7 Best High-Paying Flexible Jobs to Get
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Flexible jobs are what over a third of people say is their primary objective when looking for work or a new career. So then, what is considered flexible work? Many people look for flexible hours, like freelance, part-time, and remote jobs – really just anything with a mobile time tracker option. These types of jobs don’t usually have set hours, and tend to rely on initiative and self-motivation to push through a workload. The main benefit of this kind of work is greater control over one’s life in general. From the obvious flexible work hours to being with family more, many have reported less “burnout” and psychological distress.
Below are seven jobs that cover a wide spectrum of occupations and self-employment options. From the number of hours, to work shifts, to location, all these jobs have a potential for great flexibility.
1. Information Security Analyst
Average salary:~$90,000
Projected growth (2016-26):28%
The growth of this field will never end, period. All electronic communication and data safety requires it. Security analysts create, maintain and test measures that protect the integrity of data, computer systems, networks, and organizations’ projects. They work in several ways, from a more freelance, project-based approach, to being an ongoing part of the maintenance of any information security system. This job can lead to well over 100K from no more than a BA. It offers flexibility in both work hours and remote workspace options.
2. Software Developer
Average salary:~$100,000
Projected growth (2016-26):24%
As with anything tech-based, software development will only ever grow. But it offers much greater flexibility than many other tech-based fields. Many developers have temporary project-based work (popular in game development) that leaves many opportunities to work on smaller projects, frequently on an assignment based load. This job often offers remote work, allows your hours to be tailored to your needs.
3. Occupational Therapy Assistant
Average salary:$60,000
Projected growth (2016-26):28%
This assistant helps with therapy and clerical duties. Occupational therapists are physicians trained in the field of the nervous system, and repairing it from the strains and injuries of repeated tasks. The flexibility of this job comes mostly from the practice one chooses. The shifts can be at any time on any day. Occupational therapists work in many settings, from a patient’s residence to wellness centers. There are several options for growth and choice of practice, including the option to become an occupational therapist.
4. Physician Assistant
Average salary:$98,000
Projected growth (2016-26):37%/p>
Becoming a physician’s assistant requires more training than that of a nurse, but it opens up a path to become a physician, and allows for progress in many other fields. The flexibility comes from the 24/7 aspect of the medical field itself. Unless you intend to become an M.D. (which is far from your only option) you will be able to control your hours to a greater degree. Any productive environment needs medicine, so your options for location are essentially every major city. The biggest hurdle, of course, is the entry level requirement of a Master’s degree in medicine.
5. Graphic Designer
Average salary:$64,000 – $100,000
Projected growth (2016-26):4%
The striking thing you might notice here is the growth potential and the possibility of a lower income. However, all the visual media you see is created by a graphic designer of some sort. A high level of skill and motivation are the best ways to succeed with this job. The improving functionality of the software used in graphic design has caused many aspects of its production to be streamlined, but one way to get ahead of this production line style content is to actually be a good artist. This gives you more availability of jobs, and most of all, a premium on your work. Either way, this job provides complete flexibility and is mostly remote freelance.
6. Operations Research Analyst
Average salary:~$80,000
Projected growth (2016-26):27%
These analysts use their mathematical and analytical skills to maintain many important business operations. Research analysts often work remotely, allowing for flexible hours. They also frequently work with a team through electronic communications and project management software. Regardless, it is a full-time position, and in some cases, a presentation or a client may require an in-person meeting.
7. Genetic Counselor
Average salary:~$80,000
Projected growth (2016-26):29%
A medical field that has an entry level of a BA. Genetic counselors use DNA to identify genetic disorders and possible birth defects associated with one’s bloodline. They mostly work in offices, but the hours and workload are some of the most flexible in medicine. Diagnostic laboratories tend to be the most flexible work environment for this field, along with private research situations.
