Women have moved past their traditional roles as teachers, nurses, and secretaries and have dedicated themselves to conquering the working world. However, certain professions are still considered taboo for women. But due to the ever-changing social norms, you cannot afford to miss out on such lucrative careers just because of your gender. Therefore, this article will investigate some of the unconventional professions that women must consider in 2023.
Trucking
The trucking industry is in dire need of women drivers. Several trucking companies are looking to hire women for shorter, local, and regional routes and longer over-the-road (OTR) positions. Each year a wave of experienced truckers retire and the industry struggles to fill their positions. Apart from offering excellent pay and other benefits, this career does not require any college degree. Several companies offer team driving (two people for longer routes) and driving with their pets as options for attracting more drivers. Hence, in 2023 trucking can be an excellent, albeit unconventional, career option for women.
Plumbing
Plumbing is another industry that consists almost entirely of men. But since the industry is struggling to replace plumbers that are retiring every year, women are gradually taking up this profession. In order to tackle a worker shortage and attract new talent, several companies are offering paid training. All this has led plumbing to become a lucrative career. Reportedly, most women faced some pushback when transitioning to this traditionally male-dominated workspace. However, they are stepping up not just to create a better career for themselves but also to make it easier for future women.
Electrician
An electrician is another male-dominated profession that is struggling to find workers. It is another profession that pays well and does not require any college education. One can easily enroll in any apprenticeship program and start with on-the-job training. However, if you wish to acquire advanced training, you can pursue an associate's as well as a bachelor's degree.
Private Investigator
While several significant advancements have been made in the field of criminal justice, law enforcement, and military services, women often find themselves underrepresented. Similarly, private investigation is another mostly male-dominated area. However, being underrepresented is precisely what gives women an edge over male private investigators. Since women are considered less threatening and suspicious, it makes them easier to get people to talk to them. It also makes it easier for them to go undercover for surveillance purposes. Therefore, it can be an ideal career option for women in 2023.
However, you need to have the necessary state licenses, if you wish to operate as a private detective. The criteria for such licenses can differ from state to state, and you must have at least a BA or a BS degree. Women can also get additional training that will not only help them make better money but also charge higher rates.
Architecture
According to a study by the National Council of Architectural Registration Board, women made up 42% of Architect Registration Examination (ARE) completions and 44% of Architectural Experience Program (AXP) completions in 2020. This indicates that architecture will no longer remain an unconventional career choice for women in the future. Being an architectural or civil drafter can also provide you with a comfortable lifestyle along with a respectable salary.
Automotive Industry
Another industry that is largely male-dominated is the automotive industry. According to the Women's Bureau of the US Department of Labor, women comprise only 2% of the mechanic and auto technician workforce. However, there is enough room for strong and confident women to make their way into this career. In 2014, General Motors appointed Mary Barra as its first-ever female CEO. She is just one of several women who have succeeded in this field. One can easily earn mo re than $40,000 a year as an auto mechanic.
Green Energy
Green energy, or the renewable resource sector, is a future-proof industry, and it is the ideal time for women to make a foray into it. Apart from being a lucrative career path, it can also provide the satisfaction of knowing that you have contributed to making the world a healthier and better place. For example, according to Ame rican Clean Power , there is an expected increase of 96% in wind turbine technician jobs over the next ten years. It is one of the fastest-growing professions in the United States. As a solar energy technician or a wind energy technician, one can easily earn anything betw een 50 to $60,000 annually .
Media Arts
If you are a woman who possesses artistic, creative, and technical skills, then the field of media arts can offer you numerous possibilities. Since men hold most media arts positions, women are often sought after in this sector. Several polls have found that while most women are interested in video game designing or graphic designing, very few turn their interest into action. While women represent nearly 46% of video game players, they are still underrepresented in most of the digital art fields.
Being a video game designer or a graphic designer can earn you anywhere between 50 to $80,000 on an annual basis. Therefore in 2023, take a step towards a career that is not only lucrative but also something that excites you.
Technology
In the past few years, the number of women pursuing tech careers has declined. Experts feel that it is due to our culture and history that always encourages only boys and men to pursue careers in science and technology. However, several changes are being introduced at the elementary and high school levels. School programs are being developed to encourage and support young girls interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects.
According to the Women's Bureau, women comprise only 21% of computer programmers and 29% of information technology managers. But tech companies are trying to rectify this imbalance, and role models like Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg and YouTube CEO S usan Wojcicki can be seen as encouraging trends. Therefore, this is another career path that women can look forward to in the year 2023.
Skilled Trades
While more than 58% of women are active in the labor force, only a few of them choose skilled trades as their careers. According to the Women's Bureau, only 5.2% of welders are women. They also make up 2.9% of construction laborers, 2% of electricians, and 1.9% of carpenters. However, skilled trades like construction managers, oil and gas workers, aircraft mechanics, etc., can provide a flexible career. Additionally, these careers also offer excellent pay and benefits. For example, a construction manager can earn up to $97 ,000 annually . Hence in 2023, women can choose such skilled trades as career options.
These are only a few of the exciting career options that women can look forward to in 2023. It may be challenging to forge a path in traditionally male-dominated fields. However, you must keep in mind that the challenges you face today will simplify your life in the future. Hence you must keep an open mind when it comes to unconventional professions.
