2006_04_01_archive

Changing careers...not just jobs!!!

I really do believe a lot of people never really find their "career

calling." It's never too late to change careers! Yes, it may take some

additional sacrifices and education to excel in your new career

choice, but if your current path does not have passion, then it might

be time to make a CAREER change. The next problem is deciding out what

you want to do. If you are reading this and would like to find out

what other types of jobs are out there, I may have some help. If you

have children who need some career path information, this information

is very valuable.

The US Government has a website that breaks down 1,000's of careers in

detail. Please visit http://www.bls.gov/oco/. Here you will find

fantastic information about potential career paths. Here is a sampling

of careers they profile along with earning potential.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos273.htm

Diagnostic imaging embraces several procedures that aid in diagnosing

ailments. Besides the familiar x-ray, another common diagnostic

imaging method is magnetic resonance imaging, which uses giant magnets

that create radio waves, rather than radiation, to form an image. Not

all imaging technologies use ionizing radiation or radio waves,

however. Sonography, or ultrasonography, is the use of sound waves to

generate an image for the assessment and diagnosis of various medical

conditions. Sonography usually is associated with obstetrics and the

use of ultrasound imaging during pregnancy, but this technology has

many other applications in the diagnosis and treatment of medical

conditions.

Median annual earnings of diagnostic medical sonographers were $52,490

in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $44,720 and $61,360

a year. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,800, and the

highest 10 percent earned more than $72,230. Median annual earnings of

diagnostic medical sonographers in May 2004 were $53,790 in offices of

physicians and $51,860 in general medical and surgical hospitals.

Geoscientists http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos288.htm

Geoscientists study the composition, structure, and other physical

aspects of the Earth. With the use of sophisticated instruments and by

analyzing the composition of the earth and water, geoscientists study

the Earth's geologic past and present. Many geoscientists are involved

in searching for adequate supplies of natural resources such as

groundwater, metals, and petroleum, while others work closely with

environmental and other scientists in preserving and cleaning up the

environment.

Median annual earnings of geoscientists were $68,730 in May 2004. The

middle 50 percent earned between $49,260 and $98,380; the lowest 10

percent earned less than $37,700, the highest 10 percent more than

$130,750.

Boilermakers http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos221.htm

Boilermakers and boilermaker mechanics make, install, and repair

boilers, vats, and other large vessels that hold liquids and gases.

Boilers supply steam to drive huge turbines in electric powerplants

and to provide heat and power in buildings, factories, and ships.

Tanks and vats are used to process and store chemicals, oil, beer, and

hundreds of other products.

In May 2004, the median hourly earnings of boilermakers were about

$21.68. The middle 50 percent earned between $17.80 and $26.82. The

lowest 10 percent earned less than $14.07, and the highest 10 percent

earned more than $32.46. Apprentices generally start at about half of

journey-level wages, with wages gradually increasing to the journey