It's extremely common to not have the time, the funds, or the patience to
attend four or more years of school to land a dream job. The good news is that
if you cannot earn a bachelor's degree or even a higher degree, you're not
forced to work at a dead-end, low-paying job for the rest of your life. With as
little as two years of schooling, or even less in some cases, you can land a
lucrative career doing something you actually enjoy while making a decent
amount of money. The options for careers in two years or less are actually
quite large, giving you the opportunity to find something that would make you
happy.
Massage Therapist
A career in massage therapy is extremely rewarding. As a massage therapist,
you'll be able to use your touch to help relieve pain, ease tension, promote
relaxation, improve circulation, and help heal injuries. The education
requirements to become a massage therapist vary by state, but you'll be
required to attend a massage therapy school to have hands on training and
receive knowledge about organs, tissues, body mechanics, business management,
and ethics. In some states, you can obtain your license in as little as a few
months; in others, it can take you up to two years.
The best part about a license in massage therapy is that you can choose to
start your own business. If you're thinking about starting your own business,
look around to find the best quality salon and spa equipment to use
with your clients.
Dental Hygienist
As a dental hygienist, you'll be responsible for cleaning teeth, providing
preventative dental care, and examining patients for oral diseases like
gingivitis. It typically takes around two years to become qualified for a
dental hygienist career, and you can receive your education from a community
college, dental school, or a technical college. If you are interested in
advancing your career, you have the option to do so by obtaining a bachelor's
or even a master's degree, but those are not required for individuals just
starting out as a dental hygienist.
Electrician
The good news is that if you want to become an electrician, you only need to
have a high school diploma. To become trained as an electrician, you'll have to
find an apprenticeship program because that will provide you with hand on
instruction and in-class training, you'll need to perform your job correctly.
As an electrician, you'll have the opportunity to bring power to residents and
install and repair electrical wiring.
Sonographer
As a sonographer, you'll get to use digital imaging equipment to access and
diagnose a wide range of medical conditions via sound waves directed into a
patient's body. You'll need to have an associate's degree in diagnostic medical
sonography. You can further your career as a sonographer by continuing your
education and obtaining a bachelor's degree. If you already have experience
working in the healthcare field, you may only have to take a 1-year certificate program in
sonography.
Don't become discouraged at
the thought of having to attend school to obtain a lucrative career. Use that
as motivation to earn the necessary skills to land the career you've always
wanted. Going back to school allows you to learn skills you need, but it
also looks great on your resume. Even with a degree, it may take some time
to land a job, but don't give up hope. Remain persistent and talk yourself up
in every interview to let the hiring managers know why you'll be a great asset
to their company.
