the last is not true,
and you have some touch in science and technology, you may want to
consider these posts - they are well paid, you deal with interesting
stuff, and you have the chance to vary yourself, in the private sector
(where you develop new medications, or new technologies to help
people),or in the public service (labs, research for the government
and the military). There are also many grants in these fields, for
those who want to seek a graduate career. In Utah, for example, "The
typical average salary of a high-tech position
in Utah is $48,000. Overall salaries average only $27,400"
(http://www.utah.gov/governor/newsrels/2000/newsrel_091100.html), see
also http://www.bchs.uh.edu/Bioscope/BioscopeFeb00.pdf "What job can I
get with a Biology or Biochemistry degree?" - "Lab director typically
requires a Ph.D.: Starting salary is $55,000. Average salary for
senior lab heads - $150,000". You have mentioned your interest in
astronomy, and this could mean that some education in that field:
aeronautics, space engineering, astro-physics - could help you get a
great career. However, that could be great only if you are capable of
studying these scientific issues. See also NasaJobs
http://www.nasajobs.nasa.gov/
If you are more interested in being "people centred" and having
contact with people, you should consider social work, teaching,
psychology or law. The last two might also insure high paying
positions in the future, but are usually more tense. All of those jobs
require specialised education.
Read here about a career as a lawyer: "According the United States
Department of Labour, the average salary of a lawyer six months after
graduating law school is $51,500"
http://www.du.edu/~tcurran/cpaper.doc ;
http://www.du.edu/~tcurran/cpaper.doc
Psychologist: http://www.teenadvice.org/articles/psychologist.html
Other possibility, not mentioned:
U.S. Peace Corps
================
"This is possibly the best (and best-paying) entry-level job...
Eligibility: U.S. citizens only; generally for those with at least a
bachelor's degree; two-year commitment. Peace Corps pays all expenses
plus over $6,000 ("resettlement allowance") at the end of service.
Full training and support is provided. Educational loans can be
deferred and some partially cancelled. Some tuition support is
available for later graduate study.
Contact the headquarters at: Peace Corps, P.O. Box 948, Washington DC
20526, (800) 424-8580, www.peacecorps.gov "
Other sources
-------------
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/slf-2002hotjobs.story - hot jobs
of 2001
http://www.fathom.com/feature/122177 - choosing the right career.
http://www.educationmatters.ie/careers/car110101.htm How to choose the
right career for you by Gerry Berry
http://www.students.gov/ - with advices on career development
http://www.doi.gov/octc/ - Career Manager
Books:
=====
100 Best Careers for the 21st Century, by Shelly Field
America’s Top Jobs for People without a Four-Year Degree, by J.
Michael Farr,
Career Information Center
Careers and Occupations, Looking to the Future
Do What You Are: Discover the Perfect Career for You through the
Secrets of Personality Type, by Paul D. Tieger
Finding the Hat That Fits: How to Turn Your Heart’s Desire into Your
Life’s Work, by John Caple
Helping Your Child Choose a Career, by Luther B. Otto
How to Choose the Right Career, by Louise Welsh Schrank
Job Strategies for People with Disabilities, by Melanie Astaire Witt
Joyce Lain Kennedy’s Career Book, by Joyce Lain Kennedy
Love Your Work and Success Will Follow, by Arlene S. Hirsch
Street-Smart Career Guide: a Step-by-Step Program for Your Career
Development, by Laura Pedersen
Careers for Legal Eagles & Other Law-And-Order Types, by Blythe
Camenson
But What if I Don’t Want to Go to College?: A Guide to Success through
Alternative Education, by Harlow G. Unger
The Off-The-Beaten Path Job Book: You Can Make a Living and Have a
Life!, by Sandra Gurvis
My search strategy was to look for each career path, and its average
salary, description, etc.
I hope that helps. You have plenty of opportunities. You have to
decide what is the most attractive to you - also time wise and money
wise, and how much you are willing to dedicate to the further
education required. Please contact me if you need any clarifications. |
Clarification of Answer by
politicalguru-ga
on
09 Nov 2002 07:55 PST
Dear Stressedman,
Thanks for your clarification, it sure makes things even clearer.
There are several very interesting jobs that could be related to your
interest in counselling and in the field of communication/speech.
First and foremost, you may want to consider being an audiologist or a
speech therapist of some kind. There are many different and
challenging jobs in that realm, and according to the US Dept. of
Labour, "Employment of speech-language pathologists and audiologists
is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations
through the year 2010." It also fits your profile of salary. Speech
therapists work in various settings - from private (they have their
own clinic) to organisations such as hospitals and schools. Speaking
of TV, you may remember that Marlee Matlin played some kind of sign
language instructor.
Read more about this job here http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos085.htm
There are also many psychologists and other therapists (not all of
them actually psychologists, some are social workers, for example),
who work in hospitals:
- counselling those who have a sick or dying family member, how to
deal with it.
- counselling those who are sick themselves with the same issues
- working with patients who have mental problems.
Psychologists usually have PhD, but not all therapeutic professions do
- rehabilitation counselors have masters (or lower) degree.
You can read about psychologists here
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos056.htm
And about rehab counselling here http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos067.htm
Please ask me if you need more info on these occupations.
Regarding that second question: FBI Agent (or "special agent") is a
cover name for many different professions (law, accounting, languages,
technics). In all of them you must be physically fit and have a BA (or
BSc) degree. Later, you must pass the Academy training (just like Jodi
Foster ;-)
Special Agent job description:
https://www.fbijobs.com/jobdesc.asp?requisitionid=368
You can also go to their Job Fair, if you happen to be next week in
the DC area:
"The FBI announced today that an FBI Employment Job Fair will be held
Saturday, November 16th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at its FBI
Headquarters located in Washington D.C. The FBI has a critical need to
hire specialised Professional Support Employees to help the agency
continue meeting the challenge of global terrorism and homeland
security. The FBI is seeking highly competitive candidates to fill the
following critical positions:
INTELLIGENCE OPERATIONS SPECIALISTS GS 7-13:
Must possess a bachelor's degree in any discipline. Specialized
experience in the collection, analysis, program management, and
dissemination of information and trends pertaining to foreign and
domestic areas which directly or indirectly affect the national
security. Salary ranges from $31,397 - 86,095.
INTELLIGENCE RESEARCH SPECIALISTS GS 7-13:
Must possess a bachelor's degree in any discipline. Specialized
experience in the collection, analysis, program management, and
dissemination of information and trends pertaining to foreign and
domestic areas which directly or indirectly affect the national
security. Salary ranges from $31,397 - 86,095.
INTELLIGENCE ASSISTANTS GS 7/8:
Experience in administrative or clerical procedures and operations
peculiar to the collection, production or dissemination of
intelligence information. Salary ranges from $31,397 - $45,206.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION SPECIALISTS GS 11/12:
Experience that demonstrates direction, administration, development,
coordination, or performance of work involved in processing and
transmitting scientific, technological, or other specialized
information. Salary ranges from $46,469 - $72,400.
MANAGEMENT & PROGRAM ANALYSTS GS 12/13:
Experience in the substantive nature of agency programs and
activities; agency missions, policies, and objectives, management
principles and processes; and analytical and evaluative methods and
techniques for assessing program development or execution and
improving organizational effectiveness and efficiency. Salary ranges
from $55,694 - $86,095.
MANAGEMENT ASSISTANTS 5/6/7:
Experience in clerical, administrative and technical work in support
of management. Salary ranges from $25,347 - $40,818.
VISUAL INFORMATION SPECIALISTS GS 11:
Experience which includes planning the preparation and use of
photographs, illustrations, drawings, and other art work, charts,
diagrams, dioramas, maps, slides, overlays and other kinds of visual
material for use in communicating information through visual means.
Salary ranges from $46,469 - $60,405.
FINANCIAL ANALYSTS GS 11/12/13:
Experience performing financial analysis and evaluation work requiring
a comprehensive knowledge of corporate finance and any specialized
fields of finance such as public finance, securities, international
finance, money and securities markets, investments, and banking.
Salary ranges from $46,469 - 86,095. "
(https://www.fbijobs.com/JobFair.asp).
Good Luck!
|
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