On any given day our minds are subject to change, especially when it comes to career choices. Do you want to make more money? Of course, we all do. In that case, you may want to consider these four high-paying jobs that can be both lucrative and rewarding, too.

All In a Day’s Work

It’s never too late to start a career or to change career paths. In this struggling economy, many don’t want to reinvent the wheel, so to speak, but are looking for ways to reinvent themselves instead. Plus, many are turning to these career options as a way to build their résumés. Here’s the rundown.

1. Do you enjoy crossing your “T’s” and dotting your “I’s,” literally? Then being a stickler for detail just may pay off, as you transition into the role of magazine publisher. Magazine publishers supervise each facet of a publication, which includes the advertising, editorial, marketing and circulation side of things. They essentially ensure that the publication is made available to its readers without compromising the integrity of the brand.

Now, for the deets on publication schedules. Depending on the publication, magazine publishers may print their books on a weekly, monthly, bi-monthly, six-month or annual basis. To excel in this career path, you need to be business-minded, have a keen sense of what makes a good storyline, as well as being enthusiastic about journalism as a whole. What’s more, a bachelor’s or master’s degree will provide what you need to break into this arena, however, most publishers work their way up the ladder and eventually advance to this position. The median annual salary for a magazine publisher is $105,100.

2. Behind many successful companies lies a human resources department, which is run by human resources directors. Human resources directors are a point of contact and they answer questions about everything from payroll, vacation time and holiday and sick time. As a crucial part of companies, they are charged with securing new hires and supervising the pay, benefits and career prospects of existing employees. They usually are tasked with mediating disputes between workers and managers also. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum need to be a human resources director, but those with master’s degrees may have a leg up in this field. The median annual salary for a human resources director is $86,600.

3. Are you savvy in the areas of advanced math and science? If so, you may flourish as a neonatologist. Neonatologists ensure that premature babies grow into healthy adults and are able to thrive on their own. These much-needed professionals also have to enroll in four years of medical school and four years of residency before they can work with cuddly cuties. The median annual salary for a neonatologist is $209,600.

4. If you are into oral health and taking particular care of your pearly whites, you may in fact, want to pursue a career as a dental hygienist. Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for oral diseases (gingivitis) and provide various other preventative dental care. Educating patients on ways to improve and maintain excellent oral health also is a key aspect of this role.

Where are dental hygienists employed? Nearly all dental hygienists work in dentist offices. An upside is that you can gain solid footing and exposure to the practices and procedures that dentists complete, just in case you want to further your education and fatten your wallet after becoming a quick study. And, dental hygienists need an associate’s degree in dental hygiene, in order to practice this skill. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of dental hygienists is expected to swell by 38 percent from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual salary for a dental hygienist is $68,250.

Just for the Love of It

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with setting lofty goals for yourself. What’s your career trajectory? Whether you decide to become a magazine publisher or a neonatologist, these careers are both in high demand and pay well. With that said, it just may be time to entertain the prospect of a new career!

Web Links:

http://career-advice.monster.com/salary-benefits/salary-information/6-hot-jobs-pay-80k-year/article.aspx?WT.mc_n=CRMUS001881;

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-hygienists.htm;

-Kimberly Williams