RETAIL SALES

Retail is not a nine-to-five job. Stores are open when the nine-to-fivers aren't working, and that means evenings, weekends, and holidays. On the other hand, employees get days off during the week when the ski slopes aren't as crowded and lines at the bank aren't as long. Salespeople are on their feet all day; if you pursue this kind of work, invest in a couple of pairs of comfortable shoes.

Retail can also be a lot of fun. Every day is new and different. You never know who will come in, how much you'll sell, or what new product you get to highlight.

You can measure your progress by selling more each day and by satisfying more customers.