Curricula and Learning Links - Career Exploration
Exploring Jobs
Preparing for Work You Can Love
What do you want to be when you grow up? Everyone endures this question many times during childhood. Much pressure exists in our society to go to college and work in some sort of profession, but is that what you really want? There are SO many options for making a living! With Americans spending fifty or more hours per week at work, you should do something that you really enjoy. Many times you can turn a hobby into a vocation. Many trades that were common in years past are falling by the wayside, but are still outstanding ways to support your family or to supplement your income. (See list below.)
Explore your future career options! Read about the position, and interview people who do the job. Ask if you can intern for a period of time. Find an organization like Sea Cadets that allows you to try out many different jobs. Keep in mind that discovering a job that you do NOT like is a valuable expenditure of your time, as valuable as finding a job you DO like. (Then you won't waste any time pursuing the one that isn't "you"!)
Job Profiles
Information Systems Technician
Unusual Trades
Musical instrument repairPiano tuner
Clock repair
Watch repair
Book repair/rebinding
Marbled paper manufacturer/artist (for book restoral)
Antique refinishing/repair
Web designer
Antique quilt restoration
Baker
Fitness trainer
Farrier
Dog groomer
Kennel operator
Henna Artist $40-$65 per hour
Face painter/Clown/Themed party planner $50-$75 per hour
Tattoo artist -- $200/hour
Bee keeper
Calligrapher
Professional photographer
