We all dream of having a job that grants us the flexibility we need to enjoy life on our terms. Too many jobs in this world require you to be in the office from 9am – 5pm every day of the week. Particularly in the United States, many of these traditional jobs make it nearly impossible to take vacation time when needed. However, there are many professions that allow individuals the opportunity to work on their schedule.
1. Freelance Consultant
There are many sites online where people offer their skills on a pay-per-project basis. These freelance consultants design their work schedules around their needs. Since the majority of such work is done through the internet, they are able to travel and work at whatever hours suit them. Freelance consultants are often driven to work extensive hours in order to meet a particular deadline; however, they typically have the freedom to accept or reject projects that may be more or less intense in terms of deadlines.
One of the very reasons people are attracted to the freelance business is due to the flexibility; however, there are some unique risks to this profession. Freelance work is typically somewhat irregular, so individuals may work intensively for a short period and then be without any work for a while. One’s rate of pay must be negotiated for each new project, and the freelancer may not know exactly how reliable the person they are working with is.
Although there are risks for Freelance work, it is also one of the most flexible professions around. Since the increasing interest in online work and outsourcing, this form of employment is currently on the rise.
2. Actuary
According to Forbes.com, 93% of actuaries have flexible schedules. An actuary works to analyze both financial impact of risk and uncertainty within a particular business. Much of their work deals with assessing financial security systems.
In order to be an actuary, you need to be well versed in mathematics, especially in probability theory, analytic thinking, human behavior and information systems. This profession has been determined to be one of the most desirable professions by a number of different sources including U.S. News and World Report.
The flexibility of those employed as Actuaries is very conducive to developing your own schedule. When it comes to vacation time, actuaries are very likely to have the flexibility needed to work it in as needed.
3. Attorney/Lawyer
It can take a considerable amount of education in order to become an attorney or a lawyer; however, once you’ve reached that level, you are very likely to have a flexible schedule. Because you are able to have a say in scheduling relevant meetings, taking on clients, and the time commitments related to each project, you are likely to be able to create your own schedule.
Forbes reports that 91% of lawyers with between 5-8 years of experience have flexible schedules. As a lawyer, you’ll have to work hard, but you’ll be able to choose when and where to take that vacation.
4. Management Consultant
Management consultants work to improve the efficiency and performance of businesses. These workers focus on organization difficulties and develop action plans to improve the situation. Many such consultants work with a variety of different businesses, so many get hired based on their expertise in what the current best practices in the field are.
One of the reasons working as a management consultant gives you the opportunity to make your own schedule is the high rate of telecommuting. Since a lot of the work being done can be completed via online methods, you are able to work in a variety of different places and situations. This gives you more opportunity to build in that important vacation time. All you need is some wifi and you can work wherever you are!
5. Speech Pathologist
Speech pathologists help people learn how to communicate more effectively. Many speech pathologists focus on helping individuals with particular challenges such as speech disorders. Some work with children, others with those who have suffered strokes, or even those with brain injuries. These individuals work in a variety of different locations ranging from hospitals to schools. Since a lot of the time speech pathologists dedicate to their job is based on one-to-one sessions, there is considerable flexibility in devising a schedule.
Although there are numerous professions who offer schedule flexibility, not all professions include such ability. For example, dentists often find developing a schedule that includes vacation time to be a challenge. Professions such as dentistry often require additional support such as http://forestirons.com/ in order to work in this important time to recharge.
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Louise Williams has traveled all over the globe to study and capture all of the various types of professions out there. From Europe to China to India, she’s seen all types of careers, and now she brings her knowledge to the masses.
