According to the Pew Research Center, 49 percent of Americans say they're happy with their job. Arguably one of the most important parts of choosing a career path, finding something you're happy and passionate about is more likely to happen if you have a college degree, Pew reports.
If you're an undecided JJC student or considering JJC as one of your college options, check out our list below to see seven careers that will make you happy - all of which can be obtained with an associate degree from JJC.
Please note: This list is subjective and depends on an individual's interest level.
1. Personal Trainer
Average Salary: $38,160 (Click here to learn more)
Job Outlook: 8 percent projected increase from 2014-2024
JJC Program of Study: Personal Trainer
JJC Program Coordinator: David Opon, dopon@jjc.edu
WHY IT'S HAPPY:
Personal trainers get to meet new people, build relationships and watch their clients transform through exercise every day. It's no wonder that in 2012, they were ranked as one of CNN Money's best jobs in America.
2. Interior Designer
Average Salary: $49,810 a year (Click here to learn more)
Job Outlook: 4 percent projected increase from 2014-2024
JJC Program of Study: Interior Design
JJC Program Coordinator: Oksana Alfredson, oalfredo@jjc.edu
WHY IT'S HAPPY:
According to InteriorDesign.net, 84 percent of interior designers reported being happy at work. Using their creativity, interior designers get to transform commercial and residential spaces into comfortable living spaces. (Note: JJC's program is accredited and prepares students for the National Council of Interior Design Qualification (N.C.I.D.Q.) exam to become a licensed interior designer.)
3. Chef/Head Cook
Average Salary: $43,180 a year (Click here to learn more)
Job Outlook: 9 percent projected increase from 2014-2024
JJC Program of Study: Culinary Arts
JJC Department Chair: Mike McGreal, mmcgreal@jjc.edu
WHY IT'S HAPPY:
Head Cook was named one of Trade-School.net's list of 29 Jobs that Make You Happy. Though this position can sometimes be stressful, cooks report that the ability to use creativity in their work and the feeling of "being in the flow," makes the job worth it.
4. Veterinary Technician
Average Salary: $32,490 a year (Click here to learn more)
Job Outlook: 19 percent projected increase from 2014-2024
JJC Program of Study: Veterinary Medical Technology
JJC Program Coordinator: Eileen McKee, emckee@jjc.edu
WHY IT'S HAPPY:
Veterinary technicians were named one of U.S. News' best health care support jobs. As an "animal nurse," vet techs work with animals and handle lab work, surgery assistance and other tasks.
5. Social and Human Services Assistant
Average Salary: $31,810 a year (Click here to learn more)
Job Outlook: 11 percent projected increase from 2014-2024
JJC Program of Study: Human Services
JJC Program Coordinator: Pattie Katralis, pkatrali@jjc.edu
WHY IT'S HAPPY:
According to an article published by Time Magazine, studies have proven that helping others makes you happy. Social and Human Services Assistants not only help their own clients but they also assist social workers.
6. Radiologic Technologist
Average Salary: $58,960 (Click here to learn more)
Job Outlook: 9 percent projected increase from 2014-2024
JJC Program of Study: Radiologic Technology
JJC Program Coordinator: Bob Verkler, rverkler@jjc.edu
WHY IT'S HAPPY:
A hot career that requires making patinets feel at ease while operating x-ray machines and other equipment, radiologic technologists were ranked as one of U.S. News' best health care support jobs.
7. Preschool Teacher
Average Salary: $28,790 year (Click here to learn more)
Job Outlook: 7 percent projected increase from 2014-2024
JJC Program of Study: Child Development
JJC Program Adviser: Melissa Szymczak, mszymcza@jjc.edu
WHY IT'S HAPPY:
Preschool teachers get the opportunity to help shape young minds and were rated as one of U.S. News' best education jobs.
What makes a job "happy"?
The honest answer is: your job satisfaction level is really up to you! So, weigh your interests, do your research and make sure you're confident about the major you choose. Not sure what career path would make you happy? Make an appointment with one of our counselors or career coaches using the information below and they can guide you as you make a decision.
Career Services Center
Phone: (815) 280-2756
Location: A-1175, Main Campus
Website: jjc.edu/info/careers
Student Advising Center
Phone: (815) 280-2673
Location: A-1154, Main Campus
Website: jjc.edu/advising
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