Everyone would like to switch to $100k plus jobs if they are not already in one. It is true that enjoying what one does is important. However, more money means access to more financial options. Even with the mind numbing salaries that we have been exposed to today, $100K is still a hefty amount for the average person. So what do you need to do to get into the 6 figure jobs bracket?
The first route you can take is the tried and tested one: education. Though getting more degrees is no guarantee for more income, on average the more educated one is, the broader their options and hence the higher the probability of them landing on any one of the $100k plus jobs. Therefore, if you have high school level education, consider enrolling for an undergraduate degree course. If you already have a bachelor's degree, consider enrolling for an appropriate master's degree can move you that one step closer to jobs over 100k.
Note however, that there could be professional qualifications in (or related to) your career that can be almost as effective as a master's degree. For example, holders of certain financial analyst and risk management courses have been known to command higher pay. Remember that being in employment need not be a constraint to advancing your education; nowadays, long distance and online degree programs are in abundance. There is a caveat here though: the reputation of the institution you attend plays a major role in determining the respect your credentials will command in the job market. Granted that the institutions with the most recognizable names are on the higher side when it comes to fees, you can always get an institution that gives good quality education and is not out of reach cost-wise.
The second thing one can do is to position yourself for promotion at your existing job. Now, this in a sense includes education but most times involves more than just additional more papers. Positioning yourself for promotion at your existing job will for example be determined by your involvement in key projects. When you are part of a project team, make sure you execute your function seamlessly. If you are the project team leader, this is even more important. Your goal must be to ensure that the project achieves the set objectives and where possible, exceeds expectations. It is these small things that will distinguish you from your peers and place in you a better position for better paying positions in future.
Based on the this second point, the question then becomes, ''What if you execute your function and demonstrate the sense of management ability required for moving up the ranks but it does not happen''? Well, this would be the point where you would need to consider changing jobs. Maybe there is no higher-level position available at the time you wanted one. Worst case, the institution you work for may not have many jobs over 100k. In these conditions, then changing jobs may be the most practical thing to do. Note however that this decision must be made carefully and with a significant level of patience. Many employers do not fancy someone who easily hops from one company or another all in the search for 6 figure jobs.
