Work less and earn more it’s possible. There are, in fact, gods well-paid jobs which also offer good value work-life balance. These are professional careers that allow you to earn a high salary without (or with little) stress.
It’s no secret that salary (or RAL) plays a vital role in our decision-making process when it comes to finding the right job.
The phenomenon of Big Resignations, triggered by the pandemic, has changed the dynamics between supply and demand in the world of work. The need for a work-life balance – known internationally as work-life balance – is becoming increasingly important for workers, in Italy as in the rest of the world.
A high salary often means more responsibilities and, as a result, a more stressful work week. Some jobs, however, maximize earnings with less demand on the worker’s time and energy.
Work less and earn more
Looking for a job that offers a good salary with minimal effort is widespread. Often, however, the highest paying jobs require specialized skills, experience and, sometimes, a significant investment in time and training.
But there are some career paths that tend to offer a good balance between money and hours worked.
Here are 10 examples:
1) Software Developer (freelance)
Freelance software developers can manage their time and choose projects that pay well for the time invested, especially if they have skills in programming languages that are in high demand.
- What does he do: Develops customized software for clients or projects, working on specifications provided by clients or developing custom applications.
- Required skills: knowledge of programming languages such as Java, Python or C++, time management skills, autonomy.
- Average salary: Freelancers can earn between €50 to €150 per hour, depending on specialization and market demand.
2) Copywriter or Freelance Writer
Copywriters or writers who work independently have the flexibility to choose their own clients and projects to follow. Efficiency in execution can significantly reduce working hours while maintaining an adequate income.
- What does he do: writes advertising texts, articles, blogs and other written material on commission.
- Required skills: Excellent writing skills, creativity, SEO skills, ability to adapt to different styles and tone of voice.
- Average salary: €10,000 to €50,000 per year, but can increase significantly for in-demand or specialized writers.
3) Expert in marketing automation
These professionals use software to automate marketing processes and can often handle multiple clients at once, maximizing earnings and minimizing actual work time.
- What does he do: Use software to automate processes related to email marketing, campaign management and data analysis.
- Required skills: knowledge of marketing automation software, analytical skills, understanding of digital marketing.
- Average salary: from €30,000 to €70,000 per year.
4) Trader on the financial markets
Financial market traders can work during stock market hours and, if they are good at their job, can earn money with relatively little time commitment.
- What does he do: buys and sells stocks, shares, bonds and other financial instruments, earning based on market movements.
- Required skills: knowledge of financial markets, analytical skills, trading and investment skills.
- Average salary: from €50,000 to over €100,000 per year, on average.
5) Management Consultant
Management consultants often work on a project basis and can earn a lot of money, especially if they specialize in areas such as technology or finance. While the hours may be long during busy periods, there is often some flexibility between projects.
- What does he do: A management consultant helps companies improve their performance by working through the analysis of existing problems and the development of optimization plans.
- Required skills: analytical skills, problem-solving skills, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, in-depth knowledge of the relevant sector.
- Average salary: Salaries can range from €30,000 to over €100,000 per year, depending on experience and skills.
6) Real Estate Investor
Real estate investors can earn very high financial returns from purchasing, renovating and reselling properties or managing rental properties. This type of work requires knowledge of the market, but is not very demanding on a daily level once all the processes are in place.
- What does he do: Buys, sells, and manages real estate for a profit, often improving properties to resell for a higher price.
- Required skills: knowledge of the real estate market, negotiation skills, full understanding of the tax and legal regimes within the sector.
- Average salary: it is extremely variable. Some can earn a few thousand euros a year, while others can reach or exceed a million euros.
7) Digital content creator
Content creators such as YouTubers and Instagram influencers can earn a good income through sponsorships, advertising and collaborations. If the content goes viral, the economic return can be high compared to the hours invested.
- What does he do: Produces content for digital platforms such as YouTube, Instagram or TikTok, often earning through advertising, sponsorships and merchandising.
- Required skills: creativity, ability to engage the audience, basic technical skills in video editing and photography, understanding of social media dynamics.
- Average salary: very variable, from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands of euros per year, depending on the popularity and engagement of the public.
8) Optometrist
Of all the healthcare professions available, one of the simplest (and well-paid) is optometry.
You don’t need years of medical training and, above all, it’s not a stressful profession.
Optometrists are not doctors but are licensed (after extensive training) to provide patients with primary eye care which includes identifying any visual defects, diseases or abnormalities.
- What does he do: The optometrist examines the eyes to detect visual defects, diseases and abnormalities. Perform vision tests to determine the quality of your vision and the presence of vision problems.
- Required skills: In-depth knowledge of the anatomy of the eye, ability to interpret visual and diagnostic test results, and good communication with patients.
- Average salary: the average salary for an optometrist in Italy varies between 30,000 and 70,000 euros per year.
9) Computer engineer
Because they possess a very specific and in-demand skill, hardware engineers are guaranteed a good salary. Computer engineers are responsible for designing, developing and implementing software and hardware solutions, ranging from the creation of operating systems and application software to the development of networks and communication systems.
- What does he do: Engages in software and/or hardware development, ensures hardware and software systems work effectively, tests systems, and explores new technologies and methods to improve existing operations and implement innovative solutions.
- Required skills: Ability to program in languages such as Java, C++, Python, etc., quickly identify problems and develop effective solutions, work effectively in teams.
- Average salary: in Italy, the average salary for a software engineer is between 30,000 and 55,000 euros per year.
10) Airline pilot
Another job that can offer a high salary for relatively little work is that of an airline pilot. Although it requires a significant commitment in terms of training and certifications, once achieved, airline pilots can enjoy a high salary and a work schedule that guarantees rest periods between flights.
- What does he do: deals with flying planes to transport passengers or goods from one destination to another, carrying out safety checks before each flight, and being prepared to handle any emergencies.
- Required skills: You must have a pilot’s license, which requires qualified flight hours, written tests and practical assessments, making quick and accurate decisions, especially in emergency situations.
- Average salary: In general, the salary can range from €60,000 to over €200,000 per year.
