Fed up with your makeshift workspace on the dining room table? Or maybe that corner desk isn’t sparking joy or productivity like it used to? Whether you’ve just bought a home in Sarasota, FL, and are designing your first home office from a clean slate, or you’ve been working in the same office since the early days of the pandemic after moving to Katy, TX, and never truly made it your own, now is the perfect time to make a change. If your home office is due for an upgrade, you’re in the right place.
We’ve gathered insider advice from experts to help you create a space that isn’t just about function—it’s about comfort and personal style too. Get ready to take notes on this Redfin article as we delve into color theory, ergonomics, strategic placement, and even the art of decluttering. These expert-approved tips and tricks will guide you in designing a home office that’s not just practical but also a space you’ll love to work in. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and start creating your dream workspace.
1. Revamp your home workspace by reflecting on past experiences
“Think back to workspaces you’ve either worked in or visited in person and use them as a planning tool,” recommends The Order Expert. “What did you find unappealing about the layout, surroundings, environment, lighting, or furniture? Once you’ve identified these characteristics, you can flip things around to your personal tastes and preferences. For instance, if you find cool lighting too harsh, you may want to choose warm lighting in your home office.”
2. Practical tips and accessories that will help you master the art of focus
“A visible sign to let your housemates know you are in the focus zone or doing deep work is crucial. Use a door hanger to indicate that you can’t be interrupted,” recommends Marcey Rader. “Remember, you can’t be in focus mode all day. Take down the sign when you’re doing lighter work.
Standing signifies ‘work,’ while sitting suggests ‘leisure.’ Invest in a standing desk and alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day to prevent glute amnesia and optimize your focus. An essential accessory for standing is an anti-fatigue mat.
Consider getting a whiteboard to list your top priorities for the day. Opt for a double-sided rolling whiteboard that you can easily move around and put away, or use whiteboard decals cut to size without leaving holes in your wall.”
3. Incorporate color to enhance mood and productivity
“When it comes to designing a home office to boost your productivity, use color as a tool to set the atmosphere for your ideal workday,” suggests Simplish. “Colors are coded with unconscious messages and have a proven impact on your mood, indirectly influencing your actions throughout the day.”
“Color theory and the strategic use of color play a crucial role in creating an environment that fosters focus and enhances productivity. For example, cool blues and greens can promote a sense of calmness and concentration, while pops of energizing colors like yellow or red can stimulate creativity and motivation,” says Sims & Co Interior Design. “By harnessing the power of color, we can customize a home office to provide personalized inspiration.”
4. Avoid built-in desks in your home office setup
“Avoid built-in desks as they are often difficult to modify and can be ergonomically unsound,” urges Dr. Scott Leaderman from Ergonomics Doc. “This is especially important when sharing a desk with someone, as even a slight difference in height can significantly impact ergonomics and comfort. Consulting an ergonomic specialist to help find the perfect desk is an excellent way to ensure your workstation is comfortable and efficient.”
5. Add in some personalized art and photos
“Enhance the ambiance with art and meaningful photos on the walls. Adding splashes of color throughout the room can create an inviting atmosphere. Opt for artwork that incorporates colors other than blue and white, as the goal is to surround yourself with hues that differ from the blue tones emitted by computer screens,” recommends Dr. Leaderman.
6. Make your home office set up in a strategic location
“Location matters. Choose a quiet area of your home with minimal distractions for your home office. Ideally, the space should have ample natural light, good ventilation, and most importantly, avoid placing your desk facing East or West. Direct sunlight while working can intensify eye fatigue,” says Dr. Leaderman.
7. Embrace minimalism in your desk setup
“Our desks often succumb to clutter, which studies reveal increases cortisol (the stress hormone) and hampers focus. Thus, a minimalist desk proves highly effective. A minimalist desk consists of essentials: computer, monitor, keyboard, mouse, notepad, writing utensils, and a beverage,” says Alexis Haselberger, a personal coach for time management, productivity and stress-reduction.
“While other desk items may be necessary, keeping them in drawers, cabinets, or boxes promotes better concentration, ultimately saving time in the long run. Moreover, when envisioning an ideal home workspace, incorporating multiple seating areas adds variety and boosts productivity. Assigning different tasks to different areas adds a refreshing change of scenery. While a desk serves well for most work, having a cozy couch or soft chair offers a pleasant alternative. For instance, I find my creativity flourishes on a couch, whereas I revert to my desk when I require multiple monitors.”
8. Strive for a balance between aesthetics appeal and functional efficiency
“In my dream workspace, I would have a clean-lined, spacious desk with impeccable wire management. Wires hanging off my desk would be the last thing I want to see in this serene setting. My office must feature two chairs positioned in the front and back of the desk to accommodate guests. A snappy leather swivel chair on casters becomes a necessity for easy mobility and quick access to my file drawers,” shares Sarasota Chic Interiors.
“In addition to the desk, a complementary credenza equipped with file drawers and storage for photo albums adds to the functionality and aesthetics of the space. To display accessories and showcase my collection of books, a free-floating tall bookcase with LED lighting becomes a focal point. A plush area rug with accent colors would grace the floor, providing a soft surface for my bare feet while ensuring it remains thin enough for effortless movement of my swivel caster chair.
To enhance the ambiance, I envision large-scale wall art on one side and a decent-sized TV on another, serving both as an entertainment source and a multipurpose monitor. Recognizing the importance of lighting, I recommend incorporating an LED desk light for focused illumination and a stylish chandelier that not only adds visual appeal but also provides extra brightness.
In terms of accessories, consider adding a leather pencil holder, a desk blotter, a paperweight, a magnifier with a letter opener, and lastly, Alexa to play your favorite tunes, adding a touch of convenience and personalization to your home office experience.”
9. Incorporate relaxing elements into your home office design
“The foremost consideration in designing your home workspace is to ensure it reflects your unique personality and exudes a sense of relaxation. Since you are the sole occupant of this space, it should be a comforting and inviting extension of yourself,” recommends Zachary Luke Designs.
“Opting for light-colored walls, positioning your desk to face the window, and placing a cozy rug beneath your feet are excellent choices, in my opinion. Complete the ambiance by adorning the walls with art, as gazing at blank walls all day is hardly inspiring. Embrace the opportunity to personalize your space, making it a true reflection of your identity and an environment that encourages productivity and enjoyment.”
10. Eliminate distraction and clutter
“Good design starts with removing all that does not support it. Both productivity and comfort in your home office stem from the elimination of distractions and excess,” says SJ Sallinger Designs. “Begin by discarding unnecessary paperwork and disposing of old electronics. Let go of furniture and items that occupy valuable space without contributing to your success.”
Save more, spend smarter, and make your money go further
It’s “National Splurge Day!” People who normally live modestly are encouraged to relax their boundaries and indulge in things they normally forgo. Yes, it’s one of those arbitrary holidays that someone just made up, but it’s actually a good excuse to address the topic of splurging.
I know what you’re thinking. “What the heck, Mint? You’re the place I come to for help with saving money.”
Hear me out. During the last few years I have learned that building money into my budget for little (and occasionally big) indulgences is a healthy way of keeping myself on track with my saving. It’s one good way to battle “frugal fatigue” and prevent myself from making foolish purchases on the days I’m sick of worrying about every penny all the time.
The occasional splurge approach works not only with money, but with other things we deny ourselves. My favorite splurge is taking a couple extra hours in my day for a spa pedicure, and ending with a donut. That’s indulging in time, money, and calories all in one! But a splurge might look very different to you.
Maybe there is really no room in your budget for a splurge today, but you can start preparing by putting some money aside for one in the future. If you do have some wiggle room, here are some suggestions for responsible splurging.
Fix what’s broken
Do you hate your clanky, energy-inefficient refrigerator/washing machine/dishwasher? Do you keep saying to your spouse “We really need to replace our pathetic window screens/beat-up mailbox/chipped paint job?” Are you putting off that car repair that will eventually make the difference between having a working car and taking the bus? Pick even one of these and take care of it. You’ll feel a whole lot better.
Invest in yourself
Check out local deal offers like Groupon or Living Social for discounts on gyms, art studio events, or tuition for extended learning centers. While the cost might be a splurge, the new physical fitness, artistic ability, or knowledge you gain from these classes will stay with you and increase your quality of life.
Buy some time
A very busy friend of mine likes to say that “throwing money at a problem” isn’t always a bad idea. Have a TaskRabbit or virtual assistant take care of your errands or data entry and use the saved time to do something for yourself. Pay a babysitter and go out with friends or significant other, whom you never see because you’re working and taking care of other people. Save time on meal planning by paying someone else to do the thinking for you.
Start the process
Take a bite out of a bigger splurge by setting some money aside toward the vacation that will satisfy your wanderlust or recharge you. Or finally pursue that elective medical procedure that could make your life easier: laser eye surgery, physical therapy for your aching back, even braces. Do you have a health savings account sitting around with a balance because everyone in your family is healthy? First, count your lucky stars, and then look into using your balance toward a procedure. If it’s a Flexible Spending Account, you have to spend the money by year end or you lose it, so you might as well use it for good, right?
Buy some happiness
I know that going to the movies with my kids makes all of us happy, but I almost never do it because the cost can be $40 for three tickets alone! We only go to the movies a few times a year, but when we do, the experience is fun and special. I go all out: the kids can choose any snack and drink, and we try to get to the theater early so they get their pick of seats.
What makes you happy? I hope you find a way to splurge on yourself, if not today, then when it works for your finances. It’ll make budgeting that much more rewarding.
Kim Tracy Prince is a Los Angeles-based writer who has a husband and two little boys. She often dreams of splurging on a nap and a margarita, not necessarily in that order.
Save more, spend smarter, and make your money go further
Have you ever misplaced your car keys inside an Old Navy bag stuffed with bras you couldn’t bear to have smooshed so you packed them with oranges that went rotten before you found them—the keys, that is. Well, and the oranges. We’re not even going to talk about the bras.
MOVING MAKES YOU CRAZY FOR A REASON.
Even if you move because you’ve found a situation you prefer over your old one, you are not exempt from the crazy.
It’s just a matter of which type you are.
The Procrastinator
Checklist, shmecklist. You spend 90% of your time on a problem that’s 10% of what’s important. On deadline, you pull all-nighters like a dentist pulls teeth—which leaves holes in your sanity.
If this is you, try:
Setting aside chocolate chips or Andes mints—something small to be used as a daily reward. Be sure to reward yourself often. Studies show positive encouragement—even from yourself—is the surest way to motivate. Try writing down each task you accomplished, creating the opposite of a to-do list. It’s a GOT-DONE list.
Organize your time by postponing work in a strong area until you take a baby-step in a weak area. For example, say you’ve packed the den, but can’t face the phone calls needed to book your moving day personnel. Don’t allow yourself to pack the garage until you at least get the truck reserved. Use a simple printable checklist for moving.
Be aware of time passing. Procrastinators enjoy focusing on tasks deeply, until time “stands still.” Um, except that three hours just slipped by. Set timers. Have a daily countdown until The Big Day.
Dude, you’re a procrastinator. Factor that in to your estimates of how long each task will take. It’s okay. It’s part of loving yourself the way you are.
The Pack Rat
In our early 20’s, my husband and I moved from a studio apartment to a duplex, and I thought my storage problems were over. Wrong. When we later moved into a small home, I thought the same thing. Wrong again. The storage space was not the problem. We were the problem. If we have 120 linear feet of shelf space, we acquire 180’s-worth of things within seconds of entering the door.
If you buy stuff routinely (you do) but don’t get rid of stuff routinely (semi-annually at least), you have a hoarding problem. Owning too much overloads your working memory, kills your processing-speed, and basically makes you batty. Here’s the low-down:
Moving forces you to face your clutter. This is good! It may seem overwhelming, but items entered the house little by little and they leave the same way. Try visiting a blog with home organization tips.
If possible, don’t pack yet. Instead, start in one room and sort items into:
Trash
Give-away
Critical items (items you need daily, like shoes and toiletries)
Short-term storage (items that can stay packed during the moving process, like books)
Long-term storage (items already considered storage, like Christmas decorations)
As you sort, think like a retail store does. We all know time is money, but stores know space is money, too. Customers demand a navigable space where products are accessible. Before a store can stock more items, it must purchase more shelf-space, and that means paying a higher lease at a bigger store. The same is true for your new home. The cost of your home per square foot is hundreds of dollars. It dwarfs the replacement cost of a pair of lacrosse shoes you haven’t worn since middle school.
When sorting is complete, remove trash and give-away items from your home.
Gather critical items together.
Pack short-term storage into boxes.
Spend a few hundred dollars buying matching plastic storage bins for all long-term storage items. They act as moving boxes and keep you organized once you’ve moved in. Double bonus.
The Crisis-Mover
Sudden moves brought on by death, divorce, eviction, job loss, or other negative events can create a genuine crisis. If you find yourself in this camp:
Breathe. Life happens.
Assemble help.
Ask for specific favors. You may balk at asking a neighbor to watch your kids day and night for a week, but being proactive about getting your family into a stable situation helps everyone. Don’t wait for the situation to deteriorate further.
The more people you assemble to help, the less you fatigue any one person. Look to churches and youth service groups. Put out calls on social media.
If you are able to, provide treats or food to volunteers. And say thank you!
Ditch doing things “right” and get through the move.
Schedule a moving truck and assemble volunteers.
Throw away obvious garbage and pack everything else. You’ll go through it later.
On moving day, have boxes and/or large, sturdy garbage sacks for volunteers to use in moving you. Lack of container-space is the bane of sudden moves.
Once in your new place, use check a list like this one to get after those stray to-do items, such as switching your utilities and forwarding your mail.
The move is over, and it’s time to take steps to ensure you’re able to stay on your feet. Give back to your friends and family where possible. It’s empowering to be on the other side of giving. And you could use some bold moves after your crisis-move!
The Stress Case
You are a list-maker. You list-make in the shower and during family meals and in bed at 4 a.m. and at 5 a.m. and at 6 a.m. and you know you’re less than a minute from a panic attack at all moments and STOP AND READ THE STEPS ALREADY.
Get proper rest. Put the list aside in time to unwind for the night. Try meditation.
Pay attention to your emotional and mental health. Make a check box for daily happiness, setting aside at least a half an hour. Try to focus on social things, like playing with your toddler or meeting a friend for lunch.
Use a robust checklist for moving that does much of your thinking for you.
Plan to experience failure. Will you forget something during the move? Absolutely. Something really, really important? YES! Okay, maybe not, but even if you do, you’re capable. You can fix these problems—and fixing them is much less effort than you would spend stressing about every what-if.
So . . . which crazy do YOU need to conquer? No matter what it is, don’t forget the final step of every moving-day checklist: make sure to enjoy your new home! To save money while you buy or sell homes, visit our Buy Any Home page or sign up to sell with Homie today.
Now that Tarek and Heather El Moussa have joined forces in holy matrimony and in the business of flipping homes and in starring on their own show, “The Flipping El Moussas,” we figured it was only a matter of time before they took the next step that all reality star couples take.
Can you guess? They’ve embarked on selling their own line of home decor.
Pretty much all big-name reality TV stars hawk their own products, of course. Chip and JoannaGaines peddle home accessories galore at Magnolia and Target. Property brothers Drew and Jonathan Scott launched a furniture line at Living Spaces. Dave and Jenny Marrs of “Fixer to Fabulous” have a slew of outdoor wares at Walmart. Even Tarek’s ex-wife, Christina Hall, has her own bracelet line. In short, the list of celebrity-endorsed products is nearly endless.
So it stands to reason that the El Moussas would also enter into the fray. Yet while I was excited to check out their offerings, I have to admit I was somewhat underwhelmed.
Is Tarek and Heather El Moussa’s home decor line a flop?
Home by Tarek & Heather currently offers only four products: two candles priced at $38, one candle priced at a jaw-dropping $249, and a dispenser of hand soap for $16.
All “smell lovely,” says Heather in a promotional video.
Apparently, these four products are just the start, with more to come—at least according to the second episode of their show, when Tarek and Heather were celebrating the arrival of some samples. They are not only sniffing candle scents, but also plumping pillows and nuzzling what looked like whisper-soft throws.
Tarek describes their new line: “In all of our flips, we’re going to put in candles, we’re going to do floor mats, rugs, maybe blankets, like homey stuff. Like comfy rugs and pillows.”
“So when people walk in, they know it’s a home by Heather and Tarek—er, Tarek and Heather. Sorry,” Heather says with a laugh.
I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who immediately wanted one of those throws. Given my anticipation, I was sorely disappointed to scour their website with nary a throw in sight—just four freaking products, one of them a $249 candle.
Could they have been overly eager to get to market, or just painfully naive about marketing home products? Tarek is known for selling homes, but selling home decor is a whole different game.
To find out what they might have been thinking, I reached out to consummate branding and marketing expert Klint Briney, founder and CEO of BRANDed Management. His company has worked with celebs, including Ed Sheeran, LeAnn Rimes, Mariah Carey, and Mark Cuban among others.
I asked him why the El Moussas launched so few products right out of the gate—shouldn’t they have waited until they had more to offer? Briney thinks not.
“By entering the saturated market of celebrity brands and home goods, a more risk-averse approach would be to initiate a small launch to test the market,” Briney says.
In other words, less is initially more when it comes to these lines.
“They chose two hero products that are both gender-neutral, accessibly-priced, and shelf-stable,” Briney continues. “In a time when most Americans struggle with decision fatigue, fewer offerings can often initiate higher conversion rates, as they are not bombarding the consumer with too many choices.”
I heard that. When I do a search on Amazon for one specific product and get 20 pages of results, I am usually overwhelmed by the choices and hold off on my purchase.
Tarek and Heather’s products haven’t been picked up yet by big-box stores like Target and Walmart, where their contemporaries have a presence? Is that a bad sign?
Not really, according to Briney.
“It appears they are taking a more targeted and narrow approach upon launch, as it is critical for them to ‘win their own backyard’ before employing a more large-scale, blanketed rollout,” Briney continues. “Their items are strategically branded Newport Beach and Los Angeles, the two markets they work and reside in. This sort of data is great presentation material when meeting with mainstream retailers, which often leads to better terms.”
In other words, you start out small and targeted, prove your work in a niche area, then your business offers a lot more value to a big-box store.
“They can learn a lot by the recent acquisition of Aussie brand Aesop,” Briney adds. This producer of skin, hair, and body care products was recently “acquired by Loreal for $2.5 billion, the largest in company history.”
If they’re lucky, Tarek and Heather, after starting with a few candles and some hand soap, could end up with a billion-dollar deal with a major international corporation.
“In an era of cancel culture and the fast rise and fall of most celebrity careers, the fact that Tarek has had a show in production over 10 years, along with reinventing himself after a high-profile divorce, shows his marketplace viability,” Briney concludes.
Forget the throws. Maybe instead I should buy stock in the El Moussa company.
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It’s that time of year again. The joyous, magical time of giving and receiving!
What do I want for Christmas?
This is a question that you may find yourself asking this time of year.
It can be hard to ask someone what they would like as it feels kind of weird and embarrassing! Even worse, is actually telling someone exactly what you want.
Many times people are so caught up in their own lives, with work and school, and other things going on, that they don’t know what the best gift to give each other might be! The last thing anyone needs is more stress (or anxiety) around the holidays.
So, I have compiled a list of some ideas for what you might like as a gift this Christmas!
To kickstart this list, I asked around to my besties – both women and men what they really want for Christmas. This list is from real people!
Guaranteed you will find the perfect gift for that someone special on your list!
things I want for christmas
I hope this holiday gift guide helps give you some ideas for what to ask for this year!
Deep down, I want big things like travel, quiet time, health, and hanging out with my family. But, my family always wants ideas.
Regardless, if you have a big Christmas list or small one, here are great ideas for you.
What do I want on my Christmas list?
When it comes to Christmas lists, it can be tough to figure out what you actually want.
After all, there are so many things to choose from! But don’t worry, we’re here to help.
Consider the five-gift rule:
Something I Want
Something I Need
Something to Wear
Something to Read
Something to Do
Some great gift ideas for Christmas include clothes, books, movies, gift cards, and experiences like a trip or a concert. But remember: these are just suggestions! You should put whatever you want on your list–after all, it’s your Christmas present!
What Do I Want for Christmas?
Hey everyone, it’s that time of year again when we all start to think about what we want for Christmas.
Personally, I’ve been doing a lot of online shopping and have compiled a list of items that I would love to see under the tree on December 25th.
If you’re like me and still haven’t decided on what you want, don’t worry! I’ve got you covered with this ultimate holiday gift guide.
1. Headphones / AirPods
First up are headphones. There are a ton of different options when it comes to headphones, but I love my Apple AirPods I received a few years ago.
The price tags on most of their devices seem steep at first, but you can find some great entry-level ones that offer great quality.
I highly recommend quality headphones for your Christmas wish list.
2. Money
Money is a popular gift option because it offers a lot of flexibility. You can use it to buy anything you want, and it’s always appreciated. Some people find it difficult to ask for money or receive it as a gift, but with the right attitude, it can be a great way to show your loved ones that you care.
One way to give money as a gift is in a brainteaser box. This fun idea turns giving money into a game, and your friends and family will love trying to figure out how to open it.
However, before you can enjoy the benefits of being on the giving or receiving end of money, you need to have realistic expectations.
Money doesn’t buy happiness, and expecting too much from your loved ones can lead to disappointment.
If you’re feeling brave, why not ask for money this Christmas? It’s always better than expecting something expensive from your loved ones. Here are great money gift ideas.
3. Digital Photo Album
One of the favorite features on my phone is when random picture memories pop up! It makes my heart sing!
If you want a unique gift that will always have these happy photo moments, consider a digital photo album.
This is a great way to store and organize all of your photos in one place, and it’s also easy to share with friends and family.
There are many different options when it comes to digital photo albums, so you can find one that fits your needs. For example, if they like to travel a lot, you might want to choose an album that includes GPS tracking so they can always know where their photos were taken. Or if they’re into scrapbooking, find an album that allows them to add text and other elements to their photos.
Whatever option you choose, make sure the digital photo album is easy for your loved ones to use. The last thing you want is for them to be frustrated with trying to navigate through all of their photos!
4. Shiatsu Massage Chair Pad With Heat Function
If you’re looking for a massage chair pad that will help alleviate muscle soreness, easy neck stiffness, and eliminate fatigue, the Shiatsu Massage Chair Pad With Heat Function is an excellent choice. This product comes with a rolling and spot massage, providing a comfortable, soothing feel to muscles. Plus, it’s an excellent alternative to a full-body massage chair if space and cost are constraints.
The Shiatsu Massage Chair Pad With Heat Function is made with a washable and reusable fabric. It also has anti-slip feet on the bottom to stay in place. The heat function can be turned off if desired, or there’s a timer that will automatically shut it off after 10 minutes of use. You can buy this product on Amazon and way cheaper than a full massage chair.
5. Indoor Smart Herb Garden
If you’re looking for a unique and special gift for the gardener in your life, look no further than an AeroGarden In-Home Garden System. This garden kit takes care of itself and can be placed anywhere in the house–no green thumb required!
The Smart Herb Garden is a great way to get started with gardening, and it’s also perfect for anyone who wants to add scent and beauty to their home or apartment.
You can purchase additional seed pod kits as well.
6. LiLash Purified Eyelash Serum
If you’re looking for the best beauty splurge, look no further than LiLash Purified Eyelash Serum.
Their eyelash serums are made with natural vitamins and minerals to give you noticeable results in just 6 weeks, and full results in 12 weeks!
LiLash is a purified eyelash serum that is vegan, gluten-free, non-toxic, and cruelty-free. It has over a million users and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. They’re also easy-to-use and fit right into your daily routine.
I want to splurge on this eyelash serum to lengthen and thicken my lashes!!
7. Shower Bluetooth Speaker
Do you hate having to stop your music or podcast when you go in the shower? If so, I have the perfect solution for you!
A shower speaker is a small, water-resistant speaker that can be used in the shower, by the pool, or anywhere else near water. They are often Bluetooth-enabled so that they can be connected to a phone or other device for streaming music.
The Oontz shower speaker is waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof. That means you can take it with you wherever you go without having to worry about it getting wet or damaged.
The battery lasts forever on a single charge, so you can use it all day long if you need to. And if that’s not enough, there are a lot of popular Bluetooth speakers on the market, but this is the one I personally have. So no matter what kind of music or podcast lover you are, there’s sure to be a speaker that’s perfect for you.
So check them out today and get ready to rock out in the shower!
8. Everyday Hammock Chair
If you’re looking for the perfect gift for the person who wants to slip away and relax, look no further than a hammock! This high-quality hammock chair is made of oak wood and is personalized with the user’s name on it. It’s also a great gift for any occasion!
While many think hammocks are for camping or for hikers to relax after a long day of trekking through the wilderness, they are perfect for ANYONE who needs an escape to quiet. And what could be better than getting to relax in your very own personalized hammock?
Hammocks make a great gift for any occasion, but it’s especially perfect for Christmas.
9. Breville, the Barista Express, Espresso Machine & Specialty Coffee at Home
The Breville Barista Express is a high-quality espresso machine that is perfect for the at-home coffee lover.
The machine is compact and easy to use, making it a one-stop shop for quality espresso.
The Barista Express also delivers fresh, quality espresso in under a minute, so you can get your caffeine fix quickly. Getting authentic café style results in no time at all.
10. Instant Pot Duo Crisp Large 11-in-1 Air Fryer & Electric Pressure Cooker Combo
Instant Pot has come out with a new product that is sure to be a hit every holiday season. The Duo Crisp Large 11-in-1 Air Fryer & Electric Pressure Cooker Combo.
This is something I always wanted, but never wanted to research which one is best. So, my mom bought this one for me. I absolutely love it! And we use it multiple times per week.
This product is a pressure cooker and air fryer combo with 2 convenient removable lids. This means that you can air fry your food in one multi-cooker and easily transition between pressure cooking and slow cooking.
11. Himalayan Rock Salt Lamp
Salt lamps have been popular in western nations for a while now, and for good reason. They offer a number of benefits to those who have them in their home. improved energy, better sleep quality, and purified air are just a few of the advantages you can enjoy from having a Himalayan Rock Salt Lamp.
People who have salt lamps often report multiple benefits from having them in their homes. Some people find that they help improve their moods, while others appreciate the added beauty that the circular design brings to their décor. And unlike traditional lamps, these Himalayan salt lamps are flicker-free, meaning you can read or relax near them without being disturbed by any light flickering.
We have a Himalayan Rock Salt Lamp in each of our bedrooms.
If you’re looking for a unique and beneficial gift this holiday season, consider gifting someone a Himalayan Rock Salt Lamp.
12. Spa Gift Set For Women
When it comes to finding the perfect gift for a woman, sometimes it can be tough to think outside the box. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! This year, consider a spa gift set. Women love to relax and pamper themselves, and what better way to do that than with a luxurious set of spa products?
Hint…hint… a spa gift set is always a great option!
No matter what type of woman you’re shopping for, there’s sure to be a spa gift set that’s perfect for her. Whether she loves spending time at the spa or just enjoys pampering herself at home, she’ll love these luxurious gifts.
So if you’re stuck for ideas this Christmas, why not go with something she’ll really appreciate – time to relax and be pampered?
13. Stress Reliever Ball
Do you find yourself feeling stressed out often? If so, we have the perfect solution for you!
This Serenilite Stress Reliever Ball is perfect for relieving some tension during the workday. It’s a fun addition to your desk or party, with the goal of bringing relaxation into your life when you need it most.
Each ball is made with three densities – soft, medium, and hard. Perfect for strengthening your grip, joints, and muscles.
14. Gemstone Birthstone Necklace
This necklace is a beautiful piece that would make the perfect gift for any occasion. It comes with one pendant and is made of high-quality materials. The pendant measures approximately 13 millimeters in height and is sure to impress.
This minimalist-style gemstone birthstone necklace is perfect for anyone who wants a unique and personalized piece of jewelry. The pendants are engraved and sealed with the month of your choice, making it a special and one-of-a-kind gift.
Who doesn’t want a personalized item for Christmas?!?!
15. Deep Tissue Muscle Treatment Portable Handheld Massage Gun
This handheld massage gun is perfect for those who need deep tissue muscle treatment. It comes with several adjustable speeds to help tense muscles, relieve pain, and increase blood flow. The Shiatsu massage is an added bonus that helps make this gun a great choice for anyone looking for relief from muscle pain.
This device is a great option for those who are on a budget or live in small spaces. The rolling and spot massage work on the back, but this device can be used anywhere on the body.
16. Traeger Wood Pellet Grill
A Traeger wood pellet grill is a great gift for the holidays because the user can control it from anywhere with WiFi and Alexa technology. The grill also has a built-in meat probe, so the user can cook to perfection every time.
They are known for their 6-in 1 versatility, which allows you to use it as a grill, a smoker, a bake oven, a roast oven, a braise pot, and even a BBQ pit.
Traeger is the original creator of the wood-pellet grill. Who says mama can’t smoke meat too?
17. Fitbit Versa 2
The Fitbit Versa 2 is the latest and greatest addition to the Fitbit family.
This smartwatch has all the features you need to help you stay on track. You can create alarms, set reminders, check the weather or start an exercise with Alexa. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors to fit your style.
This smartwatch has an always-on display mode and Fitbit Pay, so you can easily check your pace and distance during a run or pay for something without having to take your wallet out. It also has built-in GPS, so you can track your progress on runs or hikes. Plus, the battery life varies with use, so it’s perfect for people who want a watch that does it all.
So overall, the Fitbit Versa 2 is exactly what you want for Christmas!
18. Robot Vacuum Cleaner
If you’re looking for an easy way to keep your floors clean, a robot vacuum cleaner may be the perfect solution. It was for me!!
Robot vacuums are automatic vacuum cleaners that do not need cleaning themselves and can be charged automatically. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with multiple cleaning modes and auto-clean scheduling.
Some of the more popular brands include iRobot, eufy, and Shark. While there are many robot vacuums on the market, each has its own unique features that set it apart from the competition. For example, some models are designed for pet owners or have special attachments for dealing with tougher messes.
When shopping for a robot vacuum cleaner, it’s important to consider your specific needs and budget. Many models are available online, so be sure to do your research before making a purchase. Less time cleaning is a win for you!
19. Kindle Paperwhite
If you’re looking for an e-reader this holiday season, the Kindle Paperwhite is a great option.
It’s easy to hold and use, and you can read in the sunlight without any screen glare. The Kindle Paperwhite also comes in a size similar to a regular novel, which makes it more comfortable than an ordinary book for readers of all ages. Plus, the Kindle e-Reader can hold thousands of books, and the battery lasts for weeks. And with the Kindle Unlimited, users can read as many books as they like from the store.
The Kindle Paperwhite is a popular option for those looking for an e-reader, and it’s great sale price — less than other options on the market. So if you’re looking for a great gift that your loved ones will actually use, be sure to consider the Kindle Paperwhite!
20. Memory Jars
Memory jars are a great way to capture memories and moments from your life. They can be filled with photos, tickets, mementos, or any other item that holds sentimental value to you. You can create a memory jar for any occasion-a birthday, graduation, wedding, or just because.
To make a memory jar, start by gathering your supplies. You’ll need a jar (or container) of some sort, Mod Podge or another sealant, paintbrush(es), photos or other items to decorate the jar with and scissors. Once you have your supplies ready, it’s time to start creating! Or you can buy straight from Etsy!
Just be sure to include the year so you can look back on your memories later!
21. Desktop Stand for Printer
This desktop stand is perfect for your printer and a great way to save space in your office!
The stand is stable and sturdy, making it perfect for stacking printers, fax machines, scanners, and other office equipment. The height-adjustable skid pads protect your table and floor from scratches or scuffs, making it easy to clean.
Pretty solution for your cluttered desk!
22. Outdoor String Lights
Outdoor string lights are a must for the holidays. They add a touch of festivity and cheer to any setting. I highly recommend these weatherproof string lights. They are beautiful, durable, and long-lasting.
This is more of the ambiance you have wanted on your patio, right? Each set is 25 ft, 50 ft or 100 ft in length.
Perfect to decorate your outdoor space!
23. Rain Shower Head
This rain shower head is a great upgrade from an old, rusty shower head. It provides good water pressure and is easy to install.
As for the shower head set, it comes with an 8′ large square rainfall showerhead, a high pressure handheld shower head, and a filter. The 8′ large square rainfall showerhead has a 360 rotation angle-adjustable solid ball joint nut for reliable leak-free connection and different angle position showers needs. The 5 setting handheld shower head is suitable for baby shower, massage or pets shower, etc.
Time for a quiet shower with your newly installed rain shower head and your Bluetooth speaker!
24. Collapsible Folding Tailgating Table
If you’re looking for the best gift for a tailgater, look no further than a collapsible folding tailgating table!
This gift is perfect for someone who needs to set up multiple tables in short periods of time. Plus, it’s very easy to transport and store – perfect for when you need to take your gear on the go!
Also perfect for the sports family who is always on the go and setting up meals in the parking lot of a sports complex.
25. UV Smartphone Sanitizer
The smartphone Sanitizer is a device used to clean your phone of germs and bacteria. It can be used for things like jewelry or even keyboards.
The sanitizer kills 99% of germs in 5-10 minutes and comes with a charger! This portable charger is affordable, easy to carry, and may be the answer to what I want for Christmas.
No more germs around the things you touch the most. Get your UV sanitizer for your home.
26. A Vitamix because you deserve it
A Vitamix blender is a great gift for anyone who loves to cook and wants to eat healthier. They are known for their high-quality construction, durability, and powerful motors that can blend even the toughest ingredients.
The variable speed control allows you to customize your blending experience, while the large batches make it perfect for preparing food for a crowd.
It has a 7- year full warranty, meaning that it will be covered for any damage or defects for the first seven years after purchase. I can attest they stand by this because my motor was replaced and it runs like new!
Best Christmas gift to myself – my Vitamix!
27. MICHLEY Unbreakable Wine Glasses
If you’re looking for a great gift for clumsy drinkers, look no further than the MICHLEY Unbreakable Wine Glasses!
These glasses are made of durable plastic and can withstand even the most strenuous of drinking sessions. Whether your loved one is an occasional drinker or not, these glasses will make sure their wine never ends up on the floor again. So why not give them the gift of unbreakable wine glasses this Christmas?
28. Bathtub Caddy with Gold Handles
This bathtub caddy is handmade and made to order.
You can choose from 20 different color options, and the board is made of knotty pine planks.
Imagine relaxing after a stressful day! Great for setting drinks, food, books, etc. Wouldn’t this be a perfect addition to your bathroom?
29. Subscription Gift Sets for Women
There are many different sets to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that fits the woman’s personality.
If she’s into fashion, consider buying her a set that includes designer handbags, jewelry, clothes, or tickets to a show. Or if she’s more of a homebody, go for a set that includes candles, bath salts, and other relaxation items.
No matter what set you choose, the woman is sure to appreciate your thoughtfulness. So why not surprise her with a gift set this Christmas? She’ll love you for it!
30. Yoga Leggings
Looking for a comfortable and stylish pair of leggings to wear this holiday season?
Look no further than the Healthyoga Yoga Pants! Made with a breathable and soft fabric, as well as a high-waisted fit, these leggings are perfect for people who work out or just want to feel comfortable during the holiday season. Plus, they come in several colors and patterns, including one that features beautiful butterflies.
Please don’t tell anyone how many pairs I already own; yet, I still want more!
What’s more, these leggings are perfect for people who like to take their workouts outdoors. They do not ride up when in the squat position, and they also have a handy pocket that is the perfect place to store essentials like your ID, phone, or keys. So don’t wait any longer–order your yoga pants today!
What Christmas Gifts Do I Want?
Christmas is a time where we all get together with our loved ones and exchange gifts.
It’s always a lot of fun to see what everyone gets, but sometimes it can be difficult to come up with ideas for what to put on your wish list.
If you’re struggling to come up with some ideas, don’t worry we included plenty of gift ideas to help you out!
What to consider when buying a gift for someone?
When buying a gift for someone, it is important to consider their interests and what will make them happy. It is also important to think about the occasion and what type of gift will be appropriate. If you are not sure what to get someone, it is always a good idea to ask them what they would like.
Another option is to give a handmade gift. This could be anything from a cake or cookies to jewelry or a scarf. The advantage of this type of present is that it’s personal and made by you, which makes it extra special.
Finally, if you’re still stuck for ideas, why not give a gift card? This gives the person receiving the present the freedom to choose something they really want. It also means you don’t have to worry about getting the wrong thing!
When buying someone a Christmas gift, it’s important to put some thought into it and make sure it’s something they’ll really like.
what do u want for christmas
That’s the question on everyone’s mind this time of year. And most of us are too afraid to articulate. Maybe you are hoping for a new outfit. Or maybe you’re hoping for something a little more luxurious, like a trip to Europe.
First, you need to be open and honest about what you want for Christmas.
We all want… Santa to come bearing gifts!
Now, Share What Do I Want For Christmas
I have you covered. Share this post with family and friends with numbers of which gifts were intriguing to you.
That takes the awkward conversation of gifts during the holidays.
Christmas is about love, joy, and giving gifts – not about getting the most expensive thing on the wish list.
But, here are the must-have items we heard loud and clear when asking around about what do I want for Christmas.
This will guarantee success this Christmas season and beyond!
Even better, you can order online from the comfort of your own home! Right now!
Also, this article has something for everyone and is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a gift for Christmas, Hanukkah, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or just because!
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
You are here because you want to vent, so you searched “I hate my job.”
We all have that one job we hate. We might work at a place where the boss is mean, the workloads are too heavy, or maybe there’s been an issue with company culture for some time now and no amount of persuasion has worked to fix it.
If you’re reading this article right now, then you likely know exactly what I’m talking about; something just doesn’t feel as if it’s clicking anymore. The hours and days drag on trying to find your spark again and you’re just not getting anywhere.
You hate your job.
This is why it’s important to ask yourself if a career change might be the answer, or at least offer some insight into whether or not your job is worth keeping.
You hate answering the question, “what do you do for a living?”
While this may seem like an easy or daunting task, there are a few things that should help you figure out if the time has come for a change.
Are you at that moment that marked the end of any hope you may have to continue to work the job you have?
Is it normal to absolutely hate your job?
No, it’s not normal to absolutely hate your job.
Most people experience some level of dissatisfaction or unhappiness at some point in their careers.
What do you do when you hate your job but can’t quit?
You need to find a way to make this job work for you.
While it may be difficult to focus on anything other than how much you dislike your job, there are ways to make the job work for you and improve your situation.
Most importantly, you may need to adjust your expectations or find a way to deal with the negative aspects of the job.
If this is not possible or if it is not feasible, then it might be best to look for another job or transfer to a new boss.
How do you deal if you hate your job?
If you hate your job, it can be difficult to deal with. You may feel like you can’t escape or that your situation is hopeless.
However, there are things that you can do to cope and make the best of the situation:
You may find it helpful to talk to friends or family about what’s going on and see if they have any advice.
You can also try looking for other jobs or exploring options for transferring or quitting your job.
If all else fails, consider seeking professional help.
There are many ways to cope when you hate your job, and each person will react differently depending on their individual circumstances and personalities. However, most people find some way to get through tough times by proactively taking steps to find joy in their job.
How long should I stay in a job I hate?
Well, the answer depends on what your situation is and your personal options.
Staying in a job you hate pays the bills, but probably doesn’t help in the work-happiness balance.
You have probably run through all of the good excuses to miss work.
Below, you will find tips on how to cope, but more importantly, steps to change your situation for the better.
I Hate My Job – How You are Feeling in That Place
This is a difficult situation to be in.
You feel like you should love your career! You spent money on a college education, maybe this job is a transition for you, or possibly you took the job everyone expected from you.
Regardless of how you got here, you need to look for the right role and work environment for you going forward. Life stratification means something, right?
1. You’re Suffering from Workplace Burnout & It is a Problem
Workplace burnout is a condition in which an individual has reached the end of their rope. They’re no longer able to take the stress and demands of their job and are overwhelmed.
How You Feel: Workplace burnout can happen to anyone, but it’s particularly common among employees who are stressed out by demanding deadlines or unrealistic expectations from their boss. When you reach this point where you are no longer able to cope with the stress at work, you may experience symptoms such as mood swings, fatigue, and decreased productivity.
What to Do: If you feel like you’re struggling to keep up with your job and you’re starting to suffer from workplace burnout, there are some steps that you can take to get back on track. First, talk to your boss about what’s going on – explain that you feel overwhelmed by the demands of your position and ask for help adjusting your workload. If that doesn’t work, consider looking for another job – even if it means taking a pay cut in the short term.
Workplace burnout is a condition that can be debilitating, so don’t wait until it’s too late before trying anything else!
2. Your Work Is Overlooked and Undervalued
When people feel like their work is overlooked or undervalued, it can lead to a number of negative emotions. These emotions can include frustration, anger, and sadness. You want to hear “I appreciate you or get a letter.”
How You Feel: You feel like your work isn’t given the credit it deserves. This might be because the job is boring or mundane, or because you feel the work isn’t appreciated by others in the workplace. When this happens, it’s easy for these feelings to simmer down and fester.
What to Do: If you’re feeling frustrated at your job and don’t know what to do about it, consider talking to your boss. Discussing your concerns might help them see how important your work is and spark some ideas for how you could improve it. Additionally, contacting professional organizations that focus on career development can give you advice on where to go from here.
3. You’ve Been Stagnant for Some Time & Not Given Growth Opportunities
When you’ve been stagnant, you’re not moving forward or improving in any way – especially if you haven’t been offered a promotion. This could mean you’re stuck in a job you don’t like, haven’t taken any steps to improve your skills, or just aren’t making any real progress climbing the corporate ladder.
How You Feel: Stagnation can be frustrating and discouraging especially if you have been a loyal employee for a while. You are tired of being looked over for that promotion by a work colleague. You are wondering if you should dust off that resume and start drafting cover letters for a new job.
What to Do: There are many proactive things to do on your own when you feel stuck.
Take stock of where you are right now. Sit down and make a list of all the accomplishments and successes that are linked to your current job. What does this say about how satisfied you are with your position?
Evaluate what kind of skills you need to advance in your career. Do some research online or attend relevant training courses offered by your company or industry association.
Think about what kinds of changes would make the biggest impact on both you and your company/organization that employs you. Are there new technologies available that could help streamline operations? Could new policies be put into place that would benefit the organization as a whole?
Be proactive. Start reaching out to other professionals within your field and see if there’s anything you can learn from them. Networking is one of the best ways to grow your career, and it won’t take much effort on your part.
Be patient. Things may not change overnight, but over time they will improve. Don’t get discouraged; stay positive and continue working hard towards your goals.
4. Your Workplace Is Toxic or Hostile
A workplace is considered toxic or hostile when employees feel uncomfortable, unsupported, or threatened. This can lead to decreased productivity and morale, which in turn can result in negative impacts on the business.
In fact, the toxic culture is driving the Great Resignation we are seeing right now (source).
How You Feel: When you don’t feel like you can open up about your concerns, it creates an environment of mistrust, tension, and poor communication between all of the employees and your managers. This type of environment is difficult to overcome, and will eventually lead to burnout.
What to Do: The best way to avoid a toxic workplace is by creating a culture of transparency and trust. By airing out any problems early on, you give yourself the opportunity to work together harmoniously towards common goals instead of against each other.
5. Be Careful About What You Say and to Whom
Be careful what you say to whomever you talk to online and in-person, as your words could potentially be taken out of context and used against you.
How You Feel: It can be tempting to share your frustrations with your job with friends or family. But before you do, make sure that they’re comfortable talking about work too. If they’re not comfortable discussing their jobs openly, it may not be the best idea to bring up yours either. And if someone does overhear you speaking negatively about your job, don’t worry – they probably won’t repeat what you said!
What to Do: When you talk to people, be careful about what you say and to whom. It’s important not to offend anyone, especially not your boss. You never know who might be listening in on your conversation – or recording it!
6. Take a break
Sometimes it’s tough to keep going when you’re feeling down about your job. But sometimes it’s important to take a break and focus on other things in life.
How You Feel: You feel like you are grinding and going in a million different directions. As soon as you feel like you get ahead, something knocks you down and you feel like you need to start over.
What to Do: Taking a break can be helpful in many ways. It can help you clear your head, refocus on your goals and come back with a new perspective.
Sometimes all we need is some time away from our job to get back on track.
If taking time off isn’t an option or you don’t think it will help, there are other things you can do to improve your situation once you feel a little more refreshed. Thus, why adult coloring books have become so popular.
7. Miserable in the Work Building
You want to feel happier and more productive at work, but that may happen by taking steps at home and with your family.
How You Feel: When you’re feeling miserable at work, it’s harder to focus on your job and perform at your best. You are counting down the seconds until your shift is over.
What to Do: Taking steps to improve your well-being outside of work can help you feel happier and more productive. This includes things like exercising, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, etc. By improving one aspect of your life, you’ll be better equipped to handle stress in the workplace and achieve success.
8. Your Projects are Underappreciated
Many people believe that their work is just a necessary evil, something that they have to do in order to get by. But the truth is, your work is incredibly important – it’s what allows us to live our lives. Without a job, we would be unable to pay our bills or afford food.
How You Feel: According to a recent study, almost three-fourths of employees feel their job isn’t very important and receives little recognition from their employers. This is difficult when you pour your heart and soul into an assigned project at work.
What to Do: If you’re unhappy with your current situation and don’t think your work is receiving the recognition it deserves, there are probably some things you can do about it. Start by talking to your boss about what you’d like to see change – maybe there’s room for improvement in how your department is managed or prioritized. And finally, make sure you’re giving your best effort every day – if you’re putting in the extra effort but still aren’t satisfied with your career path, it might be time for a change.
9. Your Talents are Wasted and the Effects are Feeling Undervalued
When you feel like your skills and talents are not being appreciated or utilized to their fullest potential, this can lead to feelings of depression, stress, and burnout. Oftentimes, these negative emotions are compounded when we don’t have a clear idea of what we want in life.
How You Feel: Chronic undervaluedness can have serious consequences on our mental health. It can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and insecurity, which in turn can lead to problems such as depression and anxiety. Furthermore, undervalued employees are less likely to pursue career opportunities that may be better suited for them. This leaves businesses struggling to find qualified candidates and increases the chances that they’ll need to recruit externally in the future.
What to Do: The good news is that it’s possible to overcome feeling undervalued by focusing on celebrating yourself. In fact, I recently finished this book and realized I contribute to putting myself down more than others around me. Start by taking awareness of negative thoughts and make a swift change to change them to the positive.
10. There Has Been an Uncomfortable Change in Leadership
This tends to lead to the most job-hopping because of an uncomfortable change in leadership, which can lead to a number of different emotions.
How You Feel: More likely, you feel one of the most common reactions of sadness, confusion, and anger. When a leader is replaced or leaves a position of power, it can be confusing for the people who work under them. This can lead to feelings of sadness and loss, as well as confusion about what’s going on. You may also become angry because they feel like your position is threatened.
What to Do: It’s important for leaders to communicate with their employees about the changes so that everyone understands what’s happening and feels comfortable using the new leadership structure. This will help reduce the amount of confusion and chaos at work, which will ultimately improve morale. If this doesn’t happen, then try to sit down with your new and old boss for a discussion.
11. Your Values No Longer Align
This can happen when new management comes into the work environment or a personal shift in life notification for you. When your values no longer align with those of the job, it can be difficult to stay motivated.
How You Feel: When you first accepted the job offer, everything felt right. You were excited about the challenge and the new opportunities that this new position would bring. However, after a few months, you start to notice some discrepancies between your values and what is required of you in your current role.
For example, you may not feel comfortable using profanity at work or participating in unethical behavior. In fact, you may even feel morally opposed to these behaviors.
What to Do: If your values are no longer aligned with those of the job, it can be hard to stay at the job because you no longer see any value in what you’re doing. This can lead to feelings of frustration and dissatisfaction.
Additionally, consider job-hopping and start scheduling interviews for another job that better aligns with who you are as a person and what matters most to you. When you find a job that you love and feel passionate about, it will be much easier to stay motivated and happy in your work environment.
12. Your Confidence Is Dwindling
It is deflating when work is off sync and nothing seems to be working out how your hopes. You know their adjustments to be made, but you aren’t sure where to start
How You Feel: When you’re feeling down about your job, it can be hard to believe that anything could make things better. But the truth is, there are plenty of ways to get through a tough time.
What to Do: Here are four ways to boost your confidence and start thinking positively again:
Talk to someone you trust. Talking out your problems with someone who will listen without judgment can help you feel more relieved and less stressed.
Take some time for yourself. Whether that means taking a walk outside or indulging in a favorite hobby, spending time alone can help relax your mind and body and clear your head.
Set goals for yourself and work towards them one step at a time. When you have something concrete to aim for, it becomes much easier to stay motivated during challenging times.
Believe in yourself! Even if the world seems like it’s against you right now, remember that everything will eventually work out as long as you keep fighting for what’s important to you.”
13. I Really Hate My Job & Think It Is Time for a Job Search
There are a few different ways to quit your job and make the switch to a new career. You can search for job openings online, contact your local employment agency, or speak with an advisor at a career center.
How You Feel: Quitting your job is not always easy, but it’s worth it if you’re unhappy with the situation. There are many benefits to quitting your job, including increased income (yes, a raise!) and more time for yourself.
What to Do: Searching online is the fastest way to find jobs that match your skills and interests, but be sure to read all of the applicable links before applying. If you’re looking for advice on how to quit your job without ruining relationships or getting fired, speak with an advisor at a career center. They can provide guidance on how best to proceed and minimize potential damage.
15. When you Hate Workplace – Don’t Burn Bridges
Burning bridges can have serious consequences, both for yourself and your career. By staying neutral in confrontations, you may be able to salvage your reputation and future relationships.
How You Feel: When disagreements arise at work, it’s important not to take the bait and lash out. Doing so could lead to long-term damage that could complicate your job situation and future career prospects.
What to Do: Instead, try to remain calm and diplomatic – this will show that you have good judgment and aren’t easily provoked. If you need to speak up, do it constructively and with the goal of resolving the issue rather than hurting someone’s feelings or damaging their relationship.
16. Your interests & skillsets have changed
If you’ve been working at your job for a while and it’s not fulfilling you anymore, it might be time to consider a change. Maybe you have been learning a new skill set that you find more interesting.
How You Feel: Your interests may have changed since you first started working, or you may have outgrown your current position. It’s important to remember that there are plenty of other opportunities out there – even if they don’t involve a nine-to-five schedule.
What to Do: When we’re unhappy with our work, it can be tough to discuss the situation with our boss or coworkers. But if we’re not happy, they’ll eventually notice and it’ll create an uncomfortable work environment. Change can be difficult at first, but it can lead to greater satisfaction in the long run.
17. Know It’s Not Just You
There’s a lot of talk about the recession and how it’s affecting everyone, but what about the people who are just trying to survive? This is a common struggle people are facing at work.
How You Feel: Work can be challenging, especially during tough economic times. Many people are feeling stressed out and depressed at their jobs, and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight.
What to Do: However, there are ways to cope with the stress and difficulties of work. You need to learn strategies to balance the work-life situation. Talking to friends or a trusted professional will help you get back on track.
I hate my Career – Ways to Cope
Everyone hates their jobs sometimes.
This is especially true when you are stuck in a career that doesn’t serve your values and goals, or one with very high-stress levels. If this sounds like the case for you, then it is time to evaluate your next move.
However, many people are reluctant to make such changes because of the risk involved and uncertainty about what comes next.
It is important to be aware of what is driving your internal hatred about your job, your boss, or your situation.
1. Assess Your Situation & the Industry
If you’re feeling depressed or lost in your career, it’s important to take some time to assess where you are and where you want to be. This is a process of looking at your current situation and making a plan for how to get there.
Are you unhappy with your current job because it is not fulfilling, or are you just bored?
Perhaps the work environment is too stressful for you to handle?
Do you believe you should be making more money?
The first step in coping with a negative career outlook is taking the time to reflect on where you are right now. You can use this assessment to figure out what needs to change in order to improve your situation. Once you have a good idea of what needs improvement, it’s easier to make the changes that will get you closer to your goals.
Also, look at the overall industry trends to you see industry-wide trends affecting job quality and life satisfaction. More often than not, it might be others in your field feeling the same.
2. Have the Tough Conversations
Tough conversations can be difficult, but they’re essential if you want to improve yourself and your career. Every time you have a tough conversation with yourself or someone else in your work life, you’ll learn something new and make progress.
There are three types of tough conversations you need to have:
The “What If” Conversation – This is the conversation where you ask yourself what would happen if X happened. This helps you prepare for possible challenges and makes sure that everything is in order before taking action.
The “Doing Better” Conversation – This is the conversation where you commit to doing better next time, regardless of the results so far.
The “I’m Sorry” Conversation – This is the conversation where you apologize for how things turned out and vow to do better next time.
Tough conversations are not easy, but they are essential if you want to achieve your career goals. Be brave enough to have them and take advantage of all that they can offer!
3. Switch Your Perspective
If you’re feeling down about your career, take a step back and think about how you can see it from a different perspective.
When we’re upset or unhappy with something in our life, it’s easy to focus on the negative aspects. However, by switching our perspective, we can start to see the situation in a new light.
For example, if you hate your job but don’t want to change careers, try thinking about how you could see it as an opportunity for growth. Instead of focusing on what you don’t like about your job, consider all the ways you’ve learned and grown since starting work there.
We all have moments when things don’t go our way – by changing our perspective, we can start to feel better even when things are tough. In fact, this is why we stress mindset is everything.
4. Vent About It
When people feel frustrated or overwhelmed with their job, they may want to share their feelings with others. This behavior is often referred to as “venting.”
Venting can be helpful in relieving stress and tension. It can also help people process their thoughts and emotions, which can lead to positive changes in their lives.
Many people use social media to vent about their career frustrations. This is especially common among millennials, who are more likely than any other generation to use social media platforms for self-expression. One of the benefits of using social media for venting is that it allows you to connect with like-minded individuals who understand your situation. This network of support can be incredibly helpful in overcoming challenges in your career path.
5. Get Your Finances in Order
When you’re feeling down about your career, it can be tempting to think that you have no other choice but to continue to work at a job you hate. However, by getting your finances in order you can start to feel more optimistic about your future.
Especially for those in the, I don’t want to work anymore boat, this is the time to start saving money to invest for your future self.
Setting money aside will provide a cushion if you choose to leave your job unexpectedly or breathing room when changing jobs.
This is something we personally did when my husband wanted to change jobs due to being overlooked for promotion after promotion.
6. Do Your Best Work
Doing your best work means putting your all into whatever you’re doing. It means giving it your all, no matter what the task or situation. This may be hard, but it is essential!
When you do your best work, you put in the effort and energy that’s necessary to be successful.
You don’t half-ass things because you’re worried about how people will think of you. You go all out and give it 110%, no matter what. And that goes for everything in life – from your career to relationships to anything else that matters to you.
There are a lot of times when we don’t feel like doing our best work because we’re doubtful or scared. But if we keep pushing through those tough times, eventually we’ll reach a point where doing our best work becomes second nature. And then success will follow naturally as a result!
So don’t wait – start doing your best work today and see the amazing results for yourself!
7. Brainstorm Your Dream Job
Brainstorming your dream job is a great way to get inspired and motivated. It can also help you identify skills and interests that you may not have known you had.
When brainstorming your dream job, it’s important to be open-minded and think about any career possibilities that interest you. This could include fields that are completely new to you or areas of your current job that you don’t enjoy as much.
Once you’ve come up with a few ideas, it’s time to start thinking about what qualifications would be necessary for the job. Do some research into the specific requirements of the position and see if any of your skills or interests align with those requirements.
By brainstorming your dream job and taking these steps, you’ll be on your way to finding the perfect career fit and a happy you!
8. Start Making Connections & Build Relationships
Making connections is a key part of coping with a negative career situation. It can help you find comfort in the fact that you’re not alone and connect with people who have gone through similar experiences.
When things are tough, it’s often easy to feel like you’re all alone in your struggles. But by making connections with other people who are going through the same thing, you can start to feel less isolated and more supported. You’ll also be able to share your experiences and learn from others, which can help you overcome obstacles faster.
There are many ways to make connections online – through social media platforms, online communities like Reddit, or even just talking to friends or family members face-to-face. The important thing is to find an outlet that feels comfortable for you and allows you to express yourself freely.
Also, this avenue may lead to a new job opportunity for you.
9. Develop Other Sources of Income
Around here at Money Bliss, we stress the importance of having multiple streams of income.
While your 9-5 may pay your bills, you need to investigate other types of income to really improve your financial situation.
This can be done in a few ways:
Finding new (or returning) employment or 2nd job.
Starting a business.
Freelancing.
Make money with a gig economy job.
Each option has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to weigh them all carefully before making a decision.
When considering other forms of income, it’s important to keep in mind the following factors: how much time you have available, what you’re willing to sacrifice (including your free time), your skills and experience, and the marketability of your skill set.
I Hate my Boss – Resign With More Class
If you’re unhappy with your job, there’s no need to stay in a situation that is causing you distress. You can resign with class and maintain the respect of your coworkers and boss. Here are some tips on how to do it:
1. Address Your Issues Clearly
When you decide to leave, be clear about why you’re leaving and what your plans are for the future. It’ll help everyone involved understand the reasons behind your decision and avoid any misunderstandings or hurt feelings.
2. Be Polite When You Resign
Don’t make a scene or give anyone the impression that they were wronged in any way. Simply express your appreciation for all they’ve done for you over the past few months or years, thank them for their time, and let them know that you wish them all the best in future endeavors.
3. Most Importantly – Keep Your Work Adjustment Quiet
Your personal life doesn’t have to intersect with work-related decisions until after everything has been finalized – don’t announce your resignation at work or start bargaining terms before actually deciding if it’s what you want to do!
4. Make Sure You Have The Right Legal Documents At Hand
You’ll need documentation confirming your employment status, your dates of employment, and the terms of your separation. Make copies for yourself and store them in a safe place – you may need to refer to them during the negotiating process.
5. Give Yourself Time To Adjust to a Happier Well-Being
Don’t expect everything to fall into place overnight; give yourself plenty of time (perhaps several weeks or even months) to adjust before getting back into the workforce. During this time, it can be helpful to take some time away from work altogether, focus on relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation, or read about career options that interest you.
Which Step Are You Going to Focus on When you Hate Working?
In this article, we discussed some common struggles that people face at work and offer some advice on how to cope. We hope that by sharing our knowledge and experience, you’ll find relief or guidance in dealing with your own job problems.
There are many reasons for workplace unhappiness and changing careers may or may not be the solution to your issues.
When looking for another position, keep in mind that employers are always searching for talented individuals who will fit into their team and contribute positively.
Finally, don’t forget… Talking about your struggles openly can help ease them and give you some ideas for solutions.
Just keep moving forward and don’t give up on your dreams!
Do Your Job With Less Stress Job Ideas:
Maybe it is time for a shift change and moves to one of these careers.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
A paradoxical picture is emerging as the spring market is underway. On the one hand, elevated mortgage rates continue to erode buyers’ purchasing power, and in some markets, home prices are falling. On the other hand, inventory is still low, and homes are still selling fast, often with multiple offers.
All major housing market metrics point to a restrained housing market. The number of new listings coming on the market this spring is lower than it has been in more than a decade. Sales and new pending contracts are below pre-pandemic levels. Buyer interest has increased over the past few months, but showing activity is still much lower than it would be in a typical spring market.
But if you are a prospective buyer, macro housing metrics probably do not reflect your experience. On a transactional level, many buyers are experiencing a housing market that feels very competitive and they are having a hard time reconciling the news about the housing market with their experience trying to buy a home.
What can we expect in 2023?
It is always difficult to talk about the “national housing market” but this year, in particular, there will be wide variation in housing market conditions across the country. At the same time, there are some key trends I think will characterize the housing market in 2023.
1. Buyer disappointment. Home shoppers who are waiting to score a deal are going to be disappointed in 2023. Inventory has increased from a year ago but in most markets, it is still well below pre-pandemic levels. Home prices have come down in some places, but the price correction is relatively modest and prices are still typically 20% or 30% higher than they were three years ago.
Even though the pool of buyers is smaller than it was a year ago, there is still a lot of competition over relatively few homes. Bright MLS’ recent survey showed that sellers in the Mid-Atlantic received an average of 3.4 offers on homes sold in March and more than a third of homes sold for above asking price.
This article is part of our ongoing 2023Housing Market Forecast series. After this series wraps, join us on May 30 for the next Housing Market Update Event. Bringing together some of the top economists and researchers in housing, the event will provide an in-depth look at the top predictions for this year, along with a roundtable discussion on how these insights apply to your business. To register, go here.
First-time buyers are having the hardest time, competing with higher-income buyers who are offering all-cash or who are able to roll equity for a home sale into a new home purchase. Unfortunately, 2023 is not going to bring much relief to those looking to become a homeowner for the first time.
2. Mortgage rate fatigue. To a certain extent, the presumption that the housing market will live or die with rates is misplaced. The Bright MLS survey found in its recent survey that 7 out of 10 recent homebuyers indicated that rates were not a factor in the decision to buy. Fifty percent of buyers said they were going to buy regardless of rates and about one in five bought with cash. Only 4% of buyers said they were buying now because they believed rates were going to go higher.
Homebuyers, particularly repeat and all-cash buyers, seem to have accepted current mortgage rates as the “new normal.” If mortgage rates rise to 8, 9, 10% or higher, the calculus for these buyers will change. But with rates in the 6 to 7% range this year, mortgage rates might not be as important as conventional wisdom suggests.
3. Selective sellers. New listings activity will continue to be very low throughout much of 2023. However, there are some categories of sellers that could have an impact in their local market.
Who is selling right now? Some people who bought homes in far-flung locations during the pandemic are selling as employers are calling people back into the office. Others who purchased second homes or investment properties during the last few years are looking to cash out amidst projections of a weaker housing market.
Data from Bright MLS’s survey indicated that more than a quarter of homes sold recently in the Mid-Atlantic were rental properties, vacation or second homes, or investment properties. Look for this segment to drive inventory growth in some markets.
4. Atypical seasonality. Home sales will rise throughout the spring and into the early summer, but 2023 will not have typical well-defined seasonal patterns. Economic uncertainty and constrained inventory will keep overall transactions below 2019 levels, and we will also have longer run-ups and wind-downs to the usually busy spring and fall housing markets.
The housing market remains in a period of transition, though sellers still have the advantage. The market will be more balanced in the second half of 2023, but look for a lot of variation across local areas.
This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of HousingWire’s editorial department and its owners.
To contact the author responsible for this story: Dr. Lisa Sturtevant at [email protected]
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Brena Nath at [email protected]
I was 10-weeks pregnant and craving pizza while on vacation in Germany. We picked a well-reviewed restaurant, only to be told that no tables would be available that night. My husband, who meant well, suggested we try our luck at a different restaurant a few doors down. But it didn’t serve pizza, and for me at that moment, nothing but pizza would do.
So, naturally, I burst into tears.
Thankfully, we swiftly found another option and my highly specific food craving was satisfied. But traveling while pregnant is tricky, assuming it’s safe for you to do so (always talk to your doctor or midwife first). Not only might you be dealing with nausea, fatigue, food cravings you may not be able to accommodate in other countries, and other maladies, but also some travel activities can be unsafe during pregnancy.
I traveled a few times while pregnant, both for work and leisure, leaning on a few helpful credit card perks to make the experience as comfortable as possible. Your card’s benefits could smooth the way to a less chaotic, and more enjoyable, travel experience.
3 times credit card perks make it better
When booking travel: Insurance and seat upgrades
Travel protections like trip cancellation insurance can come in handy if you need to back out of your trip due to a covered reason, like illness. Note that what counts as a “covered reason” can vary by card, and some situations related to pregnancy may not be covered. This can include travel after a certain week in your pregnancy, or if you become pregnant with multiples before booking travel. Review what your card does and doesn’t cover, and consider additional travel insurance if needed.
Thanks to big sign-up bonuses, airline credit cards speed up the time it takes to earn a substantial number of miles. Booking flights directly through airlines with those miles can give you an out if you need to cancel your trip. Some airlines will refund your miles with no fees if you back out, even close to your travel date.
If you’re accustomed to toughing it out in the back of the plane, this might be a good time to cash in miles earned from airline cards on a seat upgrade. A dangerous health issue to avoid is deep vein thrombosis, a blood clot that can travel to your lungs. Your risk of DVT increases in pregnancy. “More spacious seating with increased mobility could decrease lower extremity swelling and venous stasis, which can increase the risk of DVT,” Dr. Meghan Zysik said in an email. Zysik is an attending obstetrician and gynecologist at Albany Medical Center, part of the Albany Med Health System in Albany, New York.
At the airport: Ditch the luggage and lines, embrace the lounges
The times I traveled alone, I didn’t want to hoist my carry-on bag into the overhead compartment, and there’s never a guarantee a kind stranger will offer to help (especially if you aren’t visibly pregnant yet). With airline cards, you typically get a free checked bag, saving you $60 in bag fees per round trip flight. “Everybody has to pay attention to their body,” says P. Fadwah Halaby, a certified nurse midwife in West Palm Beach, Florida. “Don’t lift it if it feels like it’s going to hurt.” Halaby recommends limiting lifting any bags weighing more than 25 pounds.
Now that you can move through the security line unencumbered by baggage, don’t let that statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry go unused. Not only is this benefit worth at least $78 in value, but it’ll also get you out of line, and off of your feet, faster. “Prolonged standing can lead to physical discomfort and worsen lower extremity swelling,” Zysik said. “Take the time saved with PreCheck to eat a meal, sit, and rest or doing calming routines such as meditation.”
A perfect place to do all those things is an airport lounge, which some travel cards grant you free access to.
During the trip: Hotel freebies and away-from-home medical care
Your credit card company may offer referrals to local medical providers if you need assistance during your trip. This can include providing names of English-speaking doctors and hospitals, and even helping you stay in contact with your family. You’d have to pay any out-of-pocket costs for these services, but you’ll get help during a stressful time.
Hotel credit cards come packed with extras to make your stay more relaxing. One of my cards earned me status, granting free access to a lounge at our hotel in Berlin that provided breakfast, happy hour and all-day snacks. You can also get a few more hours of rest with late checkout, another benefit of cards that give you automatic status at hotel brands.
Take reasonable precautions
Before heading out of town, talk with your doctor or midwife because some medical conditions during pregnancy may increase your risk of health complications. Certain activities are off limits, like scuba diving. Your medical provider can also recommend medications that can ease pregnancy symptoms.
And, of course, they may insist you refrain from travel entirely. “You have to use common sense. It really needs to be said,” Halaby says. “Do you have a diagnosis? Are you being treated for something in particular that may or may not be good for traveling?” If any of that is the case for you, a relaxing staycation may be the more medically sound option.
This article was written by NerdWallet and was originally published by The Associated Press.
That was a phrase that my father continually beat into my head harder than Lars Ulrich could pound on his bass drum (in case there is a generation gap, Lars is the drummer from the rock band Metallica).
Even though on average college graduates do earn more in the long-run and online colleges are bringing down costs, the current job market is saturated with sustainable careers that don’t necessarily require a degree.
Taking a closer look, it seems a major shift in employer priorities is occurring in certain fields, such as manufacturing and information technology (IT), where soft skills and on-the-job training are deemed more beneficial than a formal educational background.
Individuals bringing these resources to the table are now in high demand, especially since many companies now offer assistantship programs or even paid training for high-achieving candidates.
In this day and age, it just might be more about the right skills than the right schooling.
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25 Highest Paying Jobs Without A College Degree
Margin Department Supervisor
Air Traffic Controller
Automobile Service Station Manager
Real Estate Broker
Landscape Architect
Lead Carpenter
Director of Security
Elevator Mechanic
Cable Supervisor
Flight Services Manager
Freelance Photographer
Personal Trainer
Funeral Director
Commercial Pilot
Truck Driver
Nuclear Power Reactor Operator
Firefighter
Emergency Medical Technician
Railroad Jobs
Medical Coder
Information Technology Technician
Criminal Investigator
Brick Mason
Postal Service Worker
Pharmacy Technician
If you have decided to not attend a four-year college right out of high school, or are looking for a fresh start at a new career path, 25 of the highest paying careers with virtually no degree are featured below.
Looking for a fun job that pays well? Scared that the cause of unemployment may be growing? Sign up for free and see who’s hiring in 2023 at www.FlexJobs.com.
Disclaimer: While there are definitely some good paying trade jobs on this list, I still think having a college degree is worth it. Yes, tuition is high and will continue to rise, but the experience, connections, and mindset that college offers are invaluable. Now on to the jobs…
1. Margin Department Supervisor
Average Salary: $74,799
Prior Education: A finance or accounting degree is not required, but knowledge of all basic processes is needed.
On-the-Job Training: Moderate to high training and/or shadowing.
Job Description: A Margin Department Supervisor oversees a company’s credit department, which manages customer credit accounts and approves or denies credit to customers.
As would be expected, approving or denying credit sometimes involves unhappy customers, so you’ll need strong communication and negotiation skills for this role.
Since the scope of the job requires mathematical calculations as well as debt analysis and recognition of accounting principles, make sure you are confident with these basic processes. Some companies may increase pay if you have a degree under your belt.
You’ll also primarily be in charge of ensuring all department employees adhere to federal policies and regulations.
2. Air Traffic Controller (ATC)
Average Salary: $124,540
Prior Education: A college degree is not required, but the nature of the field is very competitive where experience is highly valued. A combination of progressive work experience and formal education is generally preferred.
On-the-Job Training: Rigorous training and testing is required.
Job Description: An Air Traffic Controller is required to pass rigorous testing by the FAA, which includes health checks, as well as mental stability tests. You must initiate the testing process before age 31.
Being an Air Traffic Controller has been voted the most stressful job in the United States for many years because of what the job entails on a daily basis. Air traffic controllers also often work night shifts, weekends, and even holidays.
A typical work day may include monitoring and directing in-air traffic, including routine take off/landing. Sometimes in-air emergencies must be handled, hence the high stress associated with the position.
Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities along with excellent communication skills are highly valued in this role. It does help to know someone already in the business to land a job in this field.
3. Automobile Service Station Manager
Average Salary: $45,204
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may prefer a Bachelor’s degree in management or similar field and/or several years of experience in automotive service management.
On-the-Job Training: Most can obtain this type of position by working one’s way up the ladder through on-the-job experience. Obtaining certification may also be required.
Job Description: Essentially, the role of the Service Station Manager is to run the day-to-day operations of a gas station.
The scope of the work includes setting the gas prices for the day, scheduling and training the rest of the employees who work at the station, ordering new merchandise to keep the shelves stocked, ensuring service station safety, as well as being the direct manager for the other employees.
Some skills that would be helpful in obtaining this job would be good personal skills as well as some managerial and accounting experience.
4. Real Estate Broker
Average Salary: $56,730
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent. However, a college degree in finance or related field may prove beneficial.
On-the-Job Training: Even though you must take a couple of classes to obtain your certification, these courses are much less of an expense compared to financing a college degree. Licensure requirements typically vary from state to state.
Job Description: To become a real estate broker you will still need to take a couple of classes to become certified. But still, these courses are still much less of an expense to you compared to financing a college degree.
You will be trying to sell houses as well as filing the paperwork for the transactions. In addition, you will help customers with their loan agreements.
However, if you are considering this career, you should be very friendly and have flexible hours since you will most likely be working on your customers’ schedules.
You typically are self-employed setting your own hours and working on a commission basis. Good negotiation skills along with market research experience will prove helpful in this role.
5. Landscape Architect
Average Salary: $65,760
Prior Education: Typically a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture is preferred. An internship experience is highly encouraged. This job may require you to take some classes at a community college on horticulture as well as landscape design, but these types of courses are not required.
On-the-Job Training: With this career, you will have the option of whether you would like to be becoming certified or not. However, if you are certified, you will have access to larger contracts and a wider scope of work. Most states do mandate licensure, though, and the requirements vary from state to state.
Job Description: If you do not mind getting a little dirty and working hard for a living, then this might be a good career for you. Typical job duties include designing functional yet attractive outdoor spaces and parks for a variety of clients.
Landscape architects spend a large portion of their time creating blueprints and preparing cost analysis reports. You would also analyze environmental conditions for projects and even participate in restoration initiatives.
Make sure you have a good eye for design and a strong work ethic to consider this career. Understanding GIS technologies and project management is a must.
Here’s a how-to guide for starting your own lawn company and making some serious money (in turn being able to and saving some serious money, too!).
6. Lead Carpenter
Average Salary: $51,150
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Most Lead Carpenters begin their careers as skilled apprentices.
This job requires a high amount of experience in the field either through attending a trade school to master technical skills or by being an apprentice to a lead carpenter.
On-the-Job Training: By going to trade school you will actually have to obtain some type of certification, possibly making you more marketable in the field.
Often training includes learning how to expertly handle a variety of power tools, such as power drills or saws.
Job Description: Serving as an apprentice would most likely land you in a job replacing your teacher. Either way, you can be very successful in this type of career if you enjoy working with your hands.
Although highly dependent on the type of industry, job duties may include analyzing construction plans, creating project timelines, and managing and overseeing team production activities.
Carpenters often work in both indoor and outdoor settings and may need to eventually join a union.
7. Director of Security
Average Salary: $78,608
Prior Education: Typically a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field is preferred along with years of experience in related positions.
In reality, this job will involve starting off in an entry level security position before working your way through the ranks to become the Director of Security.
On-the-Job Training: You might also be required to pass a security guard training program, but this will most likely be paid in full by the employer so the actual educational cost to you would be zero.
Depending on the company you will work for, you might also be required to pass a background check as well as some minor health inspections.
Job Description: A typical work day would include reviewing and implementing security department policies along with ensuring relevant local, state, and federal laws and regulations are adhered to. This role may also involve actively participating in training programs with the security staff.
Some good skills to have for this type of job would be some above average physical characteristics, as well as integrity to always choose what is right.
This position often involves being on-call for any emergencies after-hours, so make sure you can fulfill this requirement.
You can also try going the Police Officer route. If you decide to pursue this career, make sure you study with the Police Exam Guide.
8. Elevator Mechanic
Average Salary: $77,806
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Just like the Lead Carpenter job, this job will most likely be acquired through a trade school degree, assistantship, or lots of years of experience. Being an elevator mechanic does have a couple more stipulations, though.
On-the-Job Training: Moderate to high training; may need to attend trade school to contract with large corporations.
Job Description: Lots of major corporations will require you to have a license and work for an insured company, which in this case would then force you to go the trade school route so that you could work on these large corporate jobs.
A typical work day would include repairing elevators and fulfilling routine preventative maintenance when needed. Installing and repairing control systems or adjusting and inspecting safety controls are other common work tasks.
Elevator mechanics should be able to identify and troubleshoot issues quickly and efficiently, and having a working knowledge of elevator mechanics is needed. Most of this industry is unionized, so make sure you are willing to join a union before entering this line of work.
9. Cable Supervisor
Average Salary: $51,112
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent. However, technical school education or an internship/assistantship may prove beneficial.
On-the-Job Training: A good way to acquire this type of a position is to either apply for the job with some type of managing/scheduling background or to apply for an entry-level position and work your way up by knowing the business.
Job Description: This career would be in a managerial-type setting. You would be responsible for overseeing the maintenance as well as installation workers setting up cable boxes and internet connections.
Typical work duties would also include interpreting cable specifications, troubleshooting issues with cable equipment, and also hiring and training any new cable technicians.
You would be responsible for the scheduling aspect as well as holding the workers accountable to be where they need to be.
10. Flight Service Manager
Average Salary: $64,042
Prior Education: Typically a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in aviation management or related field is preferred. Completing an internship program is highly suggested.
On-the-Job Training: This career would most likely be obtained through lots of on-the-job experience along with obtaining certification if required.
Job Description: You would be responsible for helping schedule flight crews as well as taking care of customer complaints and filing any necessary paperwork.
This job would require great personal skills as well as lots of patience with unhappy customers. Making sure all passengers have the best onboard experience possible is of top priority for Flight Services Managers.
Airlines can be a stressful arena to work in, so if you are considering this line of work make sure you can keep your cool in the toughest of situations.
11. Freelance Photographer
Average Salary: $36,630
Prior Education: No educational experience required.
On-the-Job Training: This career typically involves both self-education and hands-on training through practice. Natural talent and creativity are highly valued in this field.
Job Description: Being a Freelance Photographer takes dedication to one’s tasks, as well as a great eye for artistic detail. This type of career may also require traveling long distances to be able to acquire the right “shot” for the right story.
In a sense, being a Freelance Photographer can take many forms, such as snapping pictures of nature for magazines, or taking pictures of stories for newspapers, or even being a paparazzi-type photographer and searching for the next big celebrity scandal.
To really make a sustainable living in this field, it may prove helpful to complete some basic business management courses, or to attend training sessions on editing or even lighting techniques.
It’s best that Freelance Photographers have good personal skills and can identify and fulfill client needs and/or requests. If you become a really good photographer, you could even sell your photos on Shutterstock to make some extra cash.
12. Personal Trainer
Average Salary: $38,222
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
This career will most likely require that you are qualified to teach proper physical fitness techniques to clients. Many Personal Trainers have strong backgrounds in nutrition, exercise science, or other related fields.
This certificate is not very difficult to obtain; however, it is relatively cheaper compared to any other type of trade school mentioned above.
On-the-Job Training: Continual through updating or expanding one’s professional certifications.
Job Description: To be successful in this line of work you will most likely want to be a very physically active person yourself, as well as have a passion for this line of work.
A typical work day would include meeting one-on-one with clients to assess their physical fitness needs with the intent of designing an individualized training program.
Personal Trainers also motivate and encourage their clients to reach and even surpass their fitness goals. As a result, good personal and communication skills are a must.
Most Personal Trainers work at gyms, private workout facilities, or provide at-home or virtual coaching services. Some decide to work both inside and outside the home to help facilitate a higher income.
Also, you can try getting your Yoga certification.
13. Funeral Director
Average Salary: $56,850
Prior Education: Educational requirements range from a high school diploma or equivalent to an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Funeral Service Education or related field. Internships are also encouraged.
On-the-Job Training: Licensure is required in the U.S. before taking on a Funeral Director position, and some states may require a certain level of education or the completion of an apprenticeship.
Job Description: You do need some training to become a Funeral Director and possibly certification, but you can eventually make as much as $80,000 a year.
A typical work day would include helping families organize funeral details and complete any corresponding paperwork, such as a death certificate.
Offering counseling to grieving family members and helping to prepare the deceased body for the funeral service are other common duties.
It is important that you be able to handle the macabre, and you do need to have tact and a warm personality since you are dealing with people in difficult situations. Make sure you can accommodate a flexible schedule since visitations and funerals are often on weekdays and weekends.
14. Commercial Pilot
Average Salary: $78,740
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent, but most airlines now require a Bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite for employment.
On-the-Job Training: Moderate to high training is involved. Often the first step is to get your private pilot’s license. You’ll get your flight hours up and be more comfortable in the cockpit.
Job Description: Commercial Pilots fly planes for very specific reasons, such as for rescue operations, aerial photography, aerial tours, or charter flights.
Pilots generally evaluate overall conditions of aircraft, communicate with air traffic control, and monitor engines and fuel consumption, among other routine tasks. Being a team player with strong communication and observational skills is also a plus.
You’ll be spending a considerable amount of time away from home, so make sure you aren’t too much of a homebody. Fatigue and jet lag may also be experienced often.
Excellent observational and communication skills prove quite beneficial in this field of work. You can easily make more than $50,000 if you get on as a commercial pilot at the right airline.
15. Truck Driving
Average Salary: $53,199
Prior Education: Typically a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) and/or high school diploma or equivalent is preferred.
On-the-Job Training: Drivers must complete several weeks of on-the-job training.
Job Description: After completing six to eight weeks of training and obtaining your commercial driver’s license, you can make $45,000. Work your way up to becoming a trainer, and you can clear more than $70,000 a year.
Maintaining a clean driving record is crucial. Truck Drivers must adhere to all traffic laws, ensure cargo is secure for transport, and keep all trucks and equipment in good working condition.
Hand-eye coordination, visual stamina, and mental focus are important qualities to have for this type of position.
To become a Truck Driver you need a Commercial Drivers License or CDL. I recommend using both a CDL Practice Test and CDL Test Answers to help you study up so you can pass.
16. Nuclear Power Reactor Operator
Average Salary: $72,384
Prior Education: A degree in a field like engineering is required by some nuclear power plants, but you do not need a college degree to land a lower level operator job. In some cases, all you need to do in some cases is to simply pass the certification test.
On-the-Job Training: Moderate to high training is required along with possible certification.
Job Description: Nuclear power reactor operators manage nuclear reactors, monitoring them and making adjustments as necessary to ensure the safety of the nuclear power production process.
They also have to perform routine maintenance on the reactors and shutdown on very specific systems. Because the job is quite risky and requires very careful attention to detail, it pays quite well.
It also helps to become efficient in the required computer technologies involved in nuclear power plants. Make sure you can handle shift work and long hours.
17. Fire Fighting
Average Salary: $49,080.
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Any prior training in emergency medical services is a plus.
On-the-Job Training: Completing a physically demanding training program is mandatory along with other certifications.
Job Description: The starting salary for a Firefighter is often just a little more than $30,000, but you can make more than $50,000 a year depending on where you work and whether you reach a supervisory position.
Firefighters must know how to use standard field equipment, such as hoses and ladders, become proficient at providing medical attention to injured victims, and properly handle coming in contact with hazardous materials or wildfires.
Depending on which state you work in, you may need to complete specific training programs, such as high-rise building rescues.
Being a firefighter is a very strenuous and dangerous occupation, and you often must work long shifts and over 40 hours per week. To help you get physically ready for firefighting duty, I recommend you check out Pass the Beep Test, a guide to help you prepare your body for firefighting.
18. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Average Salary: $33,380
Prior Education: Typically a high school diploma or equivalent and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification is required. Completing a postsecondary educational program is common.
On-the-Job Training: Generally there is little to no on-the-job training, but completing levels of certification are more than likely required for most states.
Job Description: If you are about to take your EMT classes to become an EMT, you will be happy to learn that the job outlooks in this field are very promising. However, chances of having a good job in the EMS are given to those who have more EMT certifications (like paramedics).
EMTs are first responders in a medical emergency, assessing victims’ conditions and possibly transporting them to the hospital by ambulance. Often people’s lives are on the line when EMTs arrive on the scene.
The hourly wages can vary from $12.08 (10% of the workforce earns less than this) to $24.77 (10% earn more than this bracket). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2023 the median hourly wages of EMTs was at $17.76 per hour.
19. Railroad Jobs
Average Salary: $59,780
Prior Education: Typically a high school diploma or equivalent is required.
On-the-Job Training: Several months of moderate-level training is standard. Obtaining certifications may also be required.
Job Description: Do you like trains? Do you enjoy traveling? If so, a railroad job might be just for you.
A variety of positions are available, ranging from engineers and conductors to switch operators and management positions. Railroad jobs give you a chance to see new parts of the country while getting paid very well in the process.
Since trains operate every day of the week, expect to work nights, weekends, and holidays in all kinds of weather conditions.
Hand-eye coordination, visual acuity, and communication skills are valuable assets in this industry. If you’re looking at getting a railroad job, here’s a comprehensive guide that shares how to get a job in the railroad industry.
20. Medical Coder
Average Salary: $45,035
Prior Education: Typically a high school diploma or equivalent is required, while an Associate’s Degree is sometimes preferred.
On-the-Job Training: There is little to no on-the-job-training since specific training programs are generally completed as a prerequisite for employment. Completing certifications may also be required.
Job Description: The healthcare industry is currently booming, and you can expect it to continue to rise with the Baby Boomer generation getting older. There aren’t enough doctors and nurses available.
Behind all of the doctors is a team of medical coders typing up detailed reports on what procedures you had done and billing you or your insurance company the amount owed.
According to The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)’s 2022 salary survey, on average medical coders without certification bring home approximately $47,200 per year. However, becoming certified as a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is highly sought after to seek higher pay.
21. Information Technology (IT) Technician
Average Salary: $41,305
Prior Education: Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, or certificate program in computer science or related field is typically preferred. A degree is usually not required to land an entry-level position.
On-the-Job Training: Little to no on-the-job training expected since some employers require that candidates complete some level of formal training as a prerequisite for employment.
Job Description: There are a number of career paths within information technology that do not require a college degree.
Starting out you’ll probably conduct support calls on a helpdesk and only make $11-13 per hour. As your skills and experience progress and you get more experience you can easily make $50,000 to $70,000 per year as you get into systems administration and network engineering.
Typically IT technicians diagnose and repair computer malfunctions and install and maintain network systems. Get started on your IT career path by getting some online computer training and certification.
22. Criminal Investigator
Average Salary: $58,582
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Several years of prior experience in law enforcement is encouraged. Some employers do require a minimum of an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice or related field.
On-the-Job Training: Moderate on-the-job training is expected. Most states do require standard licensure for criminal investigators, along with a license to carry an armed weapon.
Training typically involves learning how to properly gather information and conduct remote surveillance, among other routine tasks. Reconstructing accident scenes is also a field-specific skill learned.
Job Description: Criminal investigators are the individuals tasked with interviewing and collecting evidence for specific cases.
Depending on the case at hand, you may be performing background checks, verifying facts and statements, conducting surveillance, searching online records, or gathering information on persons of interest.
You may even need to testify in court or make a physical arrest. This job is fast-paced and often involves working odd hours, weekends, and holidays.
Important skills to have include resourcefulness, inquisitiveness, and integrity. Being able to stay cool, calm, and collected during criminal investigations is integral to performing well in this role.
23. Brick Mason
Average Salary: $42,900
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Many masons also complete extensive apprenticeship programs or specific coursework before employment.
Any previous experience as a construction laborer is acceptable.
On-the-Job Training: Learning the trade is often accomplished through completing apprenticeships and/or on-the-job training shadowing experienced masons.
In these apprenticeship programs, promising candidates learn standard masonry practices, such as construction basics, measurement calculations, and safety procedures.
Job Description: Generally a brick mason uses bricks to construct walls, fences, and other structures.
A typical work day would include reading blueprints, gathering required materials, cleaning surfaces with power tools, and lifting heavy materials for proper alignment.
Brick masons often work long hours in a fast-paced and strenuous environment where becoming injured on the job is common. Protective gear, such as safety glasses, should be worn at all times.
Construction deadlines must be met, so brick masons often work indoors and outdoors in all kinds of weather. Important skills to have for this role include hand-eye coordination, physical strength, and attention to detail.
24. Postal Service Worker
Average Salary: $57,260
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent. An excellent driving record is a must along with a clean track record.
On-the-Job Training: There is some short-term on-the-job training involved, including passing a written exam, road test, and other standard background checks.
Job Description: Postal service workers generally collect, sort, process, and distribute mail in a timely manner. It’s their responsibility to make sure mail is delivered seamlessly.
They also sell common postal products, such as stamps, and obtain any customer signatures for certified mail.
Important skills to have for this role include a strong focus on customer service and attention to detail.
25. Pharmacy Technician
Average Salary: $31,750
Prior Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Complete a postsecondary program in pharmacy technology before employment is acceptable.
On-the-Job Training: Moderate on-the-job training is required, which typically involves passing an exam or specialized program.
You may also need to learn how to operate automated dispensing equipment, and some states may require certification.
Job Description: Pharmacy technicians are responsible for correctly filling, packaging, and labeling customers’ or health professionals’ prescriptions.
You would also be involved in organizing inventory, processing insurance claims, and accurately entering patient information into a computer database.
Having excellent organizational, listening, and customer-service skills is highly valued for this role.
Pharmacy technicians may be required to work nights and some weekends. Make sure you are physically fit enough to spend most of the day on your feet fulfilling orders.
Is Attending College Overrated?
There’s one thing I know for sure – college is extremely expensive! As the College Board highlights in a recent survey outlining changes in college tuition between 2012-2013 and 2022-2023, tuition is on a steady upward climb that shows no signs of letting up.
In 2023, public four-year in-state tuition is $10,950 for full-time students. This was a 1.8% increase from the previous college year.
There are a vast amount of careers that you can obtain without an actual college degree, but most require either a trade school certification or just time on the job and working your way up through the ranks.
“Formal education will make you a living. Self education will make you a fortune.” – Jim Rohn
Looking for a job? Scared that the cause of unemployment may be growing? Sign up for free at www.FlexJobs.com and see who’s hiring today!
FAQs on High Paying Jobs with No Degree
Are there high paying jobs with no degree?
Yes, there are several types of jobs that do not require a college degree but can still offer competitive salaries. Some examples include web developers, software engineers, medical coders, sales professionals and IT support staff.
What qualifications do I need for these jobs?
What qualifications do I need for these jobs? The requirements for these types of positions vary depending on the job and company, but often include certifications or specialized training in the field you are interested in pursuing.
In addition to technical skills, employers are looking for individuals who demonstrate strong problem solving abilities, excellent communication skills and an understanding of customer service principles.
Q: What are some high paying jobs that don’t require a college degree?
Here are some examples of high paying jobs that don’t require a college degree:
-Commercial pilots: median salary of $121,430 per year -Detectives and criminal investigators: median salary of $81,920 per year -Nuclear power reactor operators: median salary of $94,350 per year -Power distributors and dispatchers: median salary of $83,020 per year -Real estate brokers: median salary of $61,720 per year -Elevator installers and repairers: median salary of $80,180 per year -Web developers: median salary of $73,760 per year -Petroleum engineers: median salary of $137,170 per year -Computer network architects: median salary of $112,690 per year -Medical and health services managers: median salary of $100,980 per year
Are there any high paying jobs that don’t require a college degree, but do require experience?
Yes, there are many high paying jobs that don’t require a college degree but do require experience. Some examples include:
-Commercial pilots: typically require several years of flight experience as a co-pilot before being considered for a pilot position. -Detectives and criminal investigators: typically require several years of experience in a related field, such as a police officer or federal agent. -Nuclear power reactor operators: require extensive on-the-job training and experience. -Real estate brokers: typically require several years of experience as a real estate agent before becoming a broker. -Petroleum engineers: typically require several years of experience in the oil and gas industry before being considered for a position as a petroleum engineer.
If you are suffering from anemia, getting life insurance can be tricky.
When you apply, your rating is based on the severity of your anemia, its cause, and how well you are treating your condition.
Depending on your situation, anemia might not affect your rating at all. To help get you prepared for your application, here are the life insurance guidelines for someone with anemia.
Life Insurance Underwriting for Anemia
The insurance company is going to ask you hundreds of questions. Some of them are going to revolve around your anemia:
When were you diagnosed?
What is the root cause of your anemia?
Have you been hospitalized because of your anemia?
Have you had any symptoms like headache, fatigue, or dizziness in the past 6 months?
What were the results of your last blood lab tests?
Are you currently taking iron supplements or any other medications for your condition?
This is your chance to show the company you are controlling your anemia. If your application seems incomplete, your chances of getting a bad rating or rejection go way up.
The insurance company is also going to ask you dozens of questions about your overall health. Your anemia is only one of the factors that they are going to look at when deciding your insurance rates.
There is an insurance company that will give you affordable policy. Don’t let anemia keep you from getting the coverage that your family deserves.
Life Insurance Quotes with Anemia
Your insurance rating primarily depends on the severity of the anemia and your treatments. Applicants that have their iron levels under control and aren’t anemic because of a more serious illness might be rated the same as someone without anemia. If an applicant’s anemia is more serious, it can become a bigger problem.
Insurers are also going to consider your overall health and your medical history when you apply. While each insurance company uses slightly different standards for anemia, there are some common rating classes:
Preferred Plus: Possible in very rare cases. It should have been two years since your last episode of symptoms and your blood levels should be normal. In addition, you should not have any other problems. Still, it’s difficult to qualify with anemia because it still counts as a health risk.
Preferred: A bit more likely, but still rare, for applicants that don’t have any issues with their anemia and are in great health. Once again, your blood level needs to be under control and you should have any other health issues.
Standard: Most likely best rating for someone with anemia. Applicant should not have had any incidents in the past year, should have normal blood levels, and the anemia shouldn’t be caused by sickle cell anemia or aplastic anemia disease. Applicant should also be in decent health. Table Rating (substandard): Most likely rating for someone with anemia. Applicants that have anemia because of sickle cell anemia or Crohn’s disease most likely won’t get anything better than a rated policy.
Declines: Applicants that have anemia because of aplastic anemia disease. Also, applicants that aren’t properly treating their anemia and have abnormal iron levels are likely to be declined.
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Anemia Insurance Case Studies
Each applicant is different. There are no two identical applications. To give you an idea of what you could be facing, here are some clients we’ve worked with before:
Case Study: Female, 38 y/o, had anemia at 35 as a result of a pregnancy, took iron supplements and the condition is now under control
This applicant was diagnosed with anemia after being pregnant when she was 35. She followed her doctor’s orders diligently and regularly took her iron supplements. As a result, her anemia was under control and didn’t lead to any problems. She applied for life insurance at 38, she only received a rated policy. We thought that insurers were paying too much attention to her past medical record of having anemia and weren’t considering her current good health.
We suggest she go to her doctor and get a document explaining her health and the improvements. She sent this to the insurance company and she got a preferred plan.
Case Study #2: Male, 58 y/o, diagnosed with Sickle Cell Anemia at 55, applied for life insurance right away and was rejected.
When this applicant was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia at 55, he was in a rush to get life insurance. When he applied though, his application was rejected. This was because of a couple mistakes. First, the client applied too soon after his diagnosis; it would have been better to wait a couple years. Second, he hadn’t given the iron supplements enough time to take effect. At this point, we recommended the client take another blood test. At this point, he received a rated life insurance policy.
Purchasing life insurance with anemia can be difficult, but it’s definitely possible for most applicants. We’ll be able to match you up with companies that understand this condition and help you with your application.
Life Insurance with Anemia
Now that you have all the information you need, you are prepared to get a quote for life insurance with anemia.