Although I haven’t so much as graduated high school or, as some would say, ‘lived’ yet, I have been considering what I am going to do for a living. In my debating of the job that I will take out of the thousands out there, I have narrowed my choices down to three: Animal Care and Service worker, Cosmetologist, and Fashion Designer.
All three of these possible careers present a dilemma, since all of the possess qualities that I would like to have in my future occupation. They all require dedication, people skills, and great concentration. To help me with the comparison of these jobs I created the following chart:

Level of Education
does not require formal education, however many facilities require a high school diploma or the equivalent
requires a postsecondary non-degree award
requires a bachelor’s degree

Salary – Earning potential
$19,970 per year

$22,770 per year

$62,860 per year

Flexibility – versatility with this job
can be very demanding
need to care around the clock
be able to work irregular hours

work part time
schedules often include evenings and weekends

work is full time and part time
worker may need to work long, irregular hours to meet a deadline

Aptitude – abilities or talents you should possess
must be diligent
have to care for animals
calmness in moments of crisis
composure
discipline
emotional strength

need to have people skills
must be easy to talk to
trustworthy
creative
manual and finger dexterity
assemble and handle small objects

strong business sense
good communication
sense of competition
creative
strong drawing skills
good eye for materials
strong sewing skills

Tests –
entrance requirements + certifications
or special tests which must be passed
to be eligible for this job high school
diploma or the equivalent

cosmetology examination must be passed
state license must be acquired

2-4 years of postsecondary training
a major in fashion design
courses in business – recommended

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. http://www.bls.gov . 23 October 2014.

By simply referring to the chart above, the job that would seem the easiest would be the occupation of animal care and service worker, for it would only require a high school diploma, and the least amount of talents such as diligence, discipline, and caring of animals. However, with further examination, one would find that the chart presents the fact that this particular job provides the most miniscule salary of only $19,970 per year, and is very demanding as far as the work flexibility goes.
The possible job as fashion designer would present itself as the most difficult; requiring long hours, a full time schedule, and a bachelor’s degree, not to mention 2-4 years of training in fashion design and business. However, there is an upside to all the hard work: the $62,860 pay per year. In addition to the hard work, this job requires people skills, strong business sense, and the ability to create the perfect garment from a simple description. I believe that because I do not strongly possess these qualities that are very important, I would be severely limited in my ability to succeed in this career.
Out of all three careers, I would say that being a cosmetologist would fit my personal characteristics and potential schedule.
For most people, this job would seem less than satisfactory for it’s lower income of $22,770 per year and requirement of working approximately 40 hours per week. However, it appeals to me because of it’s required talents, such as creativity, trustworthiness, and interpersonal skills, all of which I have been told I possess. Another reason I believe this career would suit me is because of the fact that I am, in no way, a morning person. Therefore, it would be easier for me to work in the afternoon versus in the morning.
If I were to pursue the occupation of cosmetologist, a postsecondary non-degree award would be a definite requirement, along with the accomplishment of having taken and passed the cosmetology examination. Also, as if that weren’t enough, I would have to obtain a state license to even be able to practice cosmetology. However, all of those achievements and hours put in would be worth it because although I wouldn’t get the highest salary, I would be doing something I love.
All of the careers that I have researched require great dedication, concentration, and people skills. All of them also call upon my creativity in situations when it is needed, diligence, and trustworthiness. Three years ago, I attempted to look like a zombie for halloween, and ever since I have wanted to pursue the occupation of a professional special effects artist, and maybe in years to come, I will fulfill my dream.