When you think of your ideal career, what does it look like? Are you lying on the beach typing emails on your BlackBerry, or are you building lean muscle by chopping down trees in the middle of nowhere? They say perspective is everything, but since we have to analyze and rank everything these days, Careercast.com recently came out with their list of best and worst jobs of 2012.

So, how did they decide what defines a good job vs. a bad one? By weighing several factors, such as physical, environmental, income (of course), stress, and hiring outlook. Now, just because a job is stressful doesn’t mean it’s one of the worst. In fact, last we checked, brain surgeons experience a lot of stress, but probably aren’t worrying about the rent. On the other hand, that butcher job might be low stress, but when you weigh the job outlook, you might want to consider medical school.

What are the top 5 “best” jobs according to Careercast?

1. Software engineer
2. Actuary
3. Human resource manager
4. Dental hygienist
5. Financial planner

It’s not surprising that software engineer topped the list. After all, the robots are taking over, and they get paid pretty well.

And now, for the 5 “worst” jobs on their list:

1. Lumberjack
2. Dairy farmer
3. Enlisted military soldier
4. Oil rig worker
5. Reporter

Why are these worst jobs? For starters, being a lumberjack is very dangerous work. And when you factor in that they only make about $32,000 a year, it is understandable why most people don’t dream about growing up to be the next Paul Bunyon anymore.

Do you love stress as much as most people? Yes? Great! You might enjoy one of these careers they ranked among the most stressful:

1. Enlisted soldier
2. Firefighter
3. Airline pilot
4. Military general
5. Police officer

Is the career you want on this list? While we don’t recommend changing your mind about a career based on what other people are saying about it, it’s smart to do some research to find out median salaries, job outlook, and other factors that might affect your job search – and satisfaction in the future.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released its updated projections of the 20 occupations with the fastest-growing employment between 2010-20. When you look over the list, you’ll notice that many of the top professions are in the field of healthcare. How many times have you heard that if you want a “safe” career, enter healthcare? Well, it sounds like that refrain is going to continue into the next decade.

Obviously, you should follow the path that is going to make you happy, but if you are on the fence about what kind of education you should pursue, check out this list of the 20 fastest-growing professions:

1. Personal care aides
2. Home health aides
3. Biomedical engineers
4. Brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons, and tile and marble setters
5. Carpenters
6. Veterinary technologists and technicians
7. Reinforcing iron and rebar workers
8. Physical therapist assistants
9. Pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
10. Meeting, convention, and event planners
11. Diagnostic medical sonographers
12. Occupational therapy assistants
13. Physical therapist aides
14. Glaziers
15. Interpreters and translators
16. Medical secretaries
17. Market research analysts and marketing specialists
18. Marriage and family therapists
19. Brickmasons and blockmasons
20. Physical therapists

Is the career you want on this list? If so, then you might be headed in a great direction. If not, don’t worry, there are many other promising careers beyond the ones that made the cut. If you aren’t sure what to do next, search for a college near you that offers programs in your area of interest. They can help you plan a strategy for pursuing your next career.

The biggest factor in your success as an online student may be time management. In this situation, you must make a special effort to be proactive and realize that the learning process is virtually all up to you. Then you will reach the goal of expanding your career possibilities by taking a course.

Mastering time management
To sharpen this essential skill, determine the time of day when you feel it will be easiest to concentrate on your studies. Then, decide how long that “study period” will be and act as if it is an appointment written in stone that can’t be erased.

Many people decide to take online courses because it is convenient to participate in them from their home. However, these people are also very busy, and they can tell you that balancing courses with their other obligations and interests can become the proverbial juggling act. While that is definitely true, note that one of the benefits of taking online courses is that they are flexible, and you fit them into your daily schedule as opposed to making major adjustments in order to get to night class.

Creating the right study environment
Whether you need background music when you study or prefer absolute silence, it is best to choose a spot that is both well-lit and free of distractions, and the quality of the time you spend is much more important than the quantity. With the right preparation, you may be pleasantly surprised to find that you can complete most of your assignments in a relatively short amount of time.

Having your questions answered
There are several ways for online students to obtain the information they need. Note that the best courses usually provide instructor support, which means that you can submit question to ensure that you should never feel alone or overwhelmed throughout the entire process.

Working with other students
Online chat rooms are another good resource for students looking for answers and those who want to discuss assignments they have been given. Very often, they discover that someone else who is taking the course has exactly the same question and they discuss the matter to their mutual benefit.

In addition, if you happen to be the first one to initiate a chat, you can share your basic thoughts to start the conversation, but if you become part of the discussion thread later on, be prepared to contribute something more substantial.

Because the group will probably be quite diversified, introduce yourself when the course begins by making appropriate comments about your personal or professional life. This will enable others in the group to see “where you are coming from” and help you establish some common ground with them.

Adults are returning to school in record numbers – to start new careers or just pursue a passion for learning. As these students take their place next to the “typical” younger learners in classrooms across the country, instructors in all subject areas must make adjustments in lesson plans and teaching styles to accommodate the different learning characteristics and goals of these mature learners.

Adult learners take an egalitarian approach to learning. Because in most cases these learners have chosen to return to school, they evaluate learning in terms of their own goals and interests, and prefer to feel in control of the process. This perspective presents a marked contrast to the traditional classroom model of young students taking direction from an instructor just to pass the course. Adult learners differ from their younger counterpart in several key ways. These learners are:

1. Problem solvers. Adult learners tend to be problem oriented. They identify a situation that needs to be changed and are back in school to find a solution. Because of this perspective, adult learners also focus on results and outcomes from the material being studied. Unlike younger students, they need clear explanations about the relevance of the material to their goals.

2. Self-directed. Because adult learners generally have made a choice about returning to school, they take charge of their own learning, and view teachers as peers rather than authority figures. These learners require guidance rather than mandates, and prefer to take an active part in the learning process.

3. Questioners. Because adult learners typically bring decades of life experience to the classroom, they tend to be skeptical about material being presented, and evaluate it in terms of knowledge outside the course. Younger students are more likely to accept information without thinking critically/

4. Context-oriented. Adult learners want to see the relevance of education to their own lives and the world they live in, rather than acquiring knowledge that might be useful later. Because they tend to be problem solvers, they want to apply knowledge directly to current situations.

5. Eclectic learners. Because of diverse life experience, adults learn in varied ways and prefer to be actively involved in learning. Because adult students may process information through reading or hands-on learning, instructors need to build in a variety of activities around the learning objectives and actively involve these learners in the process.

6. Goal-focused. Adult learners typically have definite reasons for returning to school. Since these learners are highly self-directed and independent, they prefer to shape their learning experience rather than letting an instructor or curriculum shape it for them.

Adult students bring curiosity, independence and vast life experience to the classroom. Instructors who recognize their different needs, expectations and learning styles can create an educational environment that enriches both adult students and their younger counterparts.

School isn’t just for teenagers anymore. There are plenty of good reasons why adults, both young and old, can return to school. Here’s ten of the best.

1. Personal investment. Time spent in school is knowledge and experience you deserve. School can help you achieve your goals, whatever they may be.

2. Make more money. While it’s not guaranteed, you’ll possibly see a hike in salary, having a higher education never hurts. A better degree can lead to any number of job openings all around the world.

3. Brand new experiences. School gets you away from the same old nine to five. If you’re unsatisfied with your career path, pursuing education can set you on a different one.

4. Following your dreams. It’s amazing how many simple life-improving dreams are possible with a little higher education. You may never land on another planet, but you can change your life. A college degree is an excellent place to start.

5. Overcoming fears. College may seem like a frightening place, but it’s full of normal people just like you. You can learn just as much outside of the classroom on a college campus as you can inside the walls, if you’re not afraid to mingle.

6. Create a business. With a little education you can take matters into your own hands and start your own business. You won’t have to work for a boss you hate – you can be your own boss. There are entire degree programs geared to doing exactly that.

7. Networking and connecting. Nothing is more important in today’s connected world than social ties. The people you meet in college today could be tomorrow’s CEOs and superstars. It certainly can’t hurt to be friends with them.

8. Raise self-esteem. College is full of young people and all the hopes and dreams they carry. It’s a place of optimism before the cold harsh world beats them down. Step into their shoes for a while and revitalize yourself with some classes and some social interaction.

9. Be a role model. Especially if you have children, higher education is important. Your kids can see you’re working to improve yourself and they can experience how important college is. That way they’ll be more inclined to go themselves.

10. Endless learning. The world is vast and full of knowledge and experience. It’s worth the investment to give higher education a try. Broaden your horizons.

Whether you’re fresh out of high school or resuming your academic career after a long layoff, managing your finances is an important part of being a college student. Follow these tips from FoxBusiness.com to handle your money smartly and make paying off your loans a little easier.

Do your research
Some colleges and universities recommend financial services to students. And while these recommendations may work great for some students, they won’t necessarily be ideal for everyone. That’s why you should shop around to weigh the benefits of various institutions. Visit banks and credit unions either in person or online to get an idea of the services they offer and the fees they charge to determine which will work best for your needs.

Read the fine print
You may be offered a debit card or checking account with great perks, but failing to read the fine print can cost you. So read through a sign-up form or account agreement from top to bottom and take the time to understand the costs and features before you sign on the dotted line.

Don’t pay to access your own money
Some banks actually charge you a fee to maintain a checking account or to load money on a prepaid debit card. Avoid this pesky fee by looking for a bank that offers no-fee checking accounts or low-fee accounts for students. Also, beware of things like overdraft protection, which offers a high-interest loan in the event that you exceed your account balance.

Track your spending
Without a set amount of cash in your wallet, it’s easy to go a little overboard with credit or debit card spending. If you find yourself struggling to stay within your means each month, be sure to hold on to your receipts and use a tracking service like Mint.com to help manage your money more effectively. “Live like a student while you’re at school so you don’t have to live like a student after you graduate,” says Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of Finaid.org and Fastweb.com.

Use student loan money wisely
If you buy one pizza per week, you might end up spending close to $2,000 by the time you graduate. And if you’re using student loan money to buy your meals, you might end up paying nearly double that when you factor in interest. Do your best to stick to a strict food budget and use your student loan money only for school-related expenses.

Okay, so that headline might sound a little misleading. After all, there are no so-called quick-fixes for any serious career-changer. The truth is, you have to dedicate yourself to learning the knowledge and skills to succeed in any career field. However, there are some areas you can choose, such as healthcare and information technology that can offer faster training and higher salaries than you might expect.

What’s so cool about healthcare and IT? Well, since you asked, both fields, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, are projected to grow faster than the average rate for all occupations. Healthcare is projected to increase 22% from 2008 to 2018. Employment for computer network, systems, and database administrators is projected to increase by 30% from 2008 to 2018.

Of course, there are many types of work that each field has to offer, with many variables that can affect how much you can earn. But, with projected growth in both fields, now can be a great time to look into programs that can prepare you to enter either field.

While you can earn bachelor’s and graduate degrees in different areas of each field of study, there are many accelerated certification and associate’s programs that can prepare you to get your foot in the door and start working your way up the ladder.

Many people who work at the entry-level in healthcare and IT are managing their busy lives while pursuing higher levels of education. It’s not easy to juggle a job, family responsibilities, and find time to go back to school. But, many people make the time through online learning, flexible class schedules, and lots of caffeine.

If you have been thinking of ways that you can develop skills for real career opportunities, it’s time to see what your options are in the fields of healthcare and information technology.

Courtesy Hot Rod Homepage via Flickr

Criminal justice schools across the country have seen an increase in their student bodies due in large part to what’s referred to as the “CSI effect.” The CSI effect is credited to the surge of interest in the criminal investigation field that’s linked to the popularity of the numerous crime scene investigation shows that have rocked television for the past several years.

Referring to the first of the megahit series to really focus on forensic science, the CSI effect glamorizes a very difficult and taxing career. According to the South University’s Director of the Interdisciplinary Studies Program Stuart Henry, the CSI effect communicates to students that careers in forensics and criminal investigation are abundant and plentiful. The truth of the matter is the field of crime scene investigation and other similar career paths are highly specialized and competitive with only the top percentile receiving lucrative job offers after graduating from a criminal justice college.

If you are interested in attending a criminal justice school, it is important to take a good honest look at your intended career path. A thorough college search can yield important information that debunks the CSI effect. The fact of the matter is a career in criminal investigation is not nearly as simple as it is on television. It takes hard work and an incredible amount of dedication, not to mention talent and a specialized education that is often not even touched upon in any of the television shows.

This is not to say that a career in crime scene investigation is impossible to achieve. While conducting a college search for criminal justice schools, ask the advisors, professors and students close to graduating what the reality of this career field is. Such information is invaluable and will help to dispel many of the myths perpetuated by the CSI effect. The advisors at a criminal justice school may even have direct experience with working in the crime scene investigation field, and their advice will help to further guide your decision.

While a career as a highly specialized crime scene investigator may seem impossible, there are plenty other careers in this field that are attainable. A criminal justice college will be able to offer potential students courses in law enforcement, as well as probation officer classes. While not as glamorized as crime scene investigators, police officers are dearly needed, and there are plenty of job openings. A college search will reveal which schools offer courses in law enforcement, which is oftentimes the first step toward a career in criminal investigation. A criminal justice college will be able to direct potential students toward the proper studies to achieve a degree in this field by starting at the bottom. There is no quick and easy way to become a well-respected crime scene investigator, so finding a good criminal justice school is crucial to help you attain your future career path.

The CSI effect takes a very difficult and time-consuming career and polishes it up to be more palatable for the television audience, so it is important to be realistic about your goals. There is an increased demand for graduates from criminal justice schools, whether it is in law enforcement, investigation or other similar branches. As long as students are realistic about the actuality of a profession versus what’s shown on TV, they should not be disappointed by the CSI effect.

1. Calibrate your monitor for reading

A bright, vibrant display might work well for viewing photos or watching movies, but it’s best to tone it down when reading text for long periods. To do so, you’ll need to adjust your computer’s display settings. The easiest way to do this is to use a program like F.lux, which automatically adjust the color of your computer’s display during various times of the day and adjusts for various lighting conditions. Simply install the program, input a few settings, and the program will take care of the rest, making for a more comfortable computer reading experience.

2. Enhance your reading application

Depending on what you’re reading on your computer, you might find yourself distracted by a variety of factors, like ads, email notifications, or simply a cluttered page layout. To enjoy a cleaner reading experience, consider using a browser extension or bookmark service. A browser extension, such as iReader for the Chrome and Firefox browsers, will pull text out of a page and get rid of the ads and images. Bookmark services like Instapaper and Read it Later can save content you wish to read later and present it in an easy-to-read format when you’re ready to dig in.

3. Equip your room with better lighting

You probably already know that light quality can have a major impact on eye strain, particularly when you’re reading or studying for long periods. Luckily, there are a couple of steps you can take to create optimal lighting conditions. First, try using a small table lamp instead of an overhead light while reading. This will make it more comfortable and easier on your eyes to focus on the screen. Next, avoid sitting with windows behind you if possible. The bright light from the sun can reflect off the screen and create a glare.

4. Adjust your monitor height

Have you ever noticed yourself leaning toward the screen as you read a long chunk of text? It’s only natural for some people, since most people hold books closer to their face than they situate their computer monitor. To minimize this lean, try placing your monitor on a mount. Many mounts allow you to adjust the monitor for better ergonomics, and some even allow you to move the monitor around on your desk for more comfortable viewing.

 

“Whoa, wait – what the heck is my Facebook score?”

Is that what you just said to yourself? If so, then you probably haven’t heard about the new tool employers could use to examine your use of social media.

It all started when a team of professors from multiple universities developed a personality score that factors the following five character traits among Facebook users:

• Conscientiousness
• Emotional stability
• Agreeableness
• Extraversion
• Openness

Now, how in the heck can your posts, comments, and photos be formulated?

First, let’s look at the Conscientious category. This is where your “OMG! I love arriving to work early to organize my day!” status update would come in handy. Also, if you have pictures of yourself smiling while working on a spreadsheet, this would help, too. However, you might want to take down that pic that shows what a mess your apartment is.

Emotional Stability. Let’s go ahead and remove that post that reads: “I’M GOING CRAZY! AMERICAN IDOL HAS BEEN CANCELLED!!!!!” Why? Well, let’s start with the words “going crazy” in reference to a TV show that has been on the decline for years. Also, using ALL CAPS is a sign of someone who can’t control their emotions very well. This post might also tell your prospective employer that you have a habit of sweating the small stuff.

Agreeableness. Do you start fights on Facebook about politics, religion, or the flavor of cupcakes? This is where the Golden Rule applies. If you don’t have anything nice to post, don’t post anything at all. (Plus, your friends will be less likely to hide you from their newsfeed if you are nice.)

Extraversion. This is how well you interact with your online and real-life community. You can excel in this category by showing yourself at the latest community center groundbreaking or some other event where you are at least posing as a social person. Those pictures of your keg-stand at the last frat party might be a point-reducer in this category.

Openness. When is the last time you announced that you just finished reading The Works of Oscar Wilde or posted pictures of your attempt to free Tibet? Stop being so shy! Show your job prospects that you are a worldly person, and you aren’t afraid to show it.

So why is all this important to employers? Well, most probably know that you can’t judge a book by its cover – but you can tell a lot about a person’s judgment by what they post, and they can make a lot of guesses about you even if you don’t update your Facebook at all.

Is it scary to think that your future boss is going through your photo albums and comments looking for reasons not to hire you? Sure, it is. That’s why we recommend keeping your profile private and explaining that you like to keep Facebook for friends – and separate from your work life.

How can they argue with that? After all, Facebook’s tagline is “a place for friends,” not “a place for companies to weed through applications.”

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