We all love a listicle; something to make reading easier. Why not? I was skimming through the latest MSN articles when I ran across one called “The 10 Jobs that Pay the Most.” The people in the photo were working on sewing machines, which was sort of interesting, but I still wonder why people decide to write and read about that subject over and over again.
Like now that we know the list of high paying jobs, all of our financial problems are over; we’ll just go out and get one of those jobs.
Due to the fact that no job I have ever had, or most likely will ever have can be found on any of those lists, I decided to represent the other side. What is the point, you ask? Fair enough, but as I have alluded, there doesn’t seem to be much of a point to the high paying job lists either.
1. Cashier
Pretty much any cashier job you can find will share these characteristics: high maintenance customers, lowish wages, unfortunate hours, but if you’re lucky, you’re co-workers are often really funny and intelligent.
2. Tutor
You generally have to be pretty smart and capable to be hired as a tutor of something. Although you are smart, informed and proficient at communicating your knowledge, you will usually receive very low compensation. Don’t worry, it looks great on your resume.
3. Childcare and/or Youth Educator
Sorry, you may have the most significant line of work out there, but you rarely get paid even enough to be considered middle class.
4. Group Home Employee Working with Vulnerable Adults
You need to be patient, kind and able to think on your feet. Side note: while the house or group of houses you work for may make a shocking amount of profit, the people who work directly with the clients usually don’t make much over minimum wage. If you’re willing to work
5. Janitorial and Maintenance Work
Most people would have no idea how to fix the things you fix or feel that they could never deal with some of the stuff you have to clean. Since you are so incredibly necessary at most facilities, you should get paid highly.
6. Artist or Musician
With talent and vision that no one can fully imitate, you should be living in luxury. Your needs met, so you are free to focus on the creation of new work. No. This is a very tricky profession, and if you’re not careful, you could end up doing art in the streets to pay the bills or by food. Disclaimer: In many cities, the presence of street artists and musicians is considered desirable because they create a vibrancy and attraction to otherwise mundane streets.
7. Waitress/Waiter
It depends on the restaurant, it does, but I am talking about the Midwest here, and so I think it’s safe to say that most people in this line of work are on their feet for long shifts and often don’t make as much as they would like.
This is my listicle. I admit it isn’t fully comprehensive, but please feel free to write your own version! I think the world should be informed about low paying jobs, because it more accurately represents the masses. I’m sure the 1% vs. 99% ratio sounds familiar to you right?
