How to Find Fulfilling Careers with Flexible Hours

Your schedule: Busy. Your obligations: Numerous. Your work life: Unsatisfying.

Wouldn't it be great to find careers with flexible hours that offered the personal fulfillment of helping make others feel their best? If the answer to this question is a resounding "Yes!" then consider pursuing a degree in alternative medicine.

Whether you're a parent juggling the needs of family, don't like the idea of a 9-to-5 schedule or just have other commitments and interests that make maintaining a regular schedule hard to manage, explore the career training offered by the Acupuncture and Massage College.

Massage Therapy: In as little as 8.5 months, you could earn a degree in massage therapy. You'll learn about many different practice modalities, and graduate with a specialization in Shiatsu. Not only will you receive the academic instruction you need to pass your licensing exam, you'll get hands-on experience in our Student Intern Clinic. After completing our program, you'll be ready to jump into the flexible career you always wanted.

The U.S. News & World Report, for example, gives massage therapy a high ranking for "Work Life Balance" category and scores the flexibility of the job as "Above Average." In addition to the flexible hours, you'll also have the option of working in a variety of settings, including medical facilities, spas and resorts or even your own practice. No matter where you work, you'll have the satisfaction of helping your clients to treat and manage illness, relieve stress and feel their best.

Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine: In our 36-month program on Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine, you'll learn how to treat pain and balance the flow of qi — the energy or life force of the body — using thin needles on strategic points throughout the body. You'll also be prepared to take the National Commission for Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) licensing exams.

As part of the program, you'll learn how to deal with a variety of patients, from those who embrace Traditional Chinese Medicine as part of their health care, to "western" patients who appreciate the scientific aspect of the practice. Through your work, you'll gain the satisfaction of helping to improve the lives of those you treat, both on the day-to-day level and throughout the course of your career.

What to Do Next

To explore fulfilling careers with flexible hours, do your research on reputable online sites, such as the Acupuncture and Massage College, the NCAAOM and the American Massage Therapy Association. Talk to professionals you know about the pros and cons of their careers, and see how the reality corresponds to your needs. Research the training programs that prepare you for the next step and make an appointment to talk to the schools' admissions programs.

It's time to find a job that works with your life instead of trying to maintain a traditional schedule that just isn't right for you. Have more self-determination and control over your professional life and flexible hours that compliment your lifestyle by downloading our free eBook to learn about careers in alternative medicine. You can also contact our admissions department to set up an appointment.