If you're looking to move beyond living paycheck to paycheck, but you don't want to take on overtime, consider switching careers. You might want to look into roles that can accommodate a four-day work week.
Not only does this give you significantly more flexibility, but you can still earn a good salary. Some industries are more adaptable to four-day work weeks than others, like tech, human resources, and social services.
Here are eight roles that are flexible when it comes to shorter workweeks, yet still offer an excellent salary.
Editor's note: All data is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
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Auditor
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Median annual salary: $81,680
As an auditor, you are responsible for prepping and reviewing financial records, such as financial statements and accounting records. This type of role requires a bachelor's degree, typically in a field like accounting.
While this role might get busier during tax season, generally, an auditor position can be flexible, especially when working for government agencies or private consulting. These employers can typically offer a more malleable schedule.
Editor
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Median annual salary: $75,260 per year
As an editor, you would be responsible for reviewing publication content, working with writers, and generating pitches. If you have a degree in communication, English, or journalism, this could be the role for you.
Depending on your employer status, whether you work for a large organization or are contract and self-employed, you can easily work a four-day work week as an editor. Plus, these roles are typically remote and task-oriented, giving you even more flexibility.
Financial examiner
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Median annual salary: $90,400
With a bachelor's degree and experience in accounting, you could make your career switch to the role of financial examiner. In this position, you would be reviewing the compliance of financial transactions for your organization.
Depending on your employer, you could enjoy the benefits of a shorter work week. There are a few government agencies that offer flexible schedules, such as the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.
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- 80+
Landscape architects
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Median annual salary: $79,660
As a landscape architect, you would design outdoor spaces, such as parks and gardens. This type of role requires a bachelor's degree as well as a state license and completion of the Landscape Architect Registration Examination.
Due to this type of role typically being task- and project-based, you are likely to find a position in this field that offers a shorter workweek, especially if you lean towards self-employment. You may need to be on call for client needs on off days, but the four-day workweek is very manageable.
Network and computer systems administrators
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Median annual salary: $96,800
If you have a background in a field related to network and computer systems, as well as a bachelor's degree, then an administrative role might be the right choice for you. You have a ton of options when it comes to employers, from private firms to schools.
Given that these types of roles are often remote, you are most likely to find flexibility when it comes to your schedule, including the possibility of a four-day work week. If you have in-demand skills, this is even more likely.
Social and community service managers
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Median annual salary: $78,240
As a social and community service manager, you would be responsible for overseeing staff and coordinating and managing various programs. You could work for a nonprofit, a school, a social service organization, or a government agency.
Depending on your employer, you could switch your schedule from a five-day work week to a four-day one, and many social work services offer this type of flexibility. Since this role is heavily task-oriented, you can compress your schedule into four days.
Web developer
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Median annual salary: $95,380
Most web developer roles require a minimum of a high school diploma, while some require a bachelor's degree. In this position, you would build and monitor websites, and you can choose to work in a variety of fields, from publishing to advertising.
These roles are typically remote, and many companies are starting to offer a four-day work week to their employees, or at least reducing the typical 40 hours a week to 32. You may be working four 10-hour days, but you will enjoy that extra day off.
Computer programmer
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Median annual salary: $98,670
If you have a bachelor's degree or related professional experience, you might want to look into computer programming roles. You would be working on writing and testing code for computer software and applications.
As these types of digital roles increasingly shift towards remote positions, there is greater flexibility, including the potential for a four-day work week. While it may involve working longer hours on those four days, the extra day off could be worth it.
Bottom line
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According to the American Psychological Association, 80% of workers believe they would be happier and just as effective with a four-day work week. These jobs prove that there's a shorter work week out there for many across multiple fields.
Opting for a four-day work week role can not boost your work ethic, but it can set you up for retirement. The flexibility saves you a day of commuting and gives you more time to focus on your own personal passions.
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