Best Jobs for Work-Life Balance

by Clare Kaufman, FindtheRightSchool.com

Work has a way of pushing beyond the hours of 9 to 5. Blame your Blackberry, the recession, or the American work ethic -- life outside of work is a luxury for many of us. But there are careers that let you have a life while you make a living. Here's a look at five careers that offer the flexibility and reasonable hours to support a healthy work-life balance.

Health Care

It should come as no surprise that many health-care careers put quality of life first. Many dental hygienists, massage and physical therapists, and personal caretakers enjoy the flexibility and manageable hours that make a life outside work possible.

Registered Nurse. Registered nurses top the Department of Labor's list of fastest-growing occupations, with an estimated 587,000 new jobs slated through 2016. And thanks to flexible scheduling, nursing also wins in the work-life balance department. Some nurses work three 12-hour days, leaving four days free for living.

Qualify for a nursing career by pursuing one of three training paths: an associate's degree in nursing (ADN), a three-year diploma in nursing, or a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN). Nursing degrees may be completed online, with a local clinical component for hands-on career training.
Median Annual Salary: $62,480

Information Technology

Technical careers offer a ticket to work-life balance in the form of self-employment. Technical support workers, systems and network analysts, and other technical experts can contract their services to companies -- and in doing so, retain control of their schedules.

Graphic Designer. Video games, mobile applications, and online interactive media are driving demand for graphic designers. With project work widely available, it's easy to establish an independent business as a freelance designer. An estimated 25 percent of graphic designers work for themselves, setting their own hours and enjoying a healthy dose of life after work.

An associate's or bachelor's degree in graphic design will help you set yourself up as a freelance graphic designer. You'll learn technical design skills, build a portfolio, and develop the professional contacts you need to land those crucial first assignments.
Median Annual Salary: $45,340

Business

For latitude and flexibility in the business sector, look no further than sales. Sales representatives typically set their own daily schedules and are accountable only to broad sales targets or their personal goals. Commissions-based earnings introduce the temptation to earn more by working more -- but also the option to forgo some commissions and earn free time instead.

Insurance Sales Agent. According to the Department of Labor, many insurance brokers work as independent agents and determine their own hours of work. Most agents work a forty-hour week, but when and where they work depends on the number and needs of clients they take on.

Insurance agents are licensed by the state. Though educational requirements stipulate only some insurance coursework, a bachelor's degree in business or economics is standard. Insurance agent earnings vary based on performance and workload.
Median Annual Salary: $58,580.

Education

Education offers plenty of opportunity to lose yourself in a labor of love -- or to find yourself by taking full advantage of the sometimes-flexible academic schedule.

Teacher. Teachers experience a bit of the "double-edged sword" syndrome. They enjoy a flexible schedule, but have to set clear limits to keep their after-school responsibilities--developing lesson plans and grading student work--in check. Plus, they are expected to keep their certification and education current. Time off for the kids can mean time for teachers to recharge, travel, or explore other interests.

To become licensed as a teacher, you'll need to complete a bachelor's degree and a teacher training program. Some states may also expect teachers to complete a master's degree within the first few years on the job. Bachelor's and master's degrees in education are widely available online.
Median Annual Salary: $52,450

Government

The public sector is one of the last bastions of the good old-fashioned nine-to-five workday. Federal, state, and local agencies offer quality-of-life jobs for professionals from all walks of life: public health workers, policymakers, administrators, lawyers, scientists, historians, corrections officers, and more.

Social Worker. Social work is a challenging field, no doubt about it. Many social workers, however, are able keep their lives in balance with a 40-hour work week. What's more, they spend their time on the job helping others bring balance to their lives. Social workers may specialize in helping children, families, the elderly, or others overcome life challenges ranging from abuse to illness.

A bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) offers entry into a social work career. Most social workers go on to complete a master's degree in social work, available online.
Median Annual Salary: $41,920

You don't have to give up your life to make a living. More and more employers are making quality of life a priority, allowing telecommuting and flexible schedules. Choose a life-friendly career, and start living your life to the fullest.

Clare Kaufman is a freelance writer who covers business and education topics.

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