Best 5 Careers For Work-Life Balance | 2023

Work-life balance is so important. Employees that don’t have jobs with the best work-life balance can suffer. This can lead to burnout and negative impacts on physical and mental health. 72% of people consider work-life balance when job searching. You might love your job, but nobody wants to have work on the brain 24/7. You have time for work and play (or personal time). Keeping that barrier in place to separate work and personal life is crucial in contributing to a happy, healthy life. Best 5 Careers For Work-Life Balance | 2023

In reality, work-life balance is not inherent in any job, occupation, or work style. Instead, it means something different for each of us and is as much the product of our efforts as the parameters of our jobs. Nonetheless, some flexible jobs could make achieving work-life balance easier than others. 

What does it mean to have a work-life balance?

Work-life balance is typically defined as when a person does not spend so much time working that they miss out on the pleasures of everyday life. A job that provides work-life balance offers flexibility does not require employees to work overly-long hours and offers ample PTO. A good work-life balance can provide many benefits, including lower stress levels, increased well-being, and higher job satisfaction.

Why is Work-Life Balance Important?

Even if you enjoy what you do, practicing good work-life balance habits can help with physical and mental health, lower the chances of work burnout, and positively impact your life.You’ll have time to spend on personal interests and hobbies, be with family and friends, and spend more time on work with less personal time can:

High-paying jobs for better work-life balance 

Data analyst

Average salary: $63,260 base pay, plus $29,516 

Data analysts collect, clean, study, and model data to help organizations and businesses make informed decisions. Their work spans many industries, including business, finance, medicine, and government.

The job of a data analyst is related, though distinct, to that of a data scientist, which tends to ask more significant data questions and design original experiments surrounding data. While you will likely need to get a master’s degree to become a data scientist, you could start a career as a data analyst by either formally studying it in college or building skills on your own or through a certification or credential.

As a data-heavy role that involves computers, the job of a data analyst might appeal to those, who enjoy working with numbers and are looking for a position that can likely be done remotely.

UX or UI designer 

Average salary: $81,188 base pay, plus $19,923 

User experience (UX) designers oversee every aspect of a product’s design from a user experience standpoint. Meanwhile, user interface (UI) designers design all the screens that users go through on an app, website, video game, or virtual menu. Becoming a UX or UI designer often means building a portfolio of work to demonstrate your skills. Gain or refine these skills in numerous ways: through flexible online courses, in a certificate program, or with a college degree in a relevant field.

The job of a UX or UI designer will likely appeal to those who enjoy creative fields with a practical research-oriented angle. Furthermore, many aspects of UX and UI design can also be conducted remotely, meaning it is a job that lends itself to working from home. 

Real estate agent 

Average salary: $99,297 base pay, plus $38,111 

Real estate agents work with clients to buy, sell, and rent properties. In addition to conducting a significant portion of their working days outside of the office at properties, real estate agents also typically get the benefit of setting their work schedules.

To become a real estate agent, you will likely need at least a high school diploma and gain state licensure. Before getting your license, you will likely need to take real estate courses at the community or four-year college level. Becoming a real estate agent might appeal to individuals who enjoy client-facing sales roles that allow them to control their schedule. 

Web developer

Average salary: $72,663 base pay, plus $32,308 

Web developers build and maintain websites such as this one. Using a range of design and programming skills, web developers ensure that sites function correctly for clients and visitors. To become a web developer, you don’t necessarily need a degree, but some employers might prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree. You can become a web developer with either a high school diploma or an associate degree.

Web developers can either be freelance or work in-house for a company, meaning it could potentially offer flexible employment models. If you enjoy working with computers, becoming a web developer might allow you to work remotely with a flexible schedule.

Financial Advisor

Average salary: $120,956 base pay plus $48,853 

Financial advisors help clients manage and plan their finances. Some of the role’s responsibilities include assisting clients in setting short and long-term goals, investing, and maneuvering tax laws. To become a financial advisor, you likely need a bachelor’s degree and undergo on-the-job training with a supervisor to gain critical skills. Optional professional certifications, such as those offered by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, may help you gain valuable credentials. Special licenses are required for those who wish to buy or sell bonds, stocks, or insurance policies.

In addition to working in corporate settings, many financial advisors also work as freelancers with their clients. If you enjoy working with numbers and want a job that offers the possibility of a flexible work schedule, then you might consider a career as a financial planner.