8 New Careers You Could Train For in Six Months Or Less

Most careers are built over the span of a lifetime, through experience and progression. But what if you no longer find your job rewarding? Or what if you are looking to increase your income? 

Luckily, not all careers require such a huge time commitment! By choosing one of the options below as your next job, you can train, gain a certificate, and start earning in six months or less. 

Let's dive in!

Commercial Driver

If you are a great driver and you have plenty of experience on the road, you might consider investing in a certificate to become a commercial driver. 

Once you have obtained your commercial driver's license (CDL) - which takes between three weeks and six months - you are ready to start working and earning. After all, with the advent of eCommerce and same-day delivery, commercial drivers have never been in such demand!

What's more, with experience, you can start making your way into a high-paying niche career and become an ice road driver, an oversized load driver, a private fleet worker, or a HAZMAT driver. 

Looking to start working even before obtaining your license? Take advantage of new unconventional ways to increase your income, such as becoming an Amazon Flex driver. 

Real Estate Agent

A quick look at recent statistics will confirm what you already know: the United States housing market is set to remain hot and highly competitive throughout the next few years. So, if you have always wanted to work in this field, there has never been a better time to become a real estate agent, which can take between four and six months. 

Don't forget that you'll also need important soft skills, sales acumen, and a thorough knowledge of the area to succeed in this field! 

Wind Turbine Technicians

As governments rapidly shift towards renewable and clean energy sources, new job roles have been skyrocketing in demand. Depending on whether wind turbines are available in the area where you wish to work, you might consider becoming a wind turbine technician. 

A wind turbine technician program can be completed in as little as 6-7 months, but future employers might require you to have some on-the-job experience before hiring you on a full-time basis. 

While this career journey might seem longer than others, don't forget that, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, wind turbine technicians see an annual salary of over $56,000, and this niche is growing at an annual rate of 44%, which is much faster than average. 

Personal Trainer

If you have a passion for fitness and well-being, and you'd love to use your skills to help others achieve their health and self-image goals, you might consider becoming a personal trainer. 

To become a personal trainer, you'll need to obtain a certification from an accredited body, such as ISSA, ACE, or NASM, which are programs that require between 3 and 6 months to complete. After you have your certificate, it might take some time to build a customer base and develop your business. 

Medical Assistant

Have you always dreamed of working in healthcare but have been put off by the length of the educational journey to enter the industry? Fortunately, some career paths allow you to start working in healthcare in as little as six months, such as becoming a Medical Assistant.

For example, choosing a medical assistant program in New Jersey is a great way to enter the workforce, fulfill your dream of working in healthcare, and enjoy job security.

Emergency Medical Technician

If you work well under stress and your goal is to make a difference in people's lives in an emergency, you might consider training to become an EMT. To access this career, you'll need to complete a 170-hour training program and obtain all the necessary certifications.

Alternatively, qualified firefighters are in just-as-high demand - and can give you access to an average salary above $50,000!

Massage Therapist

The wellness industry has been significantly transformed over the past years. And, today like never before, people around the world have made their own well-being a top priority in their lives. So, if you have always wanted to tap into the massage industry, this might be a great time to invest in a massage therapist training course!

Although these programs may take between seven and eight months to complete, becoming a massage therapist can give you access to salaries averaging $50,019-$64,186!

Travel Agent

Although no formal schooling is required to kickstart your career as a travel agent, you might consider earning a certificate before getting started, which can take between 2 and 4 months. 

Don't forget that a license to operate and a course certificate are not the only requirements to meet to be a successful travel agent: you'll need a sincere passion for traveling to stand out in a crowded industry!