The challenges of raising a child by yourself, whether you’re a mother or father, can be very difficult. Add the burden of having to be out of the home for 40+ hours per week to work and raising a child at the same time can be nearly impossible. This article describes ten careers you can train for that will give you the money to support your child and the time to be there for them.

These careers all take less than two years to complete training for, some take only six months. They all offer flexible work schedules with above average pay. Best of all, with a certificate or associates degree, it will be easy to find a job.

Healthcare careers

Jobs in healthcare are in great demand right now. The largest generation in the American population is aging and retiring from the workforce. Increased life spans are placing a huge burden on the healthcare industry. While hospitals and their 24 hour operation offer the most employment flexibility, there are health care positions that don’t take place in a hospital. Home care positions also offer scheduling flexibility.

Nursing – 1, 2 & 4 year programs. Approximate starting wage: $33,970 annually.

Dental Hygiene – 1 & 2 year programs. Approximate starting wage: $17.37 hourly.

X-ray technician - 1, 2 & 4 year programs. Approximate starting wage: $27,190 annually.

Medical Assistant –1 & 2 year programs. Approximate starting wage: $17,640 annually.

Medical Coding - 2 year program. Approximate starting wage: $16,460 annually.

Creative careers

These creative careers are also in great demand. Employers typically offer standard hours, but many people employed in these fields are able to work from home. Others open their own businesses and can work later at night or otherwise exercise more control on when they work.

Graphic Designer - 2 & 4 year programs. Approximate starting wage: $21,860 annually.

Desktop Publisher - 1, 2 & 4 year programs. Approximate starting wage: $18,670 annually.

Web Designer - 1, 2 & 4 year programs. Approximate starting wage: $33,970 annually.

Help Desk Analyst - 1, 2 & 4 year programs. Approximate starting wage: $23,060 annually.

Bonus Career

If you like working with technology and don’t want to sit behind a desk all day, you’ll be surprised how lucrative this career can be.

Machinist – 10 -14 month programs. Approximate starting wage: $9.57 hourly. (This wage is deceptively low. New machinists are making much more due to a sudden upturn in demand.)

Learn how you can train for one of these careers here. www.top-colleges.com.

Max Stein, Salt Lake City, UT, USA

http://www.degreesource.com/articles

Max Stein is a freelance writer who writes about business, education and marketing.

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