The road less traveled often pays better

When most people approach graduation or make major career decisions, they tend to narrow their focus. Students who majored in computer software become programmers. Students who majored in accounting go to work for a large accounting firm. Students who majored in education become public school teachers.

I think that you should broaden your focus first. Your natural abilities and skills can usually be put to use in non-traditional roles. When you find a way to apply your natural abilities in a non-traditional career role, you often end up being a unique asset to an organization. And, unique assets often command a higher income.

In today's Wall Street Journal, Dana Mattioli shares a story about a Montessori school teacher who found a better paying and more satisfying career by using her natural abilities in an unique setting.

The article is titled "From Classroom to Makeup Counter"