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<p class="MsoNormal">For many people with blindness or low vision, we often hear the same advice: get a college degree to improve your chances of employment.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But what if you don’t have a college degree? Or what if you simply don’t want one?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A recent Investopedia article highlights the top jobs you can land with just a high school diploma or GED. The data, based on projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), shows there are millions of opportunities available
— and some offer solid pay.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Understanding these options can help you build a career path that works for you.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Why This Matters<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">About 28% of Americans age 25 and older have a high school diploma as their highest level of education, according to Census data.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For members of the blind community, college is not the only pathway to meaningful employment. What matters most is being able to confidently demonstrate:<o:p></o:p></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1">The skills you bring<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1">The adaptive techniques you use<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1">How you perform tasks effectively<o:p></o:p></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal">With preparation and the right approach, well-paying work is possible without a four-year degree.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Jobs with the Most Openings<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">According to BLS projections, these roles are expected to have the highest number of annual openings through 2034.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Home Health and Personal Care Aides<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This role is expected to have about <b>765,800 openings per year</b>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">These workers assist people with disabilities or chronic illnesses with daily living activities. Growth in this field is projected at 17% over the next decade.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Median pay in 2024: about <b>$34,900 per year</b>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This field may be especially relevant for blind workers interested in caregiving roles and who can demonstrate strong interpersonal and organizational skills.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Customer Service Representatives<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Expected annual openings: approximately <b>350,000</b>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Customer service roles can often be performed using screen readers, adaptive software, and phone-based systems.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Office Clerks<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Expected annual openings: approximately <b>300,000</b>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Clerical roles may include data entry, filing, scheduling, and administrative support — many of which can be performed effectively with accessible technology.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Higher-Paying Options Without a Degree<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Some jobs requiring only a high school diploma offer significantly higher pay.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>First-Line Office Supervisors and Administrative Support Workers<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Median pay in 2024: <b>$66,140 per year</b>.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Top earners can make over <b>$136,000</b>, particularly in specialized industries.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">These roles involve supervising clerical and administrative staff and may be a strong option for blind professionals who build experience in office environments and develop leadership skills.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Other Roles in the Top 10<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Additional high-demand jobs include:<o:p></o:p></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">Secretaries and administrative assistants<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">Food service supervisors<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">Security guards<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">Child care workers<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">Maintenance and repair workers<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2">Assemblers and fabricators<o:p></o:p></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal">Together, the top 10 jobs account for nearly four out of 10 projected openings at the high school education level.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Importantly, many of these openings come from replacing workers who retire or change careers — not just new job creation. That means opportunities continue even in slower economic periods.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>What This Means for the Blind Community<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The conventional wisdom says a college degree is your best chance at employment. For some people, that’s true.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But for others, especially those who:<o:p></o:p></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3">Want to enter the workforce quickly<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3">Prefer hands-on or supervisory roles<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3">Learn best through practical experience<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3">Cannot or choose not to attend college<o:p></o:p></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal">There are viable, sustainable options.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The key is preparation. Be ready to explain:<o:p></o:p></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4">How you use adaptive technology<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4">How you complete tasks safely and efficiently<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4">What accommodations you may need<o:p></o:p></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal">Confidence and competence matter more than a degree alone.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Penny Forward’s Bottom Line<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A college degree can open doors — but it is not the only key to success.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you have a high school diploma or GED, you still have options. With the right training, skills, and confidence in your alternative techniques, you can pursue well-paying, meaningful work.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Financial empowerment includes knowing your career options and choosing the path that fits your strengths and goals.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Read more here: <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/the-top-10-jobs-you-can-land-with-just-a-high-school-diploma-or-ged-11910289?hid=4157ecd4b730679483b06683d0f929011355aa9a&did=22150245-20260223&utm_campaign=investopedia-daily_newsletter&utm_source=investopedia&utm_medium=email&utm_content=022326&lctg=4157ecd4b730679483b06683d0f929011355aa9a&lr_input=df5dc48e169819b64f8be01ac8af7057ca80a230b9926e3cd21b3493b28f8c89&utm_term=midday"><b>The
Top 10 Jobs You Can Land with Just a High School Diploma or GED</b></a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>What’s Next?<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Did you find this information helpful? Subscribe to our newsletter and receive a free copy of our “Seven Steps to Financial Fitness” guide. It’s a great resource, filled with tips written by and for blind people on the path to financial
wellness. Plus, you’ll be the first to hear about upcoming free events and content that might interest you. Connect with us today and take your next step toward financial empowerment!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">https://www.pennyforward.com/connect/<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Chris Peterson, AFC®</span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Founder and CEO, Penny Forward</span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Blind People Building Bright Futures One Penny At A Time<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><a href="https://www.pennyforward.com/membership/">Join Penny Forward</a></span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">
<span style="color:black"><a href="https://calendly.com/chris-peterson-pfwd/" target="_blank">Schedule a Meeting</a></span></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Email:
<a href="mailto:chris@pennyforward.com">chris@pennyforward.com</a></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Phone:
<a href="tel:+18883325558">1 (888) 332-5558</a></span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">Web site:
<a href="http://www.pennyforward.com/">www.pennyforward.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black"><img border="0" width="231" height="92" style="width:2.4083in;height:.9583in" id="image_0" src="cid:image001.png@01DCA56E.9C91D1E0" alt="Penny Forward logo with an arrow pointing forward separating the two words. The word Penny and arrow are in black, with Forward in green."></span><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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