What Should I Do for a Living?

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What do you do for a Living when you Want to Live a Happy, Comfortable and Financially Free Life – The Ultimate Guide

Are you at a point in your life where you need to figure out what job or career to choose? I get it. This is a HUGE decision to make. Your choice will affect every aspect of your life for as long as you live!

The job you choose affects your quality of life – financially and emotionally. So what you choose to do for a living should depend on your skills, what you enjoy, how much money you’d like to earn, how much free time you’d like to have, and also, how much you’re willing to invest in education.

I guarantee that analyzing each one of these factors will help answer the “What should I do for a living?” question. So let’s delve into each one, and look at some of the jobs that might be best suited to you and your preferences!

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I remember when I needed to choose a career. I had to consider my own personal circumstances (you will need to do this too!). My husband had an oilfield career which took him away from our home for months at a time. Did I also want a career that would have me away from our home? How would our future kids manage with a mom and a dad having to leave all the time?

My answer was no. That eliminated quite a few viable career options. I knew I wanted a career that would allow me enough time with my kids whenever I became a mother. I also wanted one that paid well. I knew that I liked Geology. I also had a college degree.

All these things considered, I chose to become a teacher. I teach High School Math and Geography, which is closely related to my love for Geology. I get to drop off and pick up my kids from school and I get school breaks off with them.

To make up for the lower teaching income, I side hustle my way into a higher income bracket (from the comfort of my home). I get to make a difference in my students’ lives and shape the future generation.

All in all, I feel fulfilled and happy – which is what your career is supposed to do. I know I made the right decision. So now let me also help you figure out what do you do for a living when you want to live a satisfied life.

This question is one of the most major life decisions and is faced by almost every single person at some time or another. Making the right choice is so very important… No Pressure!

In fact, according to a survey conducted by Harris Poll for Fast Company, it was found that 52% of U.S. workers are considering a job change, and as many as 44% have actual plans to make the leap!

SAY WHAT?!

Now, what if we could make the right decision from the very beginning?

“What should I do for a living?”

To help you make the right decision, perhaps we can try expanding our main question into several more detailed questions instead.

What should I do for a living if I want to live a happy life?

What should I do for a living if I want to live a healthy life?

What should I do for a living if I want to be debt-free?

What should I do for a living if I want financial freedom and to never have to worry about money?

What should I do for a living if I want to have a lot of time for my family?

What should I do for a living if I want to travel the world?

What should I do for a living if I don’t ever want to go to college?

What should I do for a living if I want to work from home?

When choosing a job or career, all of these factors need to be considered. Is there anything such as a perfect job? One that will check all your boxes? Maybe. Maybe not.

You will need to prepare your list of needs, wants, skills and hobbies and see which jobs can check all of your boxes. Let’s see how close to perfect of a career you can get!

Before we get to a list of potential career choices, remember that:

• Your Job Should be Enjoyable

As the saying goes, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” If you want to live a happy life, your job should be something that you’re passionate about.

You do spend most of your waking hours at your job after all. If you want to prevent feeling stuck and frustrated, consider choosing a career that you’ll love and enjoy!

• You should be Able to Afford Life

Why choose a job/career that will have you struggling to make ends meet? The whole point of a job is to afford you a comfortable lifestyle, right?

Now, the exact meaning of the term “comfortable lifestyle” may vary from person to person. Some people are frugal and minimalist by nature. These persons do not need huge salaries to have their comfort levels met.

Others however, may need a bit more from life. These persons need enough income to cover a mortgage for a large home, fancy cars, vacations and other luxuries. And this is totally fine. But if this is your dream life, the job you choose needs to support this lifestyle – without sending you head over heels in debt!

• It should Match your Skillset and Education Level

If you invested time, money, sweat, effort and tears into furthering your education and skillset, then you need to see returns on this investment. This means that this factor plays a huge part in the “What Should I do for a Living” discussion!

Are you qualified and certified in your field? Did you go to a trade school to become an expert in offering a particular service? Then your income should match this!

67 Jobs (by Category) to Solve your “What Should I do for a Living” Dilemma

Maybe a list of potential jobs may make it easier for you to decide what career path you’d love and enjoy. Hopefully, these categories will help narrow down your options and get you the job you deserve!

Remember that the salaries quoted are just average base salaries, and will vary from state to state. Also, with further education and experience, income can be higher.

Work from Home Job Options

1. Virtual Assistant (Average Annual Base Salary – $59, 199)

Help businesses type documents, manage meetings and stay organized, virtually. You’ll need a background in business administration (diploma or degree). You must also be well versed in administration software.

2. Social Media Specialist (Average Annual Base Salary – $44, 106)

Enjoy creating content and having a social media presence? Then you’ll enjoy being a Social Media Specialist! Get a degree in marketing or communications, and take courses in advertising, consumer research etc.

3. Customer Service Representative (Average Annual Base Salary – $49, 690)

If you’re good at interacting with people, a CSR job may be perfect for you! A high school diploma is all that is needed to get started. However, persons with a FINRA license and Zendesk skills are typically paid more.

4. Freelance Writer (Average Annual Base Salary – $53, 402)

Enjoy a flexible schedule when you write for website owners and online magazines etc. You’ll get to work for as little or as much as you want.

5. Blogger (Average Annual Base Salary – $64, 225)

If you enjoy writing, why not write for yourself? Start your own money making blog and make your own schedule. It may just make you pennies when you start, but is quite a lucrative job when you stay committed. Technically, you don’t need any specific qualifications, but you definitely need to be good at writing!

6. Vlogger (Average Annual Base Salary – $67, 472)

Find your niche, film videos, edit, upload and promote to start earning an income through vlogging. The potential is there to earn 6-figures.

7. Web Designer (Average Annual Base Salary – $49, 913)

Use your graphic and tech skills to create an aesthetic, user-friendly website for clients. You’ll need a degree/background in I.T. and will need to know certain skills such as coding etc.

8. Transcriptionist (Average Annual Base Salary – $38, 734)

Love to type? Good at typing? Then converting audio to text may be a perfect job for you! A high school diploma is all that is needed to get started! Check out these 12 Best Transcription Jobs for Newbies.

9. Influencer / Social Media Content Creator (Average Annual Base Salary – $56, 023)

Technically, bloggers and youtubers (mentioned above) are content creators. However, I wanted to separate social media content creation from blogs and YouTube because this is a whole other ball game. With SO MANY social media platforms to choose from, you can grow your following, promote sponsored and affiliate content and make a ton of money!

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10. Proofreader (Average Annual Base Salary – $51, 866)

Have a good eye? Good at Grammar? Literally get paid to be a Grammar Police… ahem, I mean a Proofreader. Most proofreading and editing jobs require a bachelor degree in a related field to get started. Check out these 43 Proofreading Jobs from Home.

11. Bookkeeper (Average Annual Base Salary – $53, 402)

A bookkeeping clerk records all financial transactions for a company. Recently, bookkeepers are getting the benefit of working from home. To get started, a high school diploma or GED is all that is needed.

12. Affiliate Marketing Manager (Average Annual Base Salary – $67, 690)

You’ll get to spearhead marketing campaigns for companies. Link with content creators to negotiate and promote affiliate programs. Usually a degree in marketing, advertising or a related field is required.

13. Freelance Graphic Designer (Average Annual Base Salary – $70, 054)

If you are creative and well versed in the graphic design software, this job may be a great option for you! Many graphic designers have a degree in a related field, though this is not a necessary requirement.

14. Online Tutor/Instructor (Average Annual Base Salary – $53, 929)

You can become a tutor for absolutely anything – from academics, to cooking classes.

15. Dropshipping Business Owner (Average Annual Base Salary – $61, 359)

Dropshipping is a retail business that will allow you to accept online orders, without having to keep the goods in stock. Instead, you will order the items and have them sent directly to the customer. It’s a great option for anyone who wants to be their own boss, and there’s no certification or minimum level education needed to start.

16. Make Products to Sell (Average Annual Base Salary – $49, 263)

Want to be a business owner, working from home? Try making your own products to sell! Making candles to sell, printables to sell on Etsy, or even making various craft items to sell can be quite profitable, bringing in 6-figure incomes with enough effort!

17. Baker/Caterer (Average Annual Base Salary – $43, 671)

Bakers and caterers who work from home are basically business owners. They create a product to be sold, and so, the earning potential is very high! To follow this career path, you will need to either attend a culinary school or start training under an experienced baker. There are also many self-learnt bakers.

18. Sell Plants (Average Annual Base Salary – $44, 512)

Again, by growing plants to sell, you will be setting yourself up as a business owner, which removes any cap there may be over your earning potential. You may choose to do landscaping plants, decorative plants, or even crops. No certification is required to get started.

Trade Jobs that Pay Well

19. Welder (Average Annual Base Salary – $40, 848)

Welders are always in demand. To get started, you’ll need to pursue a welding program to obtain a certificate.

20. Electrician (Average Annual Base Salary – $56, 580)

Electricians have the choice of working on domestic, commercial and industrial properties. To become an electrician, you can complete a training program, or you can start as an apprentice and learn from an experienced higher-up.

21. HVAC Technician (Average Annual Base Salary – $48, 853)

An HVAC technician installs, maintains and repairs the heating and cooling system in a building. Proper certification from an accredited college or trade school is required.

22. Plumber (Average Annual Base Salary – $53, 841)

Plumbers can start as an apprentice and learn from their superiors, or they can choose to attend a trade school to pursue a plumbing program.

23. Construction Manager (Average Annual Base Salary – $78, 183)

A construction manager oversees a construction project. Some construction managers may have a bachelor’s degree in a related field. However, others have started from apprentice positions and worked their way up. Various courses can be pursued to improve your portfolio.

24. Home and Building Inspector (Average Annual Base Salary – $58, 428)

A home and building inspector checks homes to determine if there is any damage or hazards. To get started, a high school diploma is needed. Additional training may be needed but varies from state to state.

25. Crane Operator (Average Annual Base Salary – $52, 997)

You will need a high school diploma and certification from a high equipment program, to become a crane operator.

26. Carpenter (Average Annual Base Salary – $56, 876)

In some cases, you will need a high school diploma or GED. You’ll also need to pursue a carpentry training program from a trade school. You can also learn as an apprentice from a more experienced carpenter.

27. Mechanic (Average Annual Base Salary – $53, 270)

To become a mechanic, you need a high school diploma or GED. You’ll then need to pursue a vocational training program from a trade school.

Traditional & Popular Jobs

28. Police Officer (Average Annual Base Salary – $53, 242)

To become a police officer, you must be a U.S. citizen over the age of 21. You must have a high school diploma, and a clear police record. You can then join the police academy or pursue a criminal justice course.

29. Administrative Assistant (Average Annual Base Salary – $45, 376)

You’ll need a high school diploma or GED to get started.

30. Teacher (Average Annual Base Salary – $24, 407)

You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in an education-related field. For higher levels, you’ll need a major in whichever subject area you wish to teach.

31. Truck Driver (Average Annual Base Salary – $78, 016)

Many trucking companies require a high school diploma or GED to get started. The licenses and courses required would depend on the type of vehicle you’re driving and what items you are transporting.

32. Firefighter (Average Annual Base Salary – $50, 800)

You’ll need to be at least 18 years old with high school diploma and driver’s license to get started. You will also need to do additional courses when you are recruited.

33. Babysitter/Nanny (Average Annual Base Salary – $46, 739)

Technically, you don’t need formal education to babysit. However, if you want to be credible and qualified, you’ll want to ensure that you have a high school diploma or GED. You can then complete courses like First Aid, and classes at the American Council of Nanny School.

34. Server (Average Annual Base Salary – $40, 391)

Most times, a formal education is not required. However, a high school diploma or GED is an asset.

35. Security Officer (Average Annual Base Salary – $51, 569)

Most security firms require a high school diploma or GED. You may also need to be licensed.

36. Social Worker (Average Annual Base Salary – $55, 228)

You’ll need to pursue a degree in social work, plus certification from the state in which you want to work.

37. Accountant (Average Annual Base Salary – $55, 964)

You’ll need a degree in accounting or a related field. It’s also possible for you to start as a bookkeeper and work your way up.

38. Sales Clerk (Average Annual Base Salary – $29, 279)

No formal education is required. However, a high school diploma or GED is an asset.

39. Lawyer (Average Annual Base Salary – $73, 945)

You’ll need to graduate with a law degree, and you’ll need to be accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). You’ll then need to get licensed to practice in your state.

40. X-Ray Technician (Average Annual Base Salary – $60, 003)

You’ll need to write exams and get certified to work with radiological equipment. You’ll also need a degree from an accredited radiological education program.

41. Flight Attendant (Average Annual Base Salary – $32, 680)

All you need to get started is a high school diploma or GED. Once recruited, you’ll need to complete special training and obtain certification from various courses.

Cool Non-Traditional Jobs that Pay Well

42. Phlebotomist (Average Annual Base Salary – $48, 079)

A phlebotomist works in the medical field. This is the person charged with drawing samples of blood from a patient for tests, transfusions or donation. To become a phlebotomist, you’ll need to have a high school diploma or GED, after which you can start pursuing a phlebotomy training program.

43. Bather/Groomer (Average Annual Base Salary – $39, 108)

If you have a deep love for animals, you might want to get paid to bathe and groom them. You can get started by applying to your local pet store or shelter. Or you can even start up your own business.

44. DJ (Average Annual Base Salary – $50, 694)

Becoming a disc jockey may be the perfect career choice for the fun, outgoing person.

45. Party Planner (Average Annual Base Salary – $61, 546)

Party planners must have good organizational skills. Many party planners have a degree in event management, hospitality, or similar field, but this is not required.

46. Photographer (Average Annual Base Salary – $39, 685)

There are several paths you can follow as a photographer. Some will require formal education, such as magazines or newspaper photography. If you’re simply a natural, and you own a camera, you can start your own business page to offer photography services to clients.

Current Popular & In-demand Jobs

47. Registered Nurse (Average Annual Base Salary – $83, 953)

To become a nurse, you can either do a Bachelor of Science degree, an Associate’s degree or a diploma from an approved nursing program to get started. You’ll also need to become licensed to be able to practice. If you have a desire to serve, and want a career that pays well and is also fulfilling, this might be the option for you!

48. Warehouse Worker (Average Annual Base Salary – $40, 818)

With online shopping on the rise, warehouse workers are in high demand as more personnel is needed to organize, track and retrieve inventory for shipping. You may also be required to do some heavy lifting and moving at times, so keep working those muscles if this sounds like a job you would be interested in!

49. Delivery Driver (Average Annual Base Salary – $64, 023)

Delivery drivers get items from one place to another. Obviously, to become a delivery driver, you’ll need to obtain your driver’s license. If you need to driver larger vehicles, you’ll need additional licenses. To apply to a company for a delivery driver position, you may be be required to have at least your high school diploma or GED.

50. Store Shopper (Average Annual Base Salary – $33, 891)

Love to shop, but not spend your own money? Believe it or not, you can become a store shopper! A store shopper is required to conduct daily errands for a company or client.

51. Dental Hygienist (Average Annual Base Salary – $78, 110)

A dental hygienist works under a dentist. They are tasked with jobs like cleaning a patient’s teeth. To get started, you’ll need to earn an Associate’s Degree from an accredited dental hygiene school. You may also need to apply for the necessary licenses.

52. Realtor (Average Annual Base Salary – $96, 820)

Realtors help people buy and sell homes. They are not exactly the same as real estate agents, as a realtor is a member of the National Association of Realtors, and can work as a broker, a buyer’s agent, as well as a real estate agent. Requirements and qualifications vary from state to state, so you will need to check your local area to make this the career of your dreams.
By the way, realtors make their salary from commissions but their average annual income from this is included above.

6 Figure Jobs (over $100 000 annually)

53. Machine Learning Engineer (Average Annual Base Salary – $132, 843)

A machine learning engineer is tasked with the job of creating Artificial Intelligence algorithms for social media, online stores and other related web software and programs. You’ll need a degree in Computer Science, Math, or I.T. If you decide to pursue this career path, you must be able to code, and of course, you’ll need to have exceptional problem-solving skills!

54. Full Stack Developer (Average Annual Base Salary – $103, 865)

A full stack developer is yet another tech job that pays well. A full stack developer is simply a programmer or web developer who works on both the back and front end of a website, program or app. This means that they are not only charged with development, but also user experience and project management. You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Many other similar and related tech jobs are also well known for paying 6 figures. These include:

55. Software Engineer (Average Annual Base Salary – $118, 167)

56. Front End Developer (Average Annual Base Salary – $100, 440)

57. Back End Developer (Average Annual Base Salary – $115, 369)

58. Loan Officer (Average Annual Base Salary – $180, 976)

Loan officers benefit from a high salary, plus commissions. You’ll need a high school diploma to get started. Then you can pursue a degree in finance, business, economics or a related field.

59. Actuary (Average Annual Base Salary – $115, 382)

Actuaries use Math and Statistics from obtained data to analyze and manage risk for businesses and organizations. This helps protect companies from financial loss in the future. To get started on this career path, you’ll need to pursue a degree in Math, Statistics, Actuarial Science, or a related subject area.

60. Doctor (Average Annual Base Salary – $219, 061)

A doctor or physician is one of the highest paid career paths that you can choose. If you know that you’re passionate about Biology, Chemistry and medicine, you may want to consider med school as an option.

61. Dentist (Average Annual Base Salary – $208, 043)

Dentists are also highly paid and require a similar education path as doctors.

7 Figure Jobs (over $1 000 000 annually)

62. CEO

Many of the world’s millionaires are CEOs of huge companies and organizations. If you have aspirations to reach this level, you’ll need to pursue a business related degree and work diligently to climb the corporate ladder.

63. Business Owner

A business owner can be a CEO/Founder of his company, but a CEO might not necessarily be the owner of a business. Needless to say, you can grow and take any business from zero to 7 figures with hard work and sacrifice.

64. Actor/Actress

It’s no secret that many movie stars are millionaires. If you’re passionate about acting and drama, this might be a viable career to pursue. Just know that the probability of achieving stardom is low, so don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

65. Athlete

Popular athletes are also known to be 7 figure income earners. If you’re already showing signs of being gifted player in your sport, this may be an option for you to pursue!

66. Fashion Designer

Sought-after fashion designers are also known for being high earners. If you have an eye for detail and love fashion and designing, this one is for you.

67. Singer & Performer

Obviously many singers also fall into this 7 figure income bracket. You already know, if you have an amazing voice, you gotta make it your money-maker!

There are so many other jobs from pilots, to chefs, to custodians. There are just too many to list here. There are the world of opportunities out there for you! Check out this list of the fastest growing occupations from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics!

Tips for Finding your Perfect Career

Remember that you’ll need to live with whatever decision you make for the rest of your life. Yes, people make career switches, but it isn’t ideal as this results in a loss of time and money invested in earlier education. Try to make the best choice by considering the following factors:

• Your hobbies/passion

• Your education

• Your skills

• What is the current job market like?

• Your values

• Your lifelong dreams and goals

How to Answer the “What do you do for a living?” Question

So you’ve chosen a career and totally enjoying your life. For as long as you live, you’ll be faced with the “What do you do for a living?” question. And there are many different approaches you can take to answer.

Before choosing how to answer this question, you’ll first want to figure out why the person is asking.

Sometimes it’s because they’re trying to match your career to how often you are present/absent from events, they’re trying to figure out how much you earn, they haven’t seen you in a while and want to know what you’re up to, or they want to know how you afford your luxurious lifestyle. All of these reasons point to the fact that they’re too inquisitive to mind their own business!

So when you’re asked the “What do you do for a living?” question, how you choose to answer may depend on your mood and the person asking. You can choose to give a legit and informative answer, revealing as much info as you’re comfortable with. Or you can give a very vague answer that’s neither right nor wrong.

As an independent adult, just remember that you have no obligation to anyone to answer such questions about your personal life.

What do you Do for a Living for a Happy & Rich Life FAQs

– How do I decide what I want to do for a living?

Deciding what you want to do for a living requires a lot of thought and research. Most times, you’ll need to invest time and money on education, certification etc. To ensure that none of this is wasted, you’ll need to consider all factors before making a commitment.

Think about your hobbies and what you’re passionate about – your life will be miserable if you need to do something that you hate every single day. Think about what type of lifestyle you wish to live, and how much money is needed every month to facilitate your spending. When making a final decision on what you want to do for a living, you’ll also need to consider what kind of hours you’ll be okay putting in.

All of these, together with some prayer and meditation will help lead you in the right direction.

– What can I do for a living?

You can do anything you set your mind to do. As cliché and cheesy as this sounds, it is absolutely true. What you can do for a living though, will depend on your education background, or how much time and effort you’re willing to invest in this.

The only requirements for a career of your choice will be specific certification, licenses and/or degrees. When you’ve decided exactly what job you’d like to pursue, do some research on what skills are needed, and sign yourself up immediately. It’s never too late to get started.

– How can I make a living without a job?

Unless you win the lottery or collect a hefty inheritance, you’ll have to do at least SOME work to make a living. If you’re trying to make a living with very minimal efforts, there may be some options for you though.

You can research passive income ideas to make money every day with little to no “work”. Or maybe your idea of making a living without a job is simply getting out of the 9-5 rat race, and becoming your own boss.

In this case, you’ll want to consider starting your own business, work from home job options, and even non-traditional “jobs” like a social media influencer or becoming a YouTuber.

– What do you do for a living answer?

The way you choose to answer the “What do you do for a living?” question may depend on your mood and who is asking.

You can choose to give a legitimate and informative response, describing your job title and day to day tasks. Or you can give a vague response. Or you can totally evade the question all together. As an independent adult, you have no obligation to anyone to answer such questions about your personal life.

Final Thoughts on What Should I do for a Living

Now that I’ve answered the “What should I do for a living” question, and more, hopefully you feel like you have enough information to help you choose an enjoyable and fulfilling career path.

There are literally hundreds of career options to choose from – too many to list here. When making your choice, always remember, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”

So what do you do for a living when you want a happy and rich life? Have you already made a decision? Do you have any additional tips for us? Share with us in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!

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