5 Career Ideas to Transform Your Life this New Year
The average person will spend 90,000 hours at work over a lifetime—a full third of your life. That means if you hate your job, a good portion of it will be spent waiting for the weekend to get here. So let’s think bigger than treadmills and juice cleanses for this New Years’ resolution—by committing to training this year for a career you’ll love.
The most rewarding careers require the right training.
Let’s clear something up—We’re not talking about going out and getting a new job tomorrow. You’ve had plenty of jobs, and they were all the same: Some combination of wildly hectic and painfully boring at the same time. But it is possible to start working an exciting, respected profession with around a year of college education under your belt. And there are dozens of options out there that fulfill a variety of interests. The hardest part is choosing which career is right for you.
When you consider career training program length, job satisfaction and career outlook, these are your top picks for an ambitious new career:
1. Medical Assisting
What do Medical Assistants do?
Medical Assistants work in hospitals, clinics and doctors’ offices to assist with both administrative and clinical tasks—from recording patient medical history to measuring vital signs. Often, physicians call on Medical Assistants to aid them in examinations.
Is Medical Assisting right for me?
To be a Medical Assistant, it’s helpful to have an analytical mind. You’ll need to be able to understand and follow medical charts and diagnoses. If a fast-paced work environment that allows you to help both physicians and patients sounds exciting, then a Medical Assisting position is where you belong.
Like Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting is often a Medical professional’s first step into the field—one with a lot of room for growth. Start now, and you could train for a career as a Medical Assistant in as little as 10 months.
2. Barbering
What do Barbers do?
Barbers cut, trim, shampoo, and style hair—mostly for male clients. Many barbers also offer shaving and other treatments like bleaching and coloring. The career has seen a surge of renewed interest in recent years as young men have increasingly shown a preference for a more experiential haircut.
Is Barbering right for me?
Does working in a relaxed social setting and using creativity to make men look and feel better sound fulfilling to you? Then Barbering could be a great fit. Barbers often choose to be their own boss and set their own work hours, so the career offers a lot of flexibility. With affordable, short-term training, you could become a professional Barber in just 13 months.
3. Cosmetology
What do Cosmetologists do?
Similar to Barbers, Cosmetologists put their creativity and approachable demeanor to work—helping clients look and feel great. The main difference between the two careers is that Cosmetologists tend to specialize in working with female clients. In addition to hairstyling, Cosmetologists can perform pedicures, manicures, waxing treatments, facials and makeup application.
Is Cosmetology right for me?
As a Cosmetologist, you could put their creative talents to work in a salon, spa or even a resort. And if you decide you like applying makeup but don’t enjoy cutting hair, that’s alright. You’ll have the flexibility to specialize in this creative career. The field of Cosmetology is expected to grow fast—at a rate of 13% through 2026—so it’s a great year to start your new career in Cosmetology.
4. Dental Assisting
What do Dental Assistants do?
Dental Assistants get to perform a wide variety of tasks to assist their dentist. From processing x-rays to instructing patients on proper oral care, you’ll be an integral part of the dental office team. You may also find yourself assisting dentists during important procedures and or taking impressions of a patient’s teeth.
Is Dental Assisting right for me?
A good Dental Assistant is organized, caring and enjoys working with people. If you are good with your hands and like the relaxed atmosphere of a dental office, it’s a likely great career choice for you. Dental Assisting is projected to grow by 19% through 2026, so there are plenty of dentists looking for help.
Often, dental hygienists begin their career as a Dental Assistant because it’s a fast, affordable training path to get your start in the dental field in as little as 10 months. There are also opportunities for advancement as an Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA).
5. Massage Therapist
What do Massage Therapists do?
Everyone loves massages. Not only do they feel great, but they can also help to relieve pain, improve circulation and reduce stress. Massage Therapists start by evaluating their patients’ needs—asking questions to learn what type of massage they need. They provide personalized treatment and sometimes instruct the patient on stretches, posture or relaxation.
Is Massage Therapy right for me?
Massage Therapists are not just caring healers—they must have an interest in the workings of the human body. The career offers flexible scheduling and the opportunity to work from home as an independent Massage Therapist. If you have strong communication skills, physical stamina and enjoy helping people, you might be the perfect candidate to train for a career in Massage Therapy in as little as 10 months.
Make this your transformation year
Whether you’re interested in a career in massage, healthcare, Cosmetology or other fields—don’t wait to start training any longer. IBMC College has knowledgeable advisors to help you make the right career decision and begin training any time of year. Stop by your area campus in Fort Collins, Greeley or Longmont or call 800-495-2669 to learn more today.
