I have a good job right now but I dont exactly want to work at walmart for the rest of my life. I have aspirations of being wealthy one day as my family all work medium end jobs with no retirement in site. My brother works carpentry and it pays great. He does it because he likes it. Dad is a machinest and gets payed less than My brother Tim But he does it because thats all he knows and he likes it.

I like alot of things but none of them will serve me in an increasingly competitive job market.

 Im trying to figure out what I want to do in life And I have settled on striving for a job that pay's as high as I can find. Rather than settling on somthing I 'like' and maybe retireing in my 80's.......or working til I die, I'll take something less likeable but with a more foreseeable retirement date so that I can enjoy the life God gave me.

I am actively searching for the 10 highest paying careers in the United States. If anyone can help or give me advice then please do.

  -Wolf.

You will never get rich working for someone else.

do you have any specific job skills you could put on a resume?

Financier.
Dentist.
Lawyer.
Nursing.

Being Mr. Teresa Heinz pays a fortune.

Here's a stupid idea. Serve your country for a few years while you figure it out, and college will be free. There will be a better job just around the corner, and you'll feel much better about it.

MrClean4Hire is right on, the only person who makes money, when you work for them is your boss.  Find something you are interested in and start a business.  Rental properties are great for a young guy jsut starting out, the long hours won't put you off, when you get a bit older and have a few under your belt, you can hire someone to manage them for you.  Depending on your nest egg, right now, I can not more highly recommend oil futures, if you can buy a few hundred contracts, you can triple your initial investment.  (I am gambling on $65.00/barrell oil).  Thats only if you have money you don't mind losing.

Either way, open your own thing and invest yourself into it.  You will make money at it if you are any good (too few people are any good at what they do, and it shows).

What education level? Any degrees?
If not, go to college and get a degree.
It sounds like you do not want to be
a tradesman. If that is the case, most
white collar jobs will not even look at
you without a degree of some sort.

Or, start your own business. This is
about the only way to become rich
besides inheritence, stocks, and the
lottery.

Good luck!

Quoted: Here's a stupid idea. Serve your country for a few years while you figure it out, and college will be free. There will be a better job just around the corner, and you'll feel much better about it.

Yep, that is what I did . . . .

Try a book called 48 days til the work you love.

Written by Dan Miller, it will lead you to what you do best.

You make more money doing what you like versus just  a job

Soybeans

Quoted: Soybeans

or maybe he can raise Emus

Quoted: MrClean4Hire is right on, the only person who makes money, when you work for them is your boss.  Find something you are interested in and start a business.  Rental properties are great for a young guy jsut starting out, the long hours won't put you off, when you get a bit older and have a few under your belt, you can hire someone to manage them for you.  Depending on your nest egg, right now, I can not more highly recommend oil futures, if you can buy a few hundred contracts, you can triple your initial investment.  (I am gambling on $65.00/barrell oil).  Thats only if you have money you don't mind losing. Either way, open your own thing and invest yourself into it.  You will make money at it if you are any good (too few people are any good at what they do, and it shows).

Great way to make money, do not use leveraging. Pay cash for small ones and fix em up and rent them, then go do it again.

If you are currently in the trades, you might look a building a few homes.  Profit margin is good, and most people I know that are on their own make 6 digits.  I'm a builder/ super for the largest builder in the state, and I do pretty good.

I'll add a +2 to MisterClean and Hielo. You'll absolutely never earn wealth by working for somebody else. Rental properties as Hielo reccomended are great, but you have to have some money to invest first. It doesn't sound like you do. A small business is a great stepping block to independent wealth and can be alot of fun but it's a whole lot more demanding than working for someone else, at first. You have to find a niche market with a high demand that isn't being met yet. If you can do this, you can have a successful business. (If you're successful) You can also expect 3 more just like you to open up within the next two years. So, to run a successful business you need either

A: A product no one else can get
B: A price no one else can match and still have a decent markup....making up the difference in volume.

Contrary to what most people here will tell you, 15% or the like is NOT a good markup. Staying in business usually requires at least a double markup. With overhead, credit card fees, maintainence fees on your rental, and all the other associated costs of running a business...100% (or would 200% be double?) markup is minimum. I try to stay in the 300% range and up, but it's not always possible.

The two most important factors in running a sales related business are buying, and marketing. If you can't buy right you'll never be able to sell. You also have to be able to innovate new ways to reach potential clients if you expect them to come. Depending on your product, trade shows are one of the best ways to make money and develope a long term clientel. They also provide the new customers annually that you'll require to stay in business. It's also important to stay fresh, try and bring several new products to your line every year. Rearrange your store or website, it keeps people interested. I can't speak for service related business, but I'm sure MrClean or somebody can.

Mostly you just have to be willing to take a risk. Some of the best money to be made in this country is in sales. I knew a guy who sold vacuum cleaners and brought home over 150k a year. Timeshare sales also has a great potential to make money, and it teaches you to be a shark. There's hundreds of sales jobs out there that can easily make you 100k a year or more, and will teach you the skills you need to be independent. If you're scared to commit to commission based work, the odds are you aren't going to do well in business for yourself. If you want to accrue wealth quickly and retire young, there are no guarantees. If you're looking for guarantees and a 401k.....go to college....or something.

Quoted: Quoted: Soybeans or maybe he can raise Emus

I think the Emu market has already peaked.

Professional athlete, Actor, Politician, Drug Dealer (short career), Commodities trader (up and down)

Work in Alaska.

Quoted: Here's a stupid idea. Serve your country for a few years while you figure it out, and college will be free. There will be a better job just around the corner, and you'll feel much better about it.

That's what I did! I had loads of fun doing it too! My rich Uncle Sam gave me lots of 5.56mm, hand grenades, 40mm, and C-4.

Now he's paying for school, and I'm either going pharmacy or physician assistant. w00t!

Casinos or hotels.

Seriously. Casinos are some of the biggest moneymakers for the owners in the world.

Printing. Owning a printshop is like having a license to print money.

Arms merchant. Booming business in the Middle East right now.

CW

Quoted: You will never get rich working for someone else.

Very good point indeed. As a owner of your own business rather than working for someone is the way to go. The IRS has been pushing people to "work" for someone to simplify their life, But owning your own business you have a lot more business deductions available to you than the stiff working for someone else. Of course it is not easy staying in business. At one time you could make oodles of money owning a dry cleaning store, but now with all of the enviromental regs, that is getting real tough. And of course you've got all of the OSHA, IRS, & other state, county, and city regs.

I think ill follow mac130's idea. Im in community collage right now getting some intro training on a variety of subjects. As soon as that is done and I am in shape then I will look more seriously at the army.

 Right now however this community collage offers some pretty good courses that can help prepare me for more advanced training later on. Ive also looked into ITT tech and some nice collages around this state. But I dont have alot of $$$ right now so letting Uncle Sam pay the bill looks preferable.

Man whore.

I have been in the medical field since I was 18. It's an excellent way to make a living and I have never been unemployed. The demand for my services will only increase as time goes by.  Take a look at the baby boomers and the way America lives...
 
 

$0.02

Quoted: Man whore.

Isn't that what Mahatma8Rice said?

CW

McDonalds has tuition assistance.  I might go to college someday so I liek that.

Quoted: You will never get rich working for someone else.

Not totally true. My friends dad gets 750,000+ per year working for someone else.
Then again, that might not be rich enough for you. What's your min, 1mil ?

You need brains and dedication to get rich. The man has multiple degrees (no Ph.D), and he's a hard worker. His new mansion just got done being built. I like taking rides in his elevator.

The occupation I know of with the easiest/shortest training (a 2 year certificate), easiest entry (because the field's in such demand) and highest pay (starting around $60,000/year) is nuclear/radiological medicine tech.

Ask greywolf2112, I recommended it to him, he took my advice, is on his way.  There is a GLOBAL shortage of these technicians, no worries about outsourcing.  You can live and work anywhere you like.

Look into it.

Quoted: The occupation I know of with the easiest/shortest training (a 2 year certificate), easiest entry (because the field's in such demand) and highest pay (starting around $60,000/year) is nuclear/radiological medicine tech.

I'm not joking when I ask this, but are there any risks to the job; working with radioactivity?

Quoted: Quoted: The occupation I know of with the easiest/shortest training (a 2 year certificate), easiest entry (because the field's in such demand) and highest pay (starting around $60,000/year) is nuclear/radiological medicine tech. I'm not joking when I ask this, but are there any risks to the job; working with radioactivity?

I dont know.  MAYBE THAT'S WHY THERE'S A SHORTAGE!  MUAGHHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

JK, I dont know.  With a litigation-shy industry like health care, I seriously doubt there's any risk.

Quoted: Quoted: Man whore. Isn't that what Mahatma8Rice said? CW

MrClean4Hire is correct you wont make gobs of money working for sombody else.
Your either the hammer or the nail

You need to raise the bar and explore the exciting profession of....
PIMPING

Alpacas.
If that doesn't work out at least he will still have a date....

Quoted: Quoted: Soybeans or maybe he can raise Emus

Quoted: The occupation I know of with the easiest/shortest training (a 2 year certificate), easiest entry (because the field's in such demand) and highest pay (starting around $60,000/year) is nuclear/radiological medicine tech. Ask greywolf2112, I recommended it to him, he took my advice, is on his way.  There is a GLOBAL shortage of these technicians, no worries about outsourcing.  You can live and work anywhere you like. Look into it.

I looked into this, but all the schools around here have a two year backlog for their programs. Seems like the word is out.

I somewhat disagree with the statement that you will never get rich working for someone else.  You first need to define to yourself what is rich?  In my situation I am a Unix Systems Administrator and my wife is a Project Manager and together we make  a small six figure salary.  We are just over 30 and do not yet have any children.  We live in a nice home (around 1800 sq ft) and do have any debit except for our mortgage.  We don't make hundreds of thousands or millions but have good health, a home, food on the table, clothes on our backs, and money saved for hard times.  To me, I feel weathly/rich.  I enjoy my job and have come to the understanding that I could continue to do that job until I retire (hopefully at 50 - 55).  If my salary never changed I would still be thankful just to make a decent living as there are so many less fortunate.  Five years ago when my wife and I married we found a financial planner (fee only - don't get one that works off commisson) and she has advised us on how to save and invest our money.  For us it is very much worth the fee for her service as neither my wife or I know anything about stocks, mutal funds, etc.. nor do I want to worry myself with that.  I want to spend my free time from work doing things I enjoy like shooting guns, playing golf, fishing, etc..  Best advise, don't live beyond your means.  A lot of my friends have expensive cars, homes, etc.. and really cannot afford them.  They stress out each month because of all their bills.  I cannot imagine wanting to live life that way day in and day out.  I can wait until I retire to get a nice car like a BMW or the expensive Bass boat.

Quoted: You will never get rich working for someone else.

Millions of people get rich working for someone else.

Microsoft created more millionaire employees than good products. There are hundreds of retired 30/40  somethings struggling by on the ten million they got in the bank. My neighbor makes a living designing home entertainment and secure network cable systems for them.

Quoted: Quoted: You will never get rich working for someone else. Millions of people get rich working for someone else.

They also make the guy sitting on his ass employing them ten times as much. It just depends on how you value yourself. If I make someone else ten million a year and get 150 thousand to do it......it's not exactly rocket science for me to figure out what I should be doing. The other side of that coin is your time. For me, I'm not "rich" by any means, but it's not uncommon for me to make a thousand dollars for every hour I do work. That said, I MIGHT work 3-5 hours a week because my time and freedom are more important to me than money.  My current schedule consists of 9 months of 3-5 hour work weeks and a 3 month vacation in the winter. Name ONE job I can get for someone else with reasonable pay and those hours and vacation allotments that will make you rich and I'll concede that your perspective is more appropriate than MrCleans.

a 3 month vacation in the winter.

Other than a few people that have worked 20+ years for large companies, I don't know anyone that can still afford to take a week vacation each year, and I haven't had one in 11 years.  How in the hell does someone afford 3 months?z

Quoted: Quoted: You will never get rich working for someone else. Not totally true. My friends dad gets 750,000+ per year working for someone else. Then again, that might not be rich enough for you. What's your min, 1mil ?

True,  technically, corporate execs work for "someone else" - namely the shareholders.

The people who are making some of the biggest paychecks in the world are CEOs of Fortune 500 companies.  Tons of these guys are making millions in total comp annually.

Don't exclude working for someone else - because that's exactly what most "wealthy" people did to earn their wealth.

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: You will never get rich working for someone else. Millions of people get rich working for someone else. They also make the guy sitting on his ass employing them ten times as much. It just depends on how you value yourself. If I make someone else ten million a year and get 150 thousand to do it......it's not exactly rocket science for me to figure out what I should be doing. The other side of that coin is your time. For me, I'm not "rich" by any means, but it's not uncommon for me to make a thousand dollars for every hour I do work. That said, I MIGHT work 3-5 hours a week because my time and freedom are more important to me than money.  My current schedule consists of 9 months of 3-5 hour work weeks and a 3 month vacation in the winter. Name ONE job I can get for someone else with reasonable pay and those hours and vacation allotments that will make you rich and I'll concede that your perspective is more appropriate than MrCleans.

Right on Hatebreed, I have a salesman that makes 150-180k consistantly, and trust me I don't mind paying him that much


Ohh and 1776 will you be retired with money to burn when your 40 -45??

Did you see the movie "Heat"?

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: You will never get rich working for someone else. Not totally true. My friends dad gets 750,000+ per year working for someone else. Then again, that might not be rich enough for you. What's your min, 1mil ? True,  technically, corporate execs work for "someone else" - namely the shareholders. The people who are making some of the biggest paychecks in the world are CEOs of Fortune 500 companies.  Tons of these guys are making millions in total comp annually. Don't exclude working for someone else - because that's exactly what most "wealthy" people did to earn their wealth.

Read " the millionaire next door" It's a book about first generation millionaires and how they did it. Most are business owners . Most of the people you "think" are millionaires are not, they are just in debt up to their eyeballs.

If you are healthy go into the military, be a soldier, marine, sailor, or airman.


I wish everyday I could have been able to go into the service. They pay may not be the best in the world but depending on what you do you can get paid to destroy things and kill people. And you would be able to serve your country.

I would start studying for the ASVAB, running, swimming, and doing calesthetics and join the USMC. Get in on a Security Force for US Embassys, then stick with it for a while and get an education while you are in. You would make good money and be proud of what you do. Pull your time and get a job with the Diplomatic Security Service. The DSS would require a 4 year degree but you could swing it if you worked hard. Then you could be paid to kick ass and take names.

Figure out what you love to do first, then figure out how to make it pay.  "rich" is a matter of perspective, and living within your means.

It is impossible to predict what the future will hold for the various industries, though I  think it would be difficult to go wrong in health care.  

How hard have you looked at radiological school?  Hard to believe all of them are booked for 2 years.  Nationwide?  Are you on the waiting list?  People die, and change their minds you know.  

There is no perfect model for life.  You just learn by your mistakes.  There is no harm in working for someone, as long as you provide a good day's labor for a good day's pay.  

No college.  USMC.  14 years with one company.  I own my house and am debt free.  I call it semi-r etired at under-40.  I took 3 months off.  Some people never get to do that their entire working life.  I just started a job I will enjoy, not just show up to.  You will never fail at something that inspires you.

Hatching offspring will cost you.

Invest when you can and plan for your retirement.

/never thought I would be here.............
(some luck involved, and lack of kids and pets)

Quoted: Read " the millionaire next door" It's a book about first generation millionaires and how they did it. Most are business owners . Most of the people you "think" are millionaires are not, they are just in debt up to their eyeballs.

Not to get bogged down in a pointless arguemnt (because basically we proabbly agree), but the problem with books like that is what is called "sampling on the dependent variable" in statistics.

Looking at what self-made millinaires did is not informative unless we look at what people who FAILED to become self-made millionaires did, because many of them may have done the EXACT SAME THINGS - but we won't know unless we lookat the people hwo failed.  Only looking at what the people did who suceeded doesn't necessarily tell us what led to their success. Here's an example - I can tell you something that ALL people who were self-made millionaires have in common:   They all wore pants!  Does that mean that I will become successful by wearing pants?  Probably not .  

Btw - when I'm talking about corporate executives who make millions, I'm talking about people like Jack Welch - do you think they are in debt up to their eyeballs?   Stock options and golden parachutes pretty much guarnetee their many millions, regardless of the fact that they are "working for someone else."  When my fiancee worked in the private sector, she knew many executive - and believe me, they were not in debt! Some of them had collections of exotic cars, some of them had summer homes all over the world, etc. - you get the point.  There are PLENTY of ways to become extremely wealthy, and still be working for "someone else"   (or course, the reasons is that corporate executives have figures out how to play the game, but that's a separate issue of corpoate governance,a nd too cmplex to get into here)