5 Careers to Appease the Millennial Wanderlust
Nearly one-third of workers in the U.S. are millennials, making it the largest cohort of people in the workforce, according to the Pew Research Center. Millennials have values that are different from their predecessors. At the top of the list is a need for freedom.
The newest generation of workers are more tech-savvy than those before them. They want to travel with their tablets and laptops while generating income and being a solid team member. Our technological world is built to embrace this wanderlust, if the millennial is wise enough to take advantage of workplace opportunities.
Freelancing
Because it can be a category all its own or a catch-all for other job groups, freelancing includes consulting, temping, helping out or doing your own thing. The key to freelancing is having enough work to pay the bills. Use all of your talents to create multiple income streams that allow you to work from anywhere in the world. Become an Amway representative while also picking up work on Guru. The more you can do, the better your portfolio becomes and the more opportunities that will become available. Of course, the best part is that freelancing can be done in a Paris café or a Boise coffee shop.
Sales
Imagine a career with a company that sends you to places worldwide where you meet people and have an expense account for food and drink. This is the life of a salesperson. For many, sales is the perfect millennial job that combines love of travel with strong digital skills. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, sales careers require little formal education and the income ranges from just over $40,000 to just under $100,000 annually.
Fundraising
Somewhat related to sales but a bit more soul fulfilling is fundraising. Fundraising and public relations-related jobs show up as three of the best 25 jobs for millennials, according to a report by youth advocate Young Invincibles.
Fundraising is one of those jobs that allows you to sleep well at night, knowing you did something good for the world. Best part is anyone can get involved, schools can run their own fundraising events, churches and even business brands.It also has a pleasant mix of local interests and global travel, as the fundraiser tries to develop revenue streams for the organization. The money is not great, hovering right around $50,000, but the intangible perks of helping to save children, puppies and the environment go a long way toward making this a great career.
Travel Agent and Writer
A travel agent can fall under freelancer or sales, but add in the extra component of travel writing, and you have made wanderlust into a career. Travel agents gain a lot of perks and deals while making a living. Over the next decade, the decline of the travel agent industry is likely, so that is another reason to create a platform as a travel writer as well. This combination works in our Google world.
Academia
Both students and scientists get to travel. If you want to see the world, spend a lot of time in school. As a student, you have more opportunities for working and volunteering abroad, and several organizations cater to the young academic looking to see the world.
When you finally earn the ultimate doctorate degree, you can write your own ticket. With a Ph.D., you are able to teach, do research or consult. A doctorate never expires, so you will be able to travel with your knowledge forever.