Rethinking Your Career? 6 Professional Paths to Consider

Making a significant change in your career can be challenging or even scary. That’s especially the case if you’re considering a move into a brand-new industry without the experience and history you have with your current job. But the transition is sometimes necessary, and when it is, it can be made a lot easier by jumping ship to a fast-growing industry with good prospects for the future. Let’s take a closer look at six of the best options. 

1. Renewable Energy

The trends are clear regarding energy use – the world is going green. And as power generation pivots from coal, oil, and gas to clean alternatives, there’s a massive need for people in all parts of the renewable industry. 

Jobs range from more physically oriented positions building and installing parts like solar panels, wind turbines, or even hydroelectric projects to helping design the next generation of battery storage or production technology. Many pay pretty well, reflecting the high demand in this exciting industry. Even those without specialized knowledge in the field can benefit from the massive number of traditional jobs associated with these firms, from customer service to accounting and finance. 

2. Travel Nursing

Travel nurse jobs are an excellent way to shake things up for those in the nursing or medical fields. These professionals take short- to medium-term contracts with hospitals or other medical facilities, providing flexible ways for these employers to add staff during busy periods or times of growth. 

Travel nurses can pick where they’re headed for their next job, allowing them to explore the country in a way that few other highly skilled positions can. They can even take time off between contracts, whether spending some extra time traveling around their current home or caring for family and taking care of other responsibilities. Travel nurses also earn significantly more than their traditional counterparts, as well as other benefits like tax-free housing stipends. 

3. Sustainable Agriculture

In the modern world, farming has become an actual science, with modern advancements allowing incredible new advancements in efficiency and sustainability. Sustainable agriculture seeks to meet the world’s food and other plant demands without many negative impacts of large-scale factory farming. It’s also an excellent field for those passionate about the environment and looking to make a difference not just for the earth but for people who enjoy your products. Positions can include everything from actual hands-on farming to helping design better farming technology, consulting on sustainability, and other support roles. Salaries can vary, but all roles in this growing field provide the satisfaction of helping feed the world more sustainably. 

4. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

The concept of artificial intelligence is nothing new, but recent advancements are poised to transform how this technology impacts nearly every area of our lives. Modern AI services can provide incredible services from copywriting and research to debugging programs and writing code. In fact, the applications are only beginning! 

That’s why those familiar with AI and machine learning will be in high demand in future years. These positions include coders and engineers building the products, those focused on user experience, members on the business side, and even those tasked with high-level questions about ethics and guardrails for this cutting-edge tech. Even the less technologically inclined may find a growing number of positions enhanced or made more efficient by staff familiar with AI. 

5. Mental Healthcare and Services

As society increasingly eliminates the stigma around mental health struggles, more people feel comfortable reaching out for help with their issues. As a result, there’s been a significant and ongoing need for those working in mental health treatment and other associated services. 

Those looking to make a change can go back to school for training for positions like psychologist, psychiatrist, therapist, and others. Social work is also a popular option closely linked to mental health issues. The world of mental healthcare is vast, and those with the passion or experience to help others can undoubtedly find their place with some searching. 

6. Education Services and Tech

Helping mold the next generation of leaders and innovators is an exciting way to make a difference while changing careers in a growing industry. Those passionate about education can become teachers at the most basic level, typically high in demand in most areas. Like other fields, those interested in research and design will find opportunities here to study best practices and craft instructional methods and materials. Even those interested in tech will find plenty of options in the education world, with remote learning and tutoring more popular than ever. 

Promising New Starts Waiting In These Fast-Growing Industries

While changing careers to a new industry can feel daunting, it’s more possible than ever, especially in these diverse, fast-growing industries and fields. Consider your skills, interests, desired salary and lifestyle, all of which can help inform your next steps. With some work, career changers may be surprised at the rewarding, enjoyable results they find.