Of all the jobs/occupations out there these days, which one would you say is the best? Well, according to Money magazine and based on criteria such as stress levels, flexibility in hours and working environment, creativity, how easy it is to enter and advance in the field, and compensation and percentage growth, the top ten are (10-year job growth forecast and pay+benefits in parentheses):

1. Software engineer (46.07% -- $80,427)
2. College professor (31.39% -- $81,491)
3. Financial advisor (25.92% -- $122,462)
4. Human resources manager (23.47% -- $73,731)
5. Physician assistant (49.65% -- $75,117)
6. Market research analyst (20.19% -- $82,317)
7. Computer/IT analyst (36.10% -- $83,427)
8. Real estate appraiser (22.78% -- $66,216)
9. Pharmacist (24.57% -- $91,998)
10. Psychologist (19.14% -- $66,359)

This particular list is weighted toward job growth and compensation, but it is nonetheless very interesting to see that college professor is ranked #2. While professors like me certainly have our share of pressures and stress, the more I thought about it, the more I would have to agree that all things considered, being a college professor really isn’t that bad of a job.

It just takes a heck of a lot of work to get there in the first place . . .