Are Today's Top Jobs for You? Ask Yourself These Questions First

If you're in the market for a new career, consider starting your search on the latest list of the hottest jobs. Hot jobs lists can be a great way to get an idea of what's out there and start dreaming about your future. But these lists aren't comprehensive; they don't reflect every job in every industry in every city. So how do you know if the top jobs are really the best jobs for you? Ask yourself these questions to find out.  

Are you willing to go back to school?
Many top jobs are high-skill occupations that require a master's or doctoral degree for entry (e.g., physician assistant, doctor). Other top jobs, like health care support careers (e.g., medical assistant, dental hygienist) require just a two-year degree. Either way, unless you've already completed that specific training, you will need to go back to school to get the credentials. You may also need to commit to continuing education to keep your skills up-to-date. If you aren't willing to invest in your education, the top jobs - or any jobs - will be pretty hard to come by.

Does the job really interest you?
Hot jobs lists are famous for their promising growth projections and alluring salary estimates. But the Beatles told us that "money can't buy me love," and it turns out that the green stuff can't buy career happiness, either. While it can be exciting to possess skills that everyone wants and to command a handsome paycheck for it too, if the work itself doesn't pique your interest, the one thing you can count on is a whole lot of misery. No job, no matter how "hot," is worth that.

Are you willing to relocate or commute?
For most of us, Google and Facebook jobs sound too good to be true, but then, most of us don't live in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you want to get one of today's top jobs, consider the fact that you may have to move to get it - especially if you don't live near a big city. Another option is commuting. Countless commuters make the daily trek from NJ, PA, and CT to New York City, for example, in order to enjoy suburban living with an urban salary. Consider the geographical sacrifices you're willing to make for your career.

Are you willing to wait?
If you're anticipating a paycheck that features the average salary listed for the occupation, you might need to adjust your expectations. Entry-level salaries are often nowhere near the average salary for the occupation; it will probably take a few years to bring home the kind of money you're hoping for. No one wants to work for peanuts, but most of us have to start at the bottom. (It's called "paying your dues," not "selling yourself short.") Develop realistic salary expectations, be patient, and work hard to get what you want.

If you don't find your dream job on the "top jobs," that's OK. You might just find that the best job for you is one of the best-kept secrets around.

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