By Danielle Kwateng
Ever sit at your desk and contemplate having another career? We’ll, if you do, don’t let your boss know before looking at this list. With the changing economy and the shift to a more technologically advanced society there are a plethora of new opportunities in the work force. We included some of the more interesting and imaginative jobs out there to help get your creative juices flowing.
Flip through to see what interesting jobs we found (and how much they pay!):
Songwriter
Although songwriting is a lucrative profession, it isn’t easy to get into the industry. Songwriting is a combination of self-study, examining the instrumentals of songs, and factoring the singing capabilities of the performer—basically you have to have a good ear. Those who make it big get the opportunity to hang out with famous singers, producers, and industry execs. The best part: the royalties from songs tend to make more money for songwriters than the actual performers.
Average Salary: $40,000 to $110,000 plus
Fashion Label Creative Director
Ever look at a clothing line and wonder who oversees the designs, picks all the fabric, and orchestrates the fashion shows—it’s the creative director. As the faces behind the hottest fashion trends, they work diligently to bring new collections to the masses every season. Those interested in the field usually go to design/fashion and apprentice under a label for years before landing the coveted position.
Average Salary: $40,000 to $100,000 (depending on size of label)
Magazine Editor
Essence editor, Angela Burt Murray with actresses, Sanaa Lathan and Gabrielle Union.
The fabulous life of a magazine editor actually involves a lot of work. The usual day-to-day includes assigning pieces, checking on writers, approving page layouts, researching, and every other task one can think of to bring the final product together. The perks of the job depend on what kind of publication you work for, but can be as fun as a trip abroad (for a story) or front seats at NBA games.
Average Salary: $30,000 to $2.1 million (Ana Wintour’s salary at Vogue)
Arts Therapist
As an alternative to tradition psychiatric medicine, art was introduced as a way to help patients back in the 1940’s. Since then, the profession has developed into a widely practice form of therapy. Art therapists use the creative process of artmaking to enhance and asses the mental, emotional and physical prognosis of patients. There are masters programs for art therapy and an undergraduate degree in psychology or health care is most complimentary.
Average Salary: $38,000 to $50,000 (private practice can earn between $85 to $120 per hour)
Genetic Counselor
This profession has been created out of the latest discoveries emphasizing the significance of genes on everything from health to personality. It’s important for everyone to know their genetic predispositions, especially for those who are facing serious health risks. Genetic counselors test and educate individuals or familes about their risk for genetic conditions (such as cystic fibrosis, cancer, or Down syndrome). Counselors tend to have masters degrees in genetic counseling.
Average Salary: $49,000-$65,000
TV Show Writer
“Grey’s Anatomy” writer, Shonda Rhimes.
Writing for programs that millions could potentially watch is no easy job. Writers usually work in teams for television shows, and getting one of the staff writing positions is extremely difficult considering that there are less positions than there is talent. But getting the job comes down to 1) who you know and 2) winning a contest or wowing an agent with a great sample script. One of the added benefits is that you have your summers off when television season ends.
Average Salary: $40,000 to $80,000
Video Game Designer
This multi-billion dollar industry isn’t going anywhere so aspiring game designers rejoice! Game designers develop the concept and gameplay of a video game. Although no degree is necessary (but encouraged for full-time work and to receive proper training) designers need to have a good visual grasp of the virtual world, unique design skills, and be technologically savvy. Many design schools offer programs in video game designing.
Average Salary: $40,000 to $60,000
Hotel Interior Designer
The psychology behind designing public spaces is fascinating. Designers, especially for hotels, need to consider the city culture and clientele when choosing every detail of decor. Hotel interior designers can be hired as freelancers, work within a hotel chain, or work with a design company. From light balance to paint colors to the texture of the bed sheets, every aspect of the hotel must be on point. Credibility in the biz comes from a variety of factors like credentials, qualifications, education, previous work experience, and recommendations from past clients.
Average Salary: $31,000 to $57,000 plus
Brewmaster
Garrett Oliver is one of the top brewmasters in the nation.
Beer is easy to drink, but isn’t half as easy to create. Being a brewmaster doesn’t necessarily require a degree, but does require years of experience and knowledge of the fermenting process. To be considered a brewmaster one must have five years in the field, supervise the complete brewing process, and manage a brewery. Brewmasters work in one of the 1500 microbreweries in the country.
Average Salary: $25,000 to $100,000 (depending on size/exclusivity of brewery)
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Concert Promoter
Remember when you were a kid and mom let you plan your birthday party? You picked the venue (your living room), the decorations, made the invites, and hoped your friends would come. Well a concert promoter does something similar, but the amount of people that show up are their bread and butter. Promoters coordinate with performers, venues and sponsors to create a quality live music experience.
Average Salary: Minimum wage to $1 million (salary contingent upon the artist, concert’s success, and/or commission wage)
Social Media Director
This innovative career has shown up on the payroll of companies a lot more in the past decade. The role of a social media director is to maintain the web presence of a company through social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. In essence all these people do are spend the day on sites to find out what’s trending, make status updates and get an idea of who is the customer for the brand they represent. Directors also create media campaigns and address questions or concerns that people post. But ultimately, the goal is brand promotion and a quality user engagement experience.
Average Salary: $55,000
Futurist
While many hear “futurist” and think of Jetsons-like intergalactic skills, it’s actually a pretty current and relevant career choice. Futurists use science, technology and philosophy skills to predict the climate and economic interests of consumers. Beyond trend setting, this valuable skill pays very well for those who have good foresight.
Average Salary: $30,000 to $100,000 plus
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Flavorist
Some colleges are actually starting to create whole curriculums for this fun profession. Flavorists use science and a love of food to engineer artificial and natural flavors. The flavor chemists also make sure food is safe for consumption. In the past, education has been primarily through apprenticeships at flavor houses, but one can obtain a PhD in Chemistry to enhance knowledge of the elements of food.
Average Salary: $58,000-$76,000
Sommelier
Some people are serious about their drinks. Sommeliers are the type of people who can’t stand to be in a dining hall and watch someone eating a heavy steak with Pinot Noir. One needs a refined skill and a clear palette for this job and sommeliers can be certified for as low as $4800 but the higher the ranking (certified, advanced, master) the better the pay.
Average Salary: $28,000 for novice sommeliers and $80,000-$160,000 for certified Master Sommeliers.
Sleep Consultant
In a constantly moving world, there are many people who actually have issues falling asleep. Sleep consultants, usually hired by corporate clients, help the overworked fall asleep by mind/body exercises and environment shifts. Some consultants practice in luxury locations like day spas, retreats, and even resorts.
Average Salary: $66,000
Celebrity For No Reason
Let’s face it, in 2010 being a celebrity is an actual career. How many times have you seen someone on the red carpet, getting the superstar treatment that has no talent or drive for anything other than a reality show? Sadly, these “celebrities” make thousands, even millions a year in public appearances. From dancing at a nightclubs to going on talk shows, a check is always involved. Must be nice.
Average Salary: $50,000 to $1 million plus
