"My son is training to be a plumber, and he makes good money at only 19 years old. He's also eligible for health insurance through the union.""I work in correctional education in Texas as an education counselor. Look at the prisons near you for jobs other than correctional officer. You might be surprised at what you find. Pay isn't always the best, but it is a full-time job with benefits.""Working in a prison isn't scary.
I have worked in both private and state-run prisons. While my liberal brain doesn't like that a company makes money off men being in prison, I will say that doing something unique and creative is easier to do in the private prison, at least in education. Less red tape and bureaucracy.""I'm always amazed that air traffic control is never on these lists. All you need is a diploma, a cleanish record, and no major medical issues. Get in, get certified, and you're set for life.
Also, manufacturing companies need maintenance, engineers, supply chain/procurement, IT, HR, project managers, contracts managers, etc. There are so many different career options related to manufacturing systems that pay pretty well.""Most companies have a need for executive/administrative assistants. If you're organized and smart and have some basic computer skills, it's a great way to get your foot in the door.
When I was 21 and working at the Express, one of my coworkers started as a cashier/sales person, got promoted to management, realized she was REALLY GOOD at the merch displays, and got promoted to store visual merchandise manager. When I was having my first kid, I worked as an assistant manager for a really well-known kids retail chain in a really nice mall. The job was SO FRIGGIN' EASY, the store was small, and I made good money ANNNNNND got an amazing discount on super cute clothes for my kid.""I'm a medical assistant.