What to do when you don’t know what to do with your life

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When you’re thinking I don’t know what to do with my life, it’s natural to feel lost and uncertain. This can be a difficult time, but it’s also an opportunity for growth.

 

As a career coach, this is often the first thing I hear when speaking to people about their situation. It’s a common feeling, so I want you, the reader, to know that you are not alone in feeling this way. I also want you to know that there is a path to figuring this all out.

 

In order to help you and anyone feeling this way, I’m sharing 20 questions I ask my clients during coaching sessions to help extract some personal insight. You should ask yourself these questions and think them over carefully.

 

Just a quick note, these are not necessarily ranked in order, any of these questions is worth asking by itself.

 

What will you regret most when you’re 80 years old?

This question and insight is popularly attributed to Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon. He reportedly uses this question to help with decision-making and assessing choices. It’s a way of looking at things from the long-term perspective.

 

The exercise requires you to cast your mind forward and imagine you’re old and looking back on your life. Do you think you’ll regret your choices and actions so far when you’re older? What about them will make you rethink your choices?

 

The point of the exercise is that if you believe you might regret certain things in the future, then why not focus on doing these things or stop doing these things now? Deep down you know these are areas that should probably change.

 

This question also gets you to focus on your values. What’s important to you? What do you want to stand for?

 

Values are incredibly important when it comes to making decisions about your career and how to live your life in general. If you don’t know what your values are, how can you make choices that align with them? This question will help many of us get clear on what’s important to you and find your purpose.

Action Step:

Make a list of things you think you might regret when you’re 80 years old. Then, take a look at that list and see if there are any common themes or patterns. What do those items have in common? That could be a clue as to what your values are.

Once you know your values, you can start making career choices that align with them every day and figure out what you want in life.

 

For example, if one of your values is family, you might start looking for a job that allows you to have more time with your loved ones. Or, if adventure is important to you, you might consider starting your own business so you can travel and see the world.

The possibilities are endless, but knowing your values will help you narrow down your options and make better decisions.

 What is your biggest career challenge today?

This is a great question because it’s often much easier to identify your challenges than to conjure up the exact dream scenario you would prefer.

 

Moreover, by taking the time to identify your challenges, you can start finding solutions for them and look forward to a new career path.

 

For example, if you’re struggling with imposter syndrome, you might look for a mentor or coach who can help you build confidence in your abilities. Or, if you’re feeling stuck in a job you hate, you might start researching new career options that would be a better fit for you.

 

No matter what your challenge is, there’s always an answer you can discover. And, by identifying your challenges, you’re one step closer to finding the right solution for you.

What are your top strengths?

This question is important because it helps you focus on your strengths rather than your weaknesses. Too often, we get caught up in trying to fix our weaknesses that we forget to play to our strengths.

 

By focusing on your strengths, you can start making choices that allow you to use them more often.

 

For example, if you’re a people person, you might look for a job that involves working with others or starting your own business where you can interact with customers on a daily basis. Or, if you’re creative, you might consider pursuing a career in the arts or graphic design.

 

No matter what your strengths are, there’s always a way to use them to your advantage and to get a job.

What are you passionate about?

This is another great question because it helps you focus on your interests and what you enjoy doing.

 

Too often, we get caught up in pursuing careers that we think are “practical” or “sensible” without considering whether or not they’re actually something we’re passionate about.

 

By focusing on your passions, you can make sure that you’re choosing a career that you’ll actually enjoy.

 

For example, if you’re passionate about writing, you might consider pursuing a career in journalism or copywriting. Or, if you’re passionate about fashion, you might consider becoming a stylist or working in fashion merchandising.

 

No matter what your passion is, there’s always a way to turn it into a career.

What skills do you have?

This is another important question because it helps you focus on your abilities and what you’re good at. Just like with your passions, too often we pursue careers that we think are “practical” or “sensible” without considering whether or not they’re actually something we’re good at.

 

By focusing on your skills, you can make sure that you’re choosing a career that you’ll actually be successful in.

 

For example, if you’re good with numbers, you might consider pursuing a career in accounting or finance. Or, if you’re good with people, you might consider becoming a salesperson or customer service representative.

 

No matter what your skills are, there’s always a way to use them to your advantage.

What do you like to do in your free time?

This is another great question because it helps give you an idea of what kinds of things make you happy. And, when you’re happy, you’re more likely to be successful.

 

For example, if you like to read, you might consider pursuing a career in publishing or writing. Or, if you like to travel, you might consider becoming a travel agent or working for an airline.

 

No matter what it is that you like to do in your free time, there’s always a way to turn it into a career.

What are your life goals?

This is an important question because it helps you focus on what you want to achieve in your life. Too often, we get caught up in the day-to-day grind and forget about our long-term goals.

 

By focusing on your life goals, you can make sure that you’re choosing a career that will help you achieve them.

For example, if you want to buy a house, you might consider pursuing a career in real estate. Or, if you want to retire early, you might consider working in a high-paying field or investing in stocks and mutual funds.

 

No matter what your life goals are, there’s always a way to use your career to help you achieve them.

How do you want to feel on a perfect day?

This is another great question because it helps you focus on how you want to feel in your career. Do you want to feel challenged? Excited? Creative?

 

By focusing on how you want to feel, you can make sure that you’re choosing a career that will make you happy.

 

For example, if you want to feel challenged, you might consider pursuing a career in law or medicine. Or, if you want to feel creative, you might consider becoming an artist or graphic designer.

 

No matter how you want to feel, there’s always a way to achieve it through your career choice.

What does happiness mean to you?

This is the ultimate question because it helps you focus on what truly matters to you. We all have different ideas of what happiness looks like and, as a result, we all have different career goals.

 

For example, some people might define happiness as having a high-paying job with little stress. Others might define happiness as having a job that allows them to travel the world. And still, others might define happiness as being able to work from home so they can spend more time with their family.

 

No matter how you define happiness, there’s always a way to turn it into reality.

What does achievement mean for you?

This is another important question because it helps you focus on what you want to achieve in your career. Do you want to be the best in your field? Do you want to make a difference? Do you want to be financially successful?

 

By focusing on what you want to achieve, you can make sure that you’re choosing a career that will help you achieve it.

 

For example, if you want to be the best in your field, you might consider pursuing a career in research or academia. Or, if you want to make a difference, you might consider becoming a teacher or working for a non-profit organization.

 

No matter what your definition of achievement is, there’s always a way to turn it into reality.

 

No matter what your career goals are, there are always ways to achieve them. By asking yourself these questions, you can get a better idea of what you want to do with your life and how to achieve your goals.

How much are you prepared to change?

This is an important question because it helps you focus on what you’re willing to change in order to achieve your goals. Are you willing to move to a new city? Are you willing to change your lifestyle? Are you willing to take risks?

 

By focusing on what you’re prepared to change, you can make sure that you’re making choices that will help you achieve your goals.

 

For example, if you’re willing to move to a new city, you might consider pursuing a career in fashion or media. Or, if you’re willing to change your lifestyle, you might consider becoming a vegan or working for an environmental organization.

 

No matter what your goals are, there’s always a way to achieve them if you’re willing to make some changes.

What are your long-term goals?

This is a great question because it helps you focus on what you want to achieve in the long run. Do you want to start your own business? Do you want to travel the world? Do you want to retire early?

 

By focusing on your long-term goals, you can make sure that you’re choosing a career that will help you achieve them.

For example, if you want to start your own business, you might consider pursuing a career in entrepreneurship or marketing. Or, if you want to travel the world, you might consider becoming a travel writer or working for a travel company.

 

No matter what your long-term goals are, there’s always a way to achieve them if you’re willing to put in the work.

What are your short-term goals?

This is another great question because it helps you focus on what you want to achieve in the short term. Do you want to learn a new skill? Do you want to land your dream job? Do you want to save up for a down payment on a house?

 

By focusing on your short-term goals, you can make sure that you’re taking steps to achieve your long-term goals.

 

For example, if you want to learn a new skill, you might consider taking a class or attending a workshop. Or, if you want to save up for a down payment on a house, you might consider getting a job that pays well and/or living in a cheaper area.

 

No matter what your short-term goals are, there’s always a way to achieve them if you’re willing to put in the work.

What are your values?

This is a great question because it helps you focus on what’s important to you. Do you value family? Do you value freedom? Do you value security?

 

By focusing on your values, you can make sure that you’re choosing a career that aligns with them.

 

For example, if you value family, you might consider pursuing a career that allows you to work from home or that gives you a lot of vacation time. Or, if you value freedom, you might consider becoming a freelancer or working for a start-up.

 

No matter what your values are, there’s always a way to find a career that aligns with them.

How much are you prepared to compromise?

This is an important question to consider because it will help you focus on what you’re willing to sacrifice in order to achieve your goals. Are you willing to work long hours? Are you willing to give up your weekends? Are you willing to miss out on important family events?

 

By focusing on what you’re prepared to compromise, you can make sure that you’re making choices that will help you achieve your goals.

 

For example, if you’re willing to work long hours, you might consider pursuing a career in investment banking or consulting. Or, if you’re willing to miss out on important family events, you might consider becoming a travel writer or working for a company with a lot of international travel.

 

No matter what your goals are, there’s always a way to achieve them if you’re willing to make some sacrifices.

Who inspires you and why?

This is a great question to ask yourself because it can help you focus on what you want to achieve in your career. Do you want to be like your favorite author and write books that inspire people? Do you want to be like your favorite athlete and win gold medals? Do you want to be like your favorite actor and entertain people?

 

By focusing on who inspires you, you can make sure that you’re choosing a career that will help you achieve your goals.

 

For example, if you want to be like your favorite author and write books that inspire people, you might consider becoming a writer or an editor. Or, if you want to be like your favorite athlete and win gold medals, you might consider becoming a coach or a personal trainer.

 

No matter what your goals are, there’s always a way to achieve them if you’re willing to put in the work.

What’s left on your bucket list?

Do you have any goals or dreams that you haven’t achieved yet? What’s holding you back?

 

For example, if you want to travel the world but you’re holding back because you don’t have the money, you might consider becoming a travel writer or working for a company with a lot of international travel.

 

No matter what’s on your bucket list, there’s always a way to achieve your goals if you’re willing to put in.

What were your childhood dreams?

Do you remember what you wanted to be when you were a kid? A doctor? A veterinarian? An astronaut? A fireman?

 

Sometimes, our childhood dreams can tell us a lot about what we want to do with our lives.

 

For example, if you wanted to be a doctor, you might consider becoming a medical doctor or a research scientist. Or, if you wanted to be an astronaut, you might consider becoming an engineer or a pilot.

 

No matter what your childhood dreams were, there’s always a way to achieve them if you’re willing to put in the work.

Where do you see yourself in 1 year?

This is an important question to ask yourself because it can help you focus on your short-term goals. Do you want to be in the same job? Do you want to be in a different city? Do you want to be in a different country?

 

By focusing on where you see yourself in one year, you can make sure that you’re making choices that will help you achieve your goals.

 

For example, if you want to be in a different city, you might consider moving to a new city or applying for jobs in a new city. Or, if you want to be in a different country, you might consider working for an international company or getting a job with a company that has offices in different countries.

 

No matter what your goals are, there’s always a way to achieve them if you’re willing to make some sacrifices.

What action can you take today?

No matter what your goals are, there’s always a way to achieve them if you’re willing to put in the work. So ask yourself the tough questions, focus on what’s important to you, and make some sacrifices. And most importantly, take action today.

 

Even if it’s just one small step, it’ll be worth it in the long run.

 

This article originally appeared on Tribeandseek.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.

More from MediaFeed:

The 25 best careers for people who want to be their own boss

 

Plenty of people dream of becoming their own boss. However, options for self-employment are heavily dependent on one’s industry and occupation. To help better inform your career planning, this MagnifyMoney study takes a closer look at the occupations best suited for self-employment.

When evaluating the leading occupations where you can be your own boss, we looked at several key factors: median earnings, change in earnings, estimated employment change for long-term opportunity, annual occupational openings and the percent of people in each occupation who are self-employed.

 

istockphoto/nd3000

 

Plenty of people dream of becoming their own boss. However, options for self-employment are heavily dependent on one’s industry and occupation. To help better inform your career planning, this MagnifyMoney study takes a closer look at the occupations best suited for self-employment.

When evaluating the leading occupations where you can be your own boss, we looked at several key factors: median earnings, change in earnings, estimated employment change for long-term opportunity, annual occupational openings and the percent of people in each occupation who are self-employed.

 

istockphoto/nd3000

 

In order to find the best occupations for people looking to be self-employed, we looked at data on 579 occupations. We compared them across six metrics, all pulled from the BLS. Specifically we looked at the following:

  • Percent of workers who are self-employed. We considered this the most important metric to indicate the best careers for self-employment, assigning it a weighting double the other metrics when creating our ranking. For this metric, a higher number indicates the job is more suitable for self-employment as there are already plenty of self-employed individuals in the industry. It also means you’ll have some company in the self-employment journey.
  • Estimated employment change 2018 to 2028. This metric shows the total new jobs for each occupation in the decade from 2018 to 2028. If you’re going to take the plunge into self-employment, you’re going to want to make sure there’s room for growth in your chosen industry. Otherwise, you could get squeezed out too early and left finding yet another job. A higher number here indicates more potential employment in the long term, which would help a job rank higher on our list.
  • Estimated annual occupational openings 2018 to 2028. This number provides a closer look at employment change between 2018 and 2028 by giving the estimated number of job openings each year. The best careers to be your own boss will have higher numbers in this metric as well, as that indicates for long-term opportunity.
  • Percentage change in estimated employment change 2018 to 2028. In addition to the number of projected new jobs, we also looked at the percentage of this change. This metric shows how fast an occupation is growing or contracting. A higher percentage means faster growth which, again, indicates greater long-term opportunity.
  • 2018 median earnings. Of course as with any job, you’re going to want to check the earnings prospects here, especially since being self-employed means you often set your own rates. So we included median annual earnings for each occupation for 2018 for you to get a better idea of each job. This is weighted the same as all the other metrics (except percentage of self-employed workers), which is why you will see a range of earnings within the top 25.
  • Percent change in earnings 2017 to 2018. Looking at a specific year’s earnings provides just a snapshot of that occupation’s pay. So we also took into account the percent change in earnings for each occupation from 2017 to 2018 to show whether an occupation’s wages seem to be increasing or not. A higher percentage indicates faster wage growth and can indicate a more sustainable job over the years, especially when paired with a high percentage of employment growth.
  • Education needed. This metric was not used to create our ranking, but used rather as a bonus tidbit of information. Knowing what kind of education or training is needed for an occupation can help you determine whether it’s right for you or what steps you need to take to be eligible for self-employment in that career.

In order to create our final rankings, we first ranked each occupation in each metric. We then found each occupation’s average ranking across the metrics, giving a double weighting to self-employment rate. We used this average ranking to assign a score to each occupation. The occupations with the highest scores ranked first while the occupation with the lowest score ranked last.

 

istockphoto/Ridofranz

 

In order to find the best occupations for people looking to be self-employed, we looked at data on 579 occupations. We compared them across six metrics, all pulled from the BLS. Specifically we looked at the following:

  • Percent of workers who are self-employed. We considered this the most important metric to indicate the best careers for self-employment, assigning it a weighting double the other metrics when creating our ranking. For this metric, a higher number indicates the job is more suitable for self-employment as there are already plenty of self-employed individuals in the industry. It also means you’ll have some company in the self-employment journey.
  • Estimated employment change 2018 to 2028. This metric shows the total new jobs for each occupation in the decade from 2018 to 2028. If you’re going to take the plunge into self-employment, you’re going to want to make sure there’s room for growth in your chosen industry. Otherwise, you could get squeezed out too early and left finding yet another job. A higher number here indicates more potential employment in the long term, which would help a job rank higher on our list.
  • Estimated annual occupational openings 2018 to 2028. This number provides a closer look at employment change between 2018 and 2028 by giving the estimated number of job openings each year. The best careers to be your own boss will have higher numbers in this metric as well, as that indicates for long-term opportunity.
  • Percentage change in estimated employment change 2018 to 2028. In addition to the number of projected new jobs, we also looked at the percentage of this change. This metric shows how fast an occupation is growing or contracting. A higher percentage means faster growth which, again, indicates greater long-term opportunity.
  • 2018 median earnings. Of course as with any job, you’re going to want to check the earnings prospects here, especially since being self-employed means you often set your own rates. So we included median annual earnings for each occupation for 2018 for you to get a better idea of each job. This is weighted the same as all the other metrics (except percentage of self-employed workers), which is why you will see a range of earnings within the top 25.
  • Percent change in earnings 2017 to 2018. Looking at a specific year’s earnings provides just a snapshot of that occupation’s pay. So we also took into account the percent change in earnings for each occupation from 2017 to 2018 to show whether an occupation’s wages seem to be increasing or not. A higher percentage indicates faster wage growth and can indicate a more sustainable job over the years, especially when paired with a high percentage of employment growth.
  • Education needed. This metric was not used to create our ranking, but used rather as a bonus tidbit of information. Knowing what kind of education or training is needed for an occupation can help you determine whether it’s right for you or what steps you need to take to be eligible for self-employment in that career.

In order to create our final rankings, we first ranked each occupation in each metric. We then found each occupation’s average ranking across the metrics, giving a double weighting to self-employment rate. We used this average ranking to assign a score to each occupation. The occupations with the highest scores ranked first while the occupation with the lowest score ranked last.

 

istockphoto/Ridofranz

 

Self-employed: 28.4%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 10.1%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 20.3

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 4.7%

2018 wage: $24,330

Index: 83.32

 

istockphoto/Antonio_Diaz

 

Self-employed: 28.4%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 10.1%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 20.3

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 4.7%

2018 wage: $24,330

Index: 83.32

 

istockphoto/Antonio_Diaz

 

Self-employed: 2.0%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 16.0%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 64.9

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 2.3%

2018 wage: $127,990

Index: 83.35

There are a couple wage standouts towards the bottom of the top 25. For example, financial managers made $127,990 in 2018, but the profession ranks low due to its low percentage of self-employed workers (2%). This could prove difficult for those trying to break into the industry as self-employed.

 

istockphoto/undrey’

 

Self-employed: 2.0%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 16.0%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 64.9

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 2.3%

2018 wage: $127,990

Index: 83.35

There are a couple wage standouts towards the bottom of the top 25. For example, financial managers made $127,990 in 2018, but the profession ranks low due to its low percentage of self-employed workers (2%). This could prove difficult for those trying to break into the industry as self-employed.

 

istockphoto/undrey’

 

Self-employed: 21.5%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 11.4%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 34.4

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 2.5%

2018 wage: $38,400

Index: 83.77

 

istockphoto/Ivan-balvan

 

Self-employed: 21.5%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 11.4%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 34.4

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 2.5%

2018 wage: $38,400

Index: 83.77

 

istockphoto/Ivan-balvan

 

Self-employed: 4.8%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 17.6%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 42.2

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 1.4%

2018 wage: $99,730

Index: 83.98

 

istockphoto/DragonImages

 

Self-employed: 4.8%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 17.6%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 42.2

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 1.4%

2018 wage: $99,730

Index: 83.98

 

istockphoto/DragonImages

 

Self-employed: 10.7%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 10.5%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 47.6

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 4.7%

2018 wage: $33,780

Index: 85.05

 

istockphoto/SeventyFour

 

Self-employed: 10.7%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 10.5%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 47.6

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 4.7%

2018 wage: $33,780

Index: 85.05

 

istockphoto/SeventyFour

 

Self-employed: 7.8%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 10.4%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 79.4

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 1.8%

2018 wage: $65,230

Index: 85.23

 

istockphoto/iBrave

 

Self-employed: 7.8%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 10.4%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 79.4

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 1.8%

2018 wage: $65,230

Index: 85.23

 

istockphoto/iBrave

 

Self-employed: 15.8%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 13.0%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 15.1

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 2.1%

2018 wage: $69,430

Index: 86.03

 

istockphoto/DragonImages

 

Self-employed: 15.8%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 13.0%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 15.1

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 2.1%

2018 wage: $69,430

Index: 86.03

 

istockphoto/DragonImages

 

Self-employed: 20.0%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 6.1%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 45.7

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 1.4%

2018 wage: $120,910

Index: 86.13

Around 20% of lawyers are self-employed and they made $120,910 in 2018. Still, there’s less room for new prospective self-employed workers to join the legal industry, as it’s expected to grow only 6.1% in a decade.

 

istockphoto/scyther5

 

Self-employed: 20.0%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 6.1%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 45.7

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 1.4%

2018 wage: $120,910

Index: 86.13

Around 20% of lawyers are self-employed and they made $120,910 in 2018. Still, there’s less room for new prospective self-employed workers to join the legal industry, as it’s expected to grow only 6.1% in a decade.

 

istockphoto/scyther5

 

Self-employed: 26.6%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 16.0%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 54.5

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 3.5%

2018 wage: $23,760

Index: 86.65

 

istockphoto/Donyanedomam

 

Self-employed: 26.6%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 16.0%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 54.5

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 3.5%

2018 wage: $23,760

Index: 86.65

 

istockphoto/Donyanedomam

 

Self-employed: 46.7%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 8.7%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 24.3

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 2.5%

2018 wage: $48,220

Index: 86.97

 

istockphoto/Halfpoint

 

Self-employed: 46.7%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 8.7%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 24.3

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 2.5%

2018 wage: $48,220

Index: 86.97

 

istockphoto/Halfpoint

 

Self-employed: 8.7%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 22.5%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 41.5

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 3.1%

2018 wage: $44,630

Index: 88.53

The industry with the highest projected percentage growth from 2018 to 2028 is substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors, expected to grow 22.5% in that time.

 

istockphoto/fizkes

 

Self-employed: 8.7%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 22.5%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 41.5

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 3.1%

2018 wage: $44,630

Index: 88.53

The industry with the highest projected percentage growth from 2018 to 2028 is substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors, expected to grow 22.5% in that time.

 

istockphoto/fizkes

 

Self-employed: 9.4%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 13.6%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 66.1

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 2.5%

2018 wage: $53,910

Index: 88.95

 

DepositPhotos.com

 

Self-employed: 9.4%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 13.6%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 66.1

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 2.5%

2018 wage: $53,910

Index: 88.95

 

DepositPhotos.com

 

Self-employed: 13.8%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 18.4%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 5.1

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 3.8%

2018 wage: $93,830

Index: 89.33

 

istockphoto/Ridofranz

 

Self-employed: 13.8%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 18.4%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 5.1

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 3.8%

2018 wage: $93,830

Index: 89.33

 

istockphoto/Ridofranz

 

Self-employed: 22.0%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 8.8%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 173.6

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 4.8%

2018 wage: $29,000

Index: 89.61

 

istockphoto/juefraphoto

 

Self-employed: 22.0%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 8.8%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 173.6

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 4.8%

2018 wage: $29,000

Index: 89.61

 

istockphoto/juefraphoto

 

Self-employed: 22.1%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 19.2%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 9.8

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 5.8%

2018 wage: $49,930

Index: 90.58

 

istockphoto/fizkes

 

Self-employed: 22.1%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 19.2%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 9.8

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 5.8%

2018 wage: $49,930

Index: 90.58

 

istockphoto/fizkes

 

Self-employed: 27.0%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 8.0%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 116.3

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 3.1%

2018 wage: $46,590

Index: 92.94

 

istockphoto/Deagreez

 

Self-employed: 27.0%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 8.0%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 116.3

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 3.1%

2018 wage: $46,590

Index: 92.94

 

istockphoto/Deagreez

 

Self-employed: 17.8%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 13.5%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 99.9

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 1.4%

2018 wage: $83,610

Index: 93.67

 

istockphoto/fizkes

 

Self-employed: 17.8%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 13.5%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 99.9

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 1.4%

2018 wage: $83,610

Index: 93.67

 

istockphoto/fizkes

 

Self-employed: 27.6%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 10.5%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 179.3

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 3.7%

2018 wage: $35,800

Index: 93.88

 

istock/dima_sidelnikov

 

Self-employed: 27.6%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 10.5%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 179.3

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 3.7%

2018 wage: $35,800

Index: 93.88

 

istock/dima_sidelnikov

 

Self-employed: 42.8%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 19.5%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 51.3

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 4.4%

2018 wage: $25,980

Index: 94.02

 

istockphoto/mangostock

 

Self-employed: 42.8%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 19.5%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 51.3

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 4.4%

2018 wage: $25,980

Index: 94.02

 

istockphoto/mangostock

 

Self-employed: 30.0%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 14.7%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 14.6

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 2.5%

2018 wage: $76,990

Index: 94.47

 

istockphoto/KatarzynaBialasiewicz

 

Self-employed: 30.0%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 14.7%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 14.6

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 2.5%

2018 wage: $76,990

Index: 94.47

 

istockphoto/KatarzynaBialasiewicz

 

Self-employed: 33.0%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 22.2%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 24.2

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 3.6%

2018 wage: $41,420

Index: 94.51

 

istockphoto/LSOphoto

 

Self-employed: 33.0%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 22.2%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 24.2

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 3.6%

2018 wage: $41,420

Index: 94.51

 

istockphoto/LSOphoto

 

Self-employed: 54.5%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 6.3%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 91.3

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 1.8%

2018 wage: $107,480

Index: 95.27

After real estate sales agents, the top third pick, managers have the highest percentage of self-employed workers at 54.5%. Managers made a whopping median $107,480 in 2017 and typically requires a bachelor’s degree.

 

istockphoto/nd3000

 

Self-employed: 54.5%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 6.3%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 91.3

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 1.8%

2018 wage: $107,480

Index: 95.27

After real estate sales agents, the top third pick, managers have the highest percentage of self-employed workers at 54.5%. Managers made a whopping median $107,480 in 2017 and typically requires a bachelor’s degree.

 

istockphoto/nd3000

 

Self-employed: 56.4%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 6.9%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 38.9

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 5.9%

2018 wage: $48,690

Index: 95.62

Real estate agent is the third best job for being self-employed. Roughly 56% of real estate agents are self employed, the highest percentage out of the top 25.

In 2018, the average real estate agent made $48,690, and average earnings for this profession are on the rise. From 2017 to 2018, the average real estate agent saw earnings rise by nearly 6%, perhaps related to the ever-increasing value of homes in America’s largest cities.

 

istockphoto/fizkes

 

Self-employed: 56.4%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 6.9%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 38.9

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 5.9%

2018 wage: $48,690

Index: 95.62

Real estate agent is the third best job for being self-employed. Roughly 56% of real estate agents are self employed, the highest percentage out of the top 25.

In 2018, the average real estate agent made $48,690, and average earnings for this profession are on the rise. From 2017 to 2018, the average real estate agent saw earnings rise by nearly 6%, perhaps related to the ever-increasing value of homes in America’s largest cities.

 

istockphoto/fizkes

 

Self-employed: 39.8%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 9.8%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 40.2

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 2.2%

2018 wage: $93,370

Index: 97.64

The second-best job for being your own boss is construction manager. Roughly 40% of people employed in this profession are self-employed.

The median wage for construction managers in 2018 was $93,370, a 2.20% increase from 2017. If you’d like to be your own boss as a construction worker, chances are you’ll need a bachelor’s degree, reports the BLS.

 

istockphoto/Cineberg

 

Self-employed: 39.8%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 9.8%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 40.2

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 2.2%

2018 wage: $93,370

Index: 97.64

The second-best job for being your own boss is construction manager. Roughly 40% of people employed in this profession are self-employed.

The median wage for construction managers in 2018 was $93,370, a 2.20% increase from 2017. If you’d like to be your own boss as a construction worker, chances are you’ll need a bachelor’s degree, reports the BLS.

 

istockphoto/Cineberg

 

Self-employed: 37.6%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 10.8%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 46.9

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 4.2%

2018 wage: $54,240

Index: 100.00

The best occupation for self-employment is food service manager. Currently, more than a third of food service managers are self-employed. Plus, the industry is expected to grow 10.8% from 2018 to 2028.

The average food-service manager made $54,240 in 2018, a decent income for a job that typically does not require a college degree, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Most of the best jobs to take if you want to be self-employed do not require a college degree. In addition to food service managers and real estate sales agents detailed above, massage therapists, chauffeurs, construction laborers and carpenters all cracked the top 10.

If you do want to be self-employed, it will still probably require some planning. Even if they don’t require a college degree, a good number of the highest ranking jobs require previous work experience or on the job training.

This article originally appeared on MagnifyMoney.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.

 

istockphoto/SeventyFour

 

Self-employed: 37.6%

Projected employment % change 2018-2019: 10.8%

Annual occupational openings 2018-2019*: 46.9

% growth median earnings (2017-2018): 4.2%

2018 wage: $54,240

Index: 100.00

The best occupation for self-employment is food service manager. Currently, more than a third of food service managers are self-employed. Plus, the industry is expected to grow 10.8% from 2018 to 2028.

The average food-service manager made $54,240 in 2018, a decent income for a job that typically does not require a college degree, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Most of the best jobs to take if you want to be self-employed do not require a college degree. In addition to food service managers and real estate sales agents detailed above, massage therapists, chauffeurs, construction laborers and carpenters all cracked the top 10.

If you do want to be self-employed, it will still probably require some planning. Even if they don’t require a college degree, a good number of the highest ranking jobs require previous work experience or on the job training.

This article originally appeared on MagnifyMoney.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.

 

istockphoto/SeventyFour

 

Featured Image Credit: fizkes/iStock.

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