Are you missing out on great career opportunities?

If you’re ruling out job prospects because of your gender, the answer is yes. The truth is, a career in a field dominated by the opposite sex (like becoming a nurse if you’re a guy or a police officer if you’re a girl) can offer you significant advantages you may not have otherwise.

For example, many traditionally male-dominated fields offer girls better pay, job security, and benefits than most female-dominated jobs. Carpenters, auto technicians, and HVAC technicians can all earn salaries in the $50,000 range. A child care worker, on the other hand, tops out at around $25,000 a year, even with more education.

For guys, traditional “women’s work” offers plenty of job opportunities and a chance to make a difference with your career, since many traditionally female-dominated fields involve helping others. But that’s not to say that salaries can’t be good, too. Nurses, dental hygienists, and paralegals, for example, all earn good salaries up into the $70,000 range. Nationwide shortages of teachers and nurses also mean there are plenty of jobs out there.

Convinced yet? If not, take a look at some good reasons to consider a non-traditional career:

Why girls should consider a non-traditional career:

• Salaries are higher and benefits are often better in male-dominated fields.
• Many traditionally male jobs — like firefighting and police work — also offer more job security than many other kinds of jobs.
• The training time for technically oriented “male” jobs is often short — just a year or two of education after high school.
• Women have the opportunity to “be their own boss” in skilled trade jobs.
• Many skilled-trade and technical jobs offer apprenticeships so you can earn as you learn.

Why boys should consider a non-traditional career:

• Many female-dominated careers — like teaching and nursing — are short on workers. You’ll have your pick of jobs if you pursue these fields.
• Training time for many fields is short — you can get started as a paralegal or a dental hygienist with an associate’s degree.
• Many traditionally female jobs offer a special sense of connection and meaning — teachers, nurses, physical therapists, social workers, dietitians, special education teachers, and preschool teachers derive a strong sense of satisfaction from their work.

Learn more about stepping into a nontraditional career at www.careerprospects.org.