Software engineer: Best job in America?
Jobs in technology are ranking high on a listing of the "Best jobs in America"--compiled by Money Magazine and Salary.com--that's been quickly circulating around the blogosphere today.
Software engineers ranked number one in the listing, which is based on stress levels, flexibility in hours and working environment, creativity, and how easy it is to enter and advance in the field, according to an explanation hosted on CNN Money. ranked 7, technical writers ranked 13, and engineers ranked 17.
It should be noted that jobs were eliminated from the list if the average pay is below $50,000, if there are fewer than 15,000 people employed in such jobs, if the work environment is dangerous, or if there are fewer than 800 annual openings in such jobs.
The listing has got bloggers contemplating their own career paths--some proudly and some with regret (like maybe physicians, who rank well below physician assistants).
"Where is 'drone' $61,100 on the list?"
--Max on MySpace.com
"The only thing that sucks about (being a software engineer) is the 'occasional' long hours and the stress that comes around release time. Other than that; it's the best job. You get to make your own schedule, you can work from anywhere, and you are given a license to really unleash your creative skills while designing the new software."
--Navdeep (A Geek at heart)
"Software engineers are needed in virtually every part of the economy, making this one of the fastest-growing job titles in the U.S. Even so, it's not for everybody...What's cool: Cutting-edge projects, like designing a new video game or tweaking that military laser. Extra cash from freelance gigs. Plus, nothing says cool like great prospects. What's not: Jobs at the biggest companies tend to be less creative (think Neo, pre-Matrix). Outsourcing is a worry. Eyestrain and back, hand and wrist problems are common."
--Geeks on Ice
"For next year's list we're rooting for fact-checkers, publishers, production assistants, and office managers to get a shout-out. Who knows, maybe even bloggers will make the cut. Not ever leaving your couch is a huge job perk."
--Celebrity Feed Network