Junior High History Teacher

Kathleen N. "I teach 8th graders in the State of Texas everything they need to know about US History, from our colonization to the time period known as Reconstruction, after the Civil War."

Education

---

Required License(s) You must have a  teaching certificate in the area you wish to teacher (e.g., to teach History, you must take the History exam, to teach English, the English exam).

Required Degree(s) Bachelor's degree

Importance of GPA somewhat important

What do you need to do to maintain your license(s)?

You must obtain a certain number of professional development hours in order to keep your teaching certificate active.

Kathleen's Highest Degree: Bachelor's degree
Kathleen's College Major: Bachelor's of Liberal Arts in History with a Teaching Certificate in a Single Field and a minor in English
Kathleen's College GPA: 3.6-3.9

Salary

---

It completely depends on the state you live in. 

I started my teaching career in Florida and the salary was only about $32,000 a year. But in the state of Texas, the salary jumps to about $50,000 a year. It all depends on the state and school district you work for.

Getting the Job

---

How did you get your job?

I knew a person working in the district I wanted to be in. She talked to the principal of her school and then after I applied, I was called and asked to come in for an interview. It does help to know someone in the district you want to work for, but you don't necessarily have to know someone. I know plenty of teachers who have gotten jobs simply based on their qualifications, resumes, and references.  That is how I obtained my very first teaching job in Florida.

How important was networking to landing your position?

Fairly important, but not essential. If you want to move up at all in eduction, that is when who know matters more.

Life on the Job

---

What is a typical day (or week) for you like?

A typical day starts at about 6:00. I'm at school between 7:00 and 7:10 am. Students start coming into my classroom at around 7:30. I go through 2 periods teaching the same thing with a slightly modified lesson because the level of students is different in my first two classes of the day. Third period is my planning period. I usually use it to grade papers, make copies, lesson plan, or plan with the others on my team. Periods 4, 5, and 7 are the same as periods 1 and 2. Period 6 is a little different because I go down to the gym and help out with our athletics period since I am a coach at the school. (I coach 8th grade volleyball and 7th grade girls basketball. It keeps me pretty busy during the Fall and Winter but I love it.) I round out the day with 8th period advisory. Once the school day is officially over, it's on to more grading, calling parents, inputting grades, going to faculty meetings, helping out with the school's History club, or tutoring students who need the extra help. As teachers, we put in so much extra work that it's often I'm not home until 5:30 or 6:00 in the evening.

How closely does your typical day (or week) match up to the general "job description" for your position?

Pretty much exactly. (Although the extra hours can catch up to after a while.)

Does being a woman affect any aspect of your career?

I think at times it does. But I do work in a female-dominated field. Plus most students are used to having females as their teacher rather than males.

What is the best thing about your job?

Getting to talk about history all day long is great! I love history and I love passing on my love of history to my students. And even though there are days when they drive me absolutely insane, I do love my students. It's fun seeing them mature and grow from the beginning of the year to the end.

What is the worst thing about your job?

Dealing with difficult students and parents, and state standards. They are the worst!

How demanding is your job?

My job isn't too tough physically. (I usually make my students do the heavy lifting!) Mentally it can be exhausting. You cannot be a shy or timid person (especially with middle school students) because they will eat you up and spit you out.

Do you have any advancement opportunities?

Yes there are. You can become an Instructional Coach, which gets you out of the classroom but still working with your chosen subject area, a Vice- Principal, Principal, or you can move up and work for the districts Central Office. I'm not sure if I want to take those next steps or not. I may be interested in becoming an Instructional Coach at some point, but as of now I have no desire to be a Vice-Principal or Principal.

Advice for You

---

What are the skills, characteristics, or talents that are most important to be effective in your position?

You must be organized, able to multi-task, patient (SO PATIENT), caring, understanding, stern, open, firm,

What advice would you give to someone thinking about pursuing a career like yours?

Teaching is not a walk in the park, like some people seem to think. Yes we get holidays off and long summers, but we work very hard during the school year and get very little credit for that work. You have to really enjoy working with kids, adolescents, and teenagers to be able to survive the education, and you have to have a pretty thick skin. Kids today can be brutal. So don't go in thinking this is going to be easy. It will be hard but at the end of the day will be very rewarding!

If you could do it over again, would you still pursue the same career?

I think so. There are times when I think about what else I could have done with my History degree. But I enjoy teaching history, I enjoy working with young people, and I enjoy the people I get to work with.

Follow Up

---

Want to learn more? Check out Kathleen's site here. Want to read later? Pin me -->

Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) & Skin Care Specialist

Michelle S. "Through different techniques, my goal is to balance your body while simultaneously calming your mind."

Education

---

Required License(s) In order to be a massage therapist or skin care specialist (esthetician), required schooling and licensing test must be completed before obtaining your license. Requirements vary by state.

Required Degree(s) Usually to apply for a massage or esthetics school, a high school diploma is the only education required.

Importance of GPA somewhat important

What do you need to do to maintain your license(s)?

Both massage and skin care require continuing education in order to renew your license every 2 years. Requirements vary by state.

Michelle's Highest Degree: Bachelor's degree (Bachelor of Arts)
Michelle's College Major: Psychology
Michelle's College GPA: 3.6-3.9

Salary

---

Salary range varies greatly, especially depending on if you are an independent therapist or an employee.

An individual therapist may may approximately $20,000 per year, increasing steadily as your practice builds. How much money you make depends on how much you want to work. When employed, pay usually varies, but 60% commission on services is about average. 

Getting the Job

---

How did you get your job?

As a massage therapist and skin care specialist, I have always been a sole-propietor, which means that I own my own small business.

How important was networking to landing your position?

As a sole-proprietor, networking was not very important to opening my business, but finding a shared location with other therapists that I felt I could work with took a lot of research.

Life on the Job

---

What is a typical day (or week) for you like?

I wish I could tell you! Every day is very unpredictable. A fully booked day can easily go kersplat in an hour. A slow day can become booked just as fast. In a perfect day, all 4-5 clients show up for their appointments on time. I book a client every other hour, which is a lot of time in between compared to other therapists.

How closely does your typical day (or week) match up to the general "job description" for your position?

Because massage therapists and skin care specialists have a distinct scope of practice, a typical day matches the job description.

Does being a woman affect any aspect of your career?

I think it does and, in this case, it may be a positive thing to be a woman. Women are seen as more nurturing and skin-savvy, which draws the women clientele. Because massage and skin care are so intimate (think laying on the massage table with only a sheet covering you), there are women who may not be comfortable with a male therapist. I've also met men who, for whatever reason, do not want to be massaged by a male.

What is the best thing about your job?

Seeing the relief and smiles on peoples' faces after their sessions.

What is the worst thing about your job?

People think you work all. the. time.

How demanding is your job?

I can be both physically and mentally demanding at times. Sometimes you'll have the client who takes a lot of work physically (needing deep tissue or stretching work, for example) or the client who confides in you about her troubles. And sometimes you'll have the "easy" clients. It is important to schedule enough time in between clients and take days off. In this profession, balance is highly encouraged and I definitely put in effort to practice what I preach!

Do you have any advancement opportunities?

I would say yes. Advancement can mean specializing in a particular modality or becoming a teacher in a massage or esthetics related field. As of right now, I am not looking to become a teacher. It takes a while to build a practice and moving to a more admin role would mean cutting my private practice hours, which I am not willing to do just yet.

Advice for You

---

What are the skills, characteristics, or talents that are most important to be effective in your position?

Massage and facial techniques, as well as the knowledge needed to run a business, can be taught and learned, but what you portray through your touch cannot. Being grounded, showing compassion, and truly caring about your clients has to come from an innate passion for helping people. The combination of knowledge and passion are most important to being effective.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about pursuing a career like yours?

Massage and skin care are so much more than just "rubbing people" or "making people look good". Be sure it's your passion. Can you imagine spending the rest of your life doing this job? Because you will spend a lot of time and money on this career. If it's your passion, it's totally worth it. And when you do get into this career, take care of yourself and go slowly. It's easy to get caught up in the worries of making enough money, especially in the early days, but it's also easy to get burnt out. Breathe. You'll be fine.

If you could do it over again, would you still pursue the same career?

Yes!!! I have often wondered what I would do if I couldn't do massage and skin care... and I haven't come up with an answer. I cannot see myself doing anything else. I love it!

Follow Up

---

Want to learn more? Check out Michelle's sites here and here. Want to read later? Pin me -->

Virtual Assistant

Samara T. "A Virtual Assistant (VA) comes alongside people such as business owners and bloggers, who are needing help with administration tasks or the "extra" tasks they do not have time for. A VA will manage social media pages, write posts, network with prospective clients for the business, create images, schedule posts, respond to comments, engage readers, and viewers, or handle administration tasks. Their job is to relieve business owners and bloggers with these "extra" tasks, giving them time to focus on expanding, connecting with clients, viewers, or other businesses, and put their attention towards growing their business."

Education

---

Required License(s) None

Required Degree(s) None

Importance of GPA not very important

Samara's Highest Degree: Bachelor's degree
Samara's College Major: Events Coordination and Management
Samara's College GPA: 3.6-3.9

Salary

---

There is no "typical" salary. It depends on you.

You can charge by the hour (typically $10-$25/hour depending on experience and tasks),  you can charge a fixed rate per month, or you can charge by task (e.g., per article or image), which would be considered contract work. 

Getting the Job

---

How did you get your job?

I got my job by seeking out opportunity. I knew that this was what I wanted to do, and I sought out the jobs on my own. I contacted bloggers who I knew were bigger and would likely need help, and presented what I could offer them. Over time, after contacting enough people, I found my first client. Finding my first client led to finding my second client because it gave me more experience. What got me started was the desire to do something and willingness to not give up, even when I was turned down more times than I was accepted. Being an Events Coordinator really helped with this position. You have to be organized, good with people, and be able to manage many tasks. As a Virtual Assistant, you are often working for more than one client and have to balance many tasks and accounts. You need to manage your time to fit them all in, in one day. My previous experience really helped me with this, and also gave me the confidence I needed to reach out to people and network.

How important was networking to landing your position?

Extremely! The way you get positions like this is by networking with other bloggers and business owners. The field of "Virtual Assistants" is still a growing industry. Many business owners do not even realize this is a thing. The only way that I have gained clients is by networking with bloggers and business owners.

Life on the Job

---

What is a typical day (or week) for you like?

This one is a hard one to explain. This is one job that I do, but it is not my main job. Most afternoons I spend in cafes doing my VA work and my own blogging work. I usually spend time scheduling social media content, researching, creating posts, networking, and promoting the bloggers work on different platforms. It is an incredibly flexible job, as I can do it from anywhere and all I need is the internet. If I have a really busy day with other responsibilities then I will catch up on my VA work in the evening. I also do not need to do it every day (although I do for the most part). I can schedule things to happen on days but not actually do it that day (e.g., social media posts). There is no day that looks the same, which makes it a fun job.

Does being a woman affect any aspect of your career?

No, it does not. You do not have to be a woman to do this.

What is the best thing about your job?

It is flexible. I can do it from anywhere since all I need is the internet. I have also learned so many things, gained a lot of experience, and connected with some wonderful people.

What is the worst thing about your job?

You do not always have enough work, and have to seek out more opportunity yourself. It is not a typical 9-5 job where you show up and get paid whether or not the day was very busy. I do not mind this aspect of the job, but it can be unpredictable at times (at least until you are well established with a couple good, reliable clients).

How demanding is your job?

It is not very demanding, but does take time. It is important to take time and do the job well, but it is not a job that will keep you up at night. (At least it shouldn't.)

Do you have any advancement opportunities?

Yes, I can advance, for example, by taking on more clients, establishing a business to help others find VA work, using my experience to connect bloggers/business owners with VAs, or training people who want to become a VA. At some point, I will definitely take the next step and expand this position. At this point, though, my focus is not fully my VA position because I am doing other things as well. When these other things end, I will take the next step, and further my career and position as a VA.

Advice for You

---

What are the skills, characteristics, or talents that are most important to be effective in your position?

Being organized, creative, attentive, willing to learn, sociable, knowledgeable in social media, and blogging, knowledgeable in a few social media platforms and scheduling tools, and determination to not give up.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about pursuing a career like yours?

Often times I hear people say, "Well, I am not experienced enough and don't know what I have to offer." My response is this: if you have/had a blog, even if it is new, you have something to offer. You know how social media works and have at least a basic understanding of at least one blogging platform. The most important part of this job is the willingness to learn and research when you do not know the answer. I am learning all the time (new things, new programs, better ways to do things, etc.). And when I don't know something, I spend time with my trusty friend Google to find others who do know.

If you could do it over again, would you still pursue the same career?

Yes! If I could do it over again, I would pursue this first and would have skipped other things. Although those other positions in the past gave me more confidence to reach out to people and network effectively, I would have much rather started with this from the beginning.

Follow Up

---

Want to learn more? Check out Samara's site here. Want to read later? Pin me -->

Social Media Director & Events Coordinator

Emelia "I oversee the promotion of our salon and spa through social media and creating ads, images, and more that make people want to visit. I also coordinate the part of a bride's wedding day or someone's special event that takes place in the salon...including the schedule and chilling the champagne to making sure the day is flawless from start to finish."

Education

---

Required License(s) None

Required Degree(s) High School Diploma

Importance of GPA not very important

Emelia's Highest Degree: Bachelor's degree (Bachelor of Arts)
Emelia's College Major: Communication & Media Studies with a Minor in Psychology
Emelia's College GPA Range: 3.6-3.9

Salary

---

$30,000 to $70,000

Salaries are typically consistent, but can vary by company. 

Getting the Job

---

How did you get your job?

I started in a different role at our salon and spa, as our Front Desk Coordinator and worked my way up in to this position. I had previous experience in another career where I put on many events and promoted the business which helped me coming in to my current role. My part time blogging hobby has taught me so much about social media that I incorporate in my professional position daily.

How important was networking to landing your position?

It's always great to have a mentor and a handful of people who share the same ideas, visions and understand what you are doing on a daily basis. I think discussing opinions, struggles and meeting people in the same field can do nothing but help you.

Life on the Job

---

What is a typical day (or week) for you like?

A typical day for me usually starts with e-mail. I review any incoming requests for events, or questions from brides or hosts of parties. While I'm reviewing e-mails, I'm also on social media seeing what is happening on our channels, along with checking out the competition. While we don't sale shop or put up discounts to compete with other businesses in our area, it's good to see what everyone is up to. I work on Excel sheets updating schedules for events making sure that the group is leaving the salon when they need to and that all our appointments are arranged so that the whole day runs smoothly. I may also be working on a promotion for an upcoming holiday, or taking a picture of some new jewelry that just came in from New York in our boutique to put on Instagram. I have a lot of hats to wear within my position, so staying organized with my to-do list is most important as I go about my day.

How closely does your typical day (or week) match up to the general "job description" for your position?

Very closely. My job description is a few pages long, but I love it. I'm a creative soul so I like working on many things at once. I enjoy big challenges, making things happen on a tight deadline and being busy.

Does being a woman affect any aspect of your career?

I think the industry I'm in helps me connect with the people I'm working with because they are mostly women.

What is the best thing about your job?

The best thing about my job is being a part of a special event in someone's life to make it memorable. Whether I'm hosting a 7 year old's birthday party or walking a bride out our front door I love making people feel great about themselves. I get to be part of their day from start to finish and beyond...when I share it on social media.

What is the worst thing about your job?

I never turn myself off. I wouldn't blame this on the job itself, rather the way my brain works. I get ideas, I become inspired... and I'm always curious.

How demanding is your job?

In terms of physical toughness, I wouldn't say my job is too demanding. Mentally, I'm always on. I can't help but check our social media sites in the evening at home and being on top of it all.

Do you have any advancement opportunities?

Not necessarily. I work for a small business (with less than 50 employees) as opposed to a large corporation, but the owner is very open to adding duties to my title as our business grows. I would love to see where this takes me next as social media evolves.

Advice for You

---

What are the skills, characteristics, or talents that are most important to be effective in your position?

Being organized, on top of the business, and very outgoing is extremely important in my position. I am always dealing with people, so I always need to be ready.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about pursuing a career like yours?

Look at it as an adventure. What can you do next? How can you make this next promotion, event, or advertisement better? Every day is different, so be ready for change, but enjoy the ride... it's such a fun one to be on.

If you could do it over again, would you still pursue the same career?

Yes, I would never think that my previous positions would have led me here but they all have added to my skill set that I continue to use now.

Follow Up

---

Want to learn more? Check out Emelia's site here. Want to read later? Pin me -->

Online Fitness & Nutrition Coach

Julia "As an online coach, I work with women all over the world to help reach their fitness goals, to help them learn how to eat for a healthy, lean, happy body, and I give them strategies to implement for the rest of their lives."

Education

---

Required License(s) You need to have at least basic certifications in CPR, Personal Training, and Nutrition.

Required Degree(s) None

Importance of GPA not very important

What do you need to do to maintain your license(s)?

You must take Continuing Education Classes or re-certify every 2 years

Julia's Highest Degree: Bachelor's degree
(Note: I am also a Certified Personal Trainer and a Certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist.)
Julia's College GPA Range: 3.1-3.5

Salary

---

Not consistent across the board.

(You get out what you put in.)

Getting the Job

---

How did you get your job?

A mix of obtaining the proper certification, prior fitness studio experience, and personal experience.

How important was networking to landing your position?

I am my own boss, so to get (i.e., make) my position, it wasn't important. But it is hugely important to build my business!

Life on the Job

---

What is a typical day (or week) for you like?

A typical day for me is exercise, answer client e-mails, respond to social media, create client programs, write for my site, and create healthy recipes for clients and readers.

How closely does your typical day (or week) match up to the general "job description" for your position?

I'm not sure a general job description exists for what I do! But I imagine most online trainers have similar experiences.

Does being a woman affect any aspect of your career?

I believe it helps me relate to my female clients. I know the struggle that it is to have constant pressure to look good, to have a family and a job, and be this super woman. It's tough! And I want to create programs for busy woman who want to be healthy because they want to feel great about themselves, and let go of that undue pressure.

What is the best thing about your job?

The best thing about my job is the excitement and enthusiasm my client's get when they see results.

What is the worst thing about your job?

The worst thing is the uncertainty of where another client will come from.

How demanding is your job?

My job is both physically and mentally tough. Physically, I train clients as well as myself. Therefore I have to put energy and effort into actual physical activity... practice what you preach! Mentally, my job is tough because I create programs from scratch for my clients and I feel vested in their success.

Do you have any advancement opportunities?

This career/business is what I make of it. I hope to grow it to a level where I am reaching hundreds if not thousands of women across the globe.

Advice for You

---

What are the skills, characteristics, or talents that are most important to be effective in your position?

Knowledge and the desire to keep learning, communication skills, and the ability to relate to people.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about pursuing a career like yours?

It's not easy, so be willing to put in a lot of time, effort and passion. But believe in yourself because it is possible and the job is so worth it.

If you could do it over again, would you still pursue the same career?

Yes. I still think about going back to school to deepen my education.

Follow Up

---

Want to learn more? Check out Julia's site here. Want to read later? Pin me -->