WordPress Is Great, But It's Not Always The Best Solution

Before I dive into this slightly controversial topic, I want to make something readily clear:

This post is not an attack against WordPress. I use it. I know it. It's great!

With that being said, even though WordPress is one of the most beloved website building systems out there and powers 25% of the internet, that doesn't mean it's the best choice for everyone in the world who wants to build one.

Why not? Here are some reasons why.

Four Reasons WordPress May Not Be For You

It's Free, and That Get's Costly

Say what? How can something free get costly?

Well, think about it. Let's say you're planning to start a blog for your business.

There are many things that you need for a WordPress blog to work for your marketing purposes. Aside from spending time creating content, there is a lot of other expenses that you will incur:

• Hosting
• An SSL certificate
• WordPress Themes
• WordPress Plugins
• Paying for Support when things go wrong (and they do go wrong)

It may not seem like this stuff adds up, but over time and depending on what you need, it can get very expensive.

The Elegant Themes blog, an authority blog on all things WordPress, had this to say about it costs:

"After everything is added together, it can cost as little as $72.99 per year and as much as $33,162.18 per year to run a WordPress site."

That's a big price range. Now, chances are you're not going to be that person who is dropping $33K a year on a website. But realistically, you should expect to spend around $800 a year on it.

Need a visual? Here's the how that adds up.

The WordPress.org CMS software (that's the one we're talking about here) is free, but you need to pay for hosting.

To be clear, prices and features of some of the top WordPress hosting providers all vary, but let's just say you choose a hosting platform like Siteground.

Using them will run you an initial cost at $59.40 for that first year including the domain and domain privacy.

Keep in mind that this is only for the first year. Next year, the price will go up.

And now that you have hosting and WordPress installed, you need a theme. You could go the cheap route and only use a free theme. But eventually, you're going to want a new theme with more features that suit you.

You could find a popular theme like the ones on FancyThemes or CreativeMarket which will run you a cost between $35-$100+ or you may decide to choose a popular framework like Genesis which will cost you around $129 for both the Genesis Theme and a Child Theme.

After this, you need to spend time setting up the theme. And if you've never done this before and have no idea how to use WordPress, then you can count on a weekend full of troubleshooting. (More on this in a bit.)

But even after you have that done, you still need premium plugins like SumoMe to do things like collect emails, and you'll want a good email marketing platform like MailChimp or ConvertKit that allows for easier email automation.

And let's not forget the SSL Certificate.

Google has recently released that HTTPS (using an SSL Certificate which gives that little green security as seen above) would be a new ranking signal and if you're thinking that it's something you'll ignore for now, don't.

Google has stated that "over time, we may decide to strengthen it because we'd like to encourage all website owners to switch from HTTP to HTTPS to keep everyone safe on the web."

WordPress.org sites and most hosting don't come with SSL, but you have a few options when adding it to your site:

• Try to add a free SSL certificate from Let's Encrypt to your site.
• Buy an SSL certificate through your host provider and have them install it.

The first option will save you money since it's free, but it's an absolute nightmare to try and do it yourself so I wouldn't advise it.

The best option is to have you host provider install it, but that also means that you'll be out a bit more money. Most hosts sell SSL certificates from anywhere between $80 to $150 depending on your needs -- and that's an annual rate.

While it can be costly, it's something that Google is pushing, so you should really consider this move now before they push it harder.

Now, let's add that up the cost:

• $59.40 for hosting (first year's price)
• $82 SSL Certificate (annual cost)
• $129 for Genesis Framework (one-time fee)
• $240 for SumoMe (annual cost)
• $348 for ConvertKit (annual cost)

Rough total = $858.40 for first-year costs

Obviously, you could shop this down, but these aren't the sort of things to scrimp on when you're trying to run an online business.

WordPress Is Free, And That Means Support Is Hard To Come By

Like anything tech related, WordPress is going to have its glitches. Something as simple as updating WordPress, or themes and plugins, can wipe an entire site or end in what we in the WP community call "The White Screen of Death."

When that happens, you're going to want help fixing it 'cause that ain't easy to do alone.

But since WordPress is free, you won't find much support for fixing these issues except via the online forum. For real help, you'll need either really good hosting support or to go in search of someone who can fix the issue for you, and those people are even harder to find if you don't know where to look.

It's frustrating and has left many people with no choice but to start from scratch again.

Comes With A Learning Curve

While those who are considered more tech savvy can pick up WordPress rather quickly, there are some of us out there who just don't get it right away. If you've hit a little snag when trying to learn how to use it, don't feel bad.

There is a lot to learn when you've never touched it before. And I'm not just talking about how to create a new page or blog post, but the other things that go into it like:

• How to care and maintain a site that runs on WordPress
• If and when to update Plugins and Themes so that you don't break something
• Learning and using features within a Theme, and so on

Whether we like it or not, WordPress does come with a learning curve and it may take you quite a bit longer to learn how to use it than you previously thought.

Designing A Website Is Not That Easy

Learning curve aside, the biggest issue that most people gripe about with WordPress is that designing a site with it is tough.

And while there are page builders out there that make this easier, if you're not a web designer, adding those little touches that take a website to the next level is not going to be easy.

If you do decide to go the route of using a page-builder, just know that these also come with a learning curve. So no matter what, you'll have to learn a lot before you can design anything.

Wrapping It Up

These are just four of the main reasons why WordPress may not be the right choice for you. There are a lot of other choices out there that could be an even better fit. And if you're worried that WordPress is the only platform you can build a business on, don't fret.

There are a ton of people out there who have million dollar businesses on platforms other than WordPress and reaped the benefits.

For example, rockstar blogger Mariah Coz runs a $100K a month blog and has done six figure course launches with her SquareSpace powered site. Millionaire blogger Chris Ducker runs his blog on the RainMaker Platform as it offers a lot of marketing tools that suit him.

And the digital agency, WebAct uses the responsive website builder by Duda to create small business sites and high converting landing pages all the time. This list is obviously not exhaustive, but the point I want to drive home is this:

You don't need WordPress to run a profitable website or business.

There are a lot of great choices out there for building a website. And while many decide that WordPress is the way to go, others may want and need something else, and that's okay.

WordPress is just a tool for your business, and sometimes, it's the wrong tool for the job at hand.

Now it's just up to your own due diligence in figuring out if you should hop on the WordPress wagon or not. Either way, you know your business and goals best so whatever choice you make is the one you can rest easy with.

Apple's iPhone 7 Is Officially Ditching The Headphone Jack

Bye-bye, headphone jack. 

Apple on Wednesday announced it has ditched the headphone jack in the latest iPhone model, the iPhone 7 ― a move tech industry watchers had widely predicted.

The iPhone updates, along with a new Apple Watch and new App Store games, were among the big reveals at the company’s Wednesday press event in San Francisco.

The controversial move to eliminate the 3.5 mm headphone jack is aimed at speeding the adoption of high-end Bluetooth technology but could instead turn off many existing or potential Apple customers. 

iPhone 7 phones will be connectible to either Bluetooth headphones or wired headphones that fit Apple’s proprietary Lightning port (the latter will come packaged with the new phones).

Apple announced that a Lighting jack to traditional 3.5mm adapter would be included with every new iPhone 7. The company also announced AirPods, a wireless version of its popular white ear buds, that connect via Apple’s new W1 chip, a proprietary wireless technology, rather than Bluetooth. 

During the Wednesday announcement, Apple CEO Tim Cook described iPhone 7 as “the best iPhone we’ve ever created,” in what has become customary language for every new iPhone iteration. 

While explaining the wireless enhancements to the iPhone 7, Apple Senior Vice President Phil Schiller chalked up the elimination of the approximately 138-year-old technology to “courage.” 

Consumers and tech reporters quickly noted that Apple’s “courage” doubles as a selling point for the company’s proprietary AirPods ― which are priced at $159 a pair and do not come standard with the new phone. 

Apple was somewhat inadvertently scooped on its big design change just hours before announcing it. 

Shortly before the event started at 10 a.m. Pacific time, an Amazon landing page for iPhone 7-compatible accessories revealed some of the gadget’s specifications. The products listed indicated that the new phone would have a dual camera and included only wireless headphone options for sale. Amazon quickly deactivated links to iPhone 7 cases, which would have revealed more details of the new design.

As iPhones have become some of the most popular cameras in the world, Apple devoted a considerable amount of time to the new dual camera, more powerful lenses, photo filters and software on the iPhone 7.  

Apple hasn’t launched a significant new product since the debut of the Apple Watch in 2015 ― and with a high price tag and slow adoption, it has yet to become a blockbuster item like the iPod or iPhone. 

The newest edition of the watch, called Apple Watch Series 2, features a waterproof design with built-in GPS and improved fitness tracking and navigation capabilities. 

Mobile games, which in December 2015 alone netted $1 billion for the company, are likely to attract even more players: Apple announced a new Nintendo game, Super Mario Run, which can be played one-handed. Pokemon Go creator Niantic announced an Apple Watch-compatible version of the game. 

The major updates from the Apple event include: 

• No more 3.5mm headphone jack
• Stereo sound speakers for iPhone 
• Two new colors for iPhone 7: “glossy black” and “black” 
• More powerful iPhone camera lenses, dual lens camera on back
• Longer battery life than any previous iPhone 
• iPhone 7 is dust- and water-resistant
• The new Apple Watch Series 2 (now waterproof and with built-in GPS)
• New App store games with Nintendo and Niantic 

CORRECTION: This article previously said the iPhone 7 has surround sound speakers; in fact, it has stereo speakers.

Here's How America Can Solve Its Steel Crisis

China is gorging itself on steelmaking. It is forging so much steel that the entire world doesn’t need that much steel.

Companies in the United States and Europe, and unions like mine, the United Steelworkers, have spent untold millions of dollars to secure tariffs on imports of this improperly government-subsidized steel. Still China won’t stop. Diplomats have elicited promises from Chinese officials that no new mills will be constructed. Still they are. Chinese federal officials have written repeated five-year plans in which new mills are banned. Yet they are built.

All of the dog-eared methods for dealing with this global crisis in steel have failed. So American steel executives and steelworkers and hundreds of thousands of other workers whose jobs depend on steel must hope that President Barack Obama used his private meeting with China’s President XI Jinping Saturday to press for a novel solution. Because on this Labor Day, 14,500 American steelworkers and approximately 91,000 workers whose jobs depend on steel are out of work because China won’t stop making too much steel. 

A new report on the crisis, titled “Overcapacity in Steel, China’s Role in a Global Problem,” by the Duke University Center on Globalization, Governance & Competitiveness flatly concludes that existing policies to stop China from building excessive steel capacity have failed.

Since 2007, China has added 552 million metric tons of steel capacity – an amount that is equivalent to seven times the total U.S. steel production in 2015. China did this while repeatedly promising to cut production. China did this while the United States actually did cut production, partly because China exported to the United States illegitimately subsidized, and therefore underpriced, steel.

That forced the closure or partial closure of U.S. mills, the layoffs of thousands of skilled American workers, the destruction of communities’ tax bases and the threat to national security as U.S. steelmaking capacity contracted.

Although China, the world’s largest net exporter of steel, knows it makes too much steel and has repeatedly pledged to cut back, it plans to add another 41 million metric tons of capacity by 2017, with mills that will provide 28 million metric tons already under construction.

None of this would make sense in a capitalist, market-driven system. But that’s not the system Chinese steel companies operate in. Chinese mills don’t have to make a profit. Many are small, inefficient and highly polluting. They receive massive subsidies from the federal and local governments in the form of low or no-interest loans, free land, cash grants, tax reductions and exemptions and preferential access to raw materials including below market prices.

That’s all fine if the steel is sold within China. But those subsidies violate international trade rules when the steel is exported. 

These are the kinds of improper subsidies that enable American and European companies to get tariffs imposed. But securing those penalties requires companies and unions to pay millions to trade law experts and to provide proof that companies have lost profits and workers have lost jobs. So Americans must bleed both red and green before they might see limited relief.

The Duke report suggests that part of the problem is that market economies like those in the United States and Europe are dealing with a massive non-market economy like China and expecting the rules to be the same. They just aren’t.

Simply declaring that China is a market economy, which is what China wants, would weaken America’s and Europe’s ability to combat the problems of overcapacity.  For example, the declaration would complicate securing tariffs, the tool American steel companies need to continue to compete when Chinese companies receive improper subsidies.

The Duke report authors recommend instead delaying action on China’s request for market economy status until China’s economic behavior is demonstrably consistent with market principles.

The authors of the Duke report also suggest international trade officials consider new tools for dealing with trade disputes because the old ones have proved futile in resolving the global conflict with China over its unrelenting overcapacity in steel, aluminum and other commodities.

For example, under the current regime, steel companies or unions must prove serious injury to receive relief. The report suggests: “changing the burden of proof upon a finding by the World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement panel of a prohibited trade-related practice, or non-compliance with previous rulings by the WTO.”

It also proposes multilateral environmental agreements with strict pollution limits. Under these deals, companies in places like the United States and Europe that must comply with strong pollution standards would not be placed at an international disadvantage as a result, and the environment would benefit as well. 

In addition to the family-supporting steelworker jobs across this country that would be saved by innovative intervention to solve this crisis, at stake as well are many other jobs and the quality of jobs.

The Congressional Steel Caucus wrote President Obama before he left last week on his trip to Hangzhou for the G-20 Summit asking that he secure the cooperation of China and pointing out the large number of downstream jobs that are dependent on steel.

Also last week, the Economic Policy Institute issued a report titled “Union Decline Lowers Wages of Nonunion Workers.” It explained that the ability of union workers to boost nonunion workers’ pay weakened as the percentage of private-sector workers in unions fell from about 33 percent in the 1950s to about 5 percent today.

The EPI researchers found that nonunion private sector men with a high school diploma or less education would receive weekly wages approximately 9 percent higher if union density had remained at 1979 levels. That’s an extra $3,172 a year.

Many steelworkers are union workers. If those jobs disappear, that would mean fewer family-supporting private sector union jobs. And that would mean an even weaker lift to everyone else’s wages.

America has always been innovative. Now it must innovate on trade rules to save its steel industry, its steel jobs and all those jobs that are dependent on steel jobs. 

Some Career Advice For President Obama

Dear Mr. President:

In just a few months, your career will undergo a dramatic transformation. You will leave the office of chief executive of the free world and once again become a civilian — at an age when the average American still has a decade or more left in his or her working life. Like millions of baby boomers, you will have to navigate the final big chapter of your career.

I know you’re quite busy, but as you plan for this next phase, here are five pieces of unsolicited, but heart-felt, career advice:

1. You don’t need a two-year plan, you need a 20-year plan

Most people underestimate how long a career journey is in total and how many miles are still ahead. If you work well into your 70s, as many Americans do, you could easily have more than 30,000 hours of work life still in your future. How will you shape a post-presidential career that is rewarding, purposeful and sustainable?

You have already written three bestselling books, and a number of retired presidents have successfully turned their attention to speaking, writing and philanthropic work. While those who have come before can serve as models, you will have to chart your own course. How many speeches and books do you really want to write? Will that be sufficient to sustain you over another two decades?

As you ponder your options, ask yourself how each one stacks up on the four big career questions:

Will I learn?
Will I have impact?
Will I have fun?
Will I be fairly rewarded?

2. Build on your sweet spot

You will find your sweet spot at the intersection of three things: what you love, what you’re good at, and what the world values. Again, you can look to the paths that other leaders have taken once they’ve passed the peak of their careers. Al Gore built his later stage as a champion for combatting climate change. Mike Bloomberg is backing gun control, and Bill Gates has become a leading philanthropist, with a particular focus on infectious diseases. Judging by the moments where you have shown the most resolve and passion, it feels like your sweet spot can be found somewhere in the vicinity of healthcare and education.

3. It’s time to prune and cultivate your career ecosystem

One of the great things about being president is that you have almost unlimited access to resources and contacts. Everyone takes your calls. As a private citizen, you will need to edit down your contacts. Ask yourself which colleagues, experts and mentors will be important to your next chapter, not just your last one. Which are the relationships that bring you energy and joy, and amplify your expertise and impact? A career ecosystem is a powerful fuel that propels us forward to do even greater things. Which exciting new skills and connections will you need post-POTUS?

4. Keep playing basketball every week

In our work lives, it is often the non-work activities that act as vitamin shots to keep us fresh and energized. Your weekly hoop games have become legendary in Washington and they have probably helped keep you sane during the White House years. Find a way to keep up the tradition. Golf is okay, but basketball seems to hold a special place in your heart. It brings out your trash-talking competitive streak. It lets you bump into people and push them around. So find a way to keep up the ritual of Sunday basketball at Barack’s place. Just don’t be surprised if the competition seems to beat you a lot more now that you’re not president.

5. Stay healthy. If you have the urge to smoke again, take up the harmonica instead

You’ll get to enjoy these next decades and thousands of working hours in top health. By all accounts, you’ve done a great job cutting out the smoking. And you are certainly someone who understands the benefits of moderation — the seven-almond nightly snack makes good sense. But as a former 60- cigarette-a-day smoker, I know that the tobacco demon is an immensely powerful and seductive force. You cannot just wish it away or ignore it. You need to channel it. If the urge comes back, take up the harmonica. It is cheap, highly portable and remarkably satisfying for the orally fixated among us. Keep resisting the Marlboros and get your Mojo Working. Stevie Wonder and I will come over to give you lessons. 

Your career to date has been remarkable and unusual, but the stage you’re moving into now is one that all of us will navigate in our working lives. Build on your strengths, invest your time wisely and with purpose, and you will thrive for years to come.

Brian Fetherstonhaugh is author of the new book, The Long View: Career Strategies to Start Strong, Reach High, and Go Far, and Chairman and CEO of OgilvyOne Worldwide.

Highest Paying Jobs for High School Graduates

The typical college graduate in the United States makes roughly $23,000 more a year than the typical high school graduate. While a college degree generally qualifies workers for higher-paying jobs, there are a number of lucrative positions that require no more than a high school diploma.

To identify the highest-paying jobs for high school graduates, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed occupational data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Of the 150 jobs reviewed that require just a high school education, 13 have median annual salaries higher than $60,000.

Some of the highest paying jobs that do not require a college degree still often require some training beyond high school. For example, before elevator installers and repairers can earn their ample salary ― the median is more than $80,000 ― nearly all must complete an apprenticeship program that typically lasts four years.

Click here to see the highest paying jobs for high school graduates.

In place of a college education, other high-paying jobs require related work experience. Of the 13 jobs that do not require a bachelor’s degree and have a median pay of more than $60,000, only three are truly entry-level positions that require no experience or apprenticeships. For example, gaming managers often work for years as a dealer or slot supervisor before they are promoted to run the casino floor. The typical dealer earns $19,000 a year, less than one-third the median salary of a gaming manager.

Jobs with low educational barriers to entry can still yield high salaries if they are dangerous and stressful. Dangers associated with boilermaking and elevator repair include risk of severe burns and other injuries such as bruises and broken bones associated with falls. Other jobs can be especially stressful and emotionally taxing. Detectives can spend much of their working lives around death and suffering. A majority of workers in other high-paying fields, including subway and streetcar operators, report dealing with angry and unpleasant people on a daily basis.

To determine the highest-paying jobs for high school graduates, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed occupational data from the BLS. Occupations were considered if the job required a high school diploma or equivalent, as listed by the BLS. The highest-paying jobs were identified as the 13 jobs with a median annual wage greater than $60,000. Total employment, projected employment change, the share of workers in a given occupation that are self-employed, the typical work experience required by an occupation, and the typical on-the-job training needed for an occupation also came from the BLS.

These are the highest-paying jobs for high school graduates.

13. Boilermakers
> Median annual wage: $60,120
> Typical training: Apprenticeship
> 2014 jobs: 17,400
> Projected change 2014-2024: 8.7%

Boilermakers are usually high school graduates who have completed an apprenticeship. Despite the relatively low educational requirements, boilermakers earn relatively high salaries at more than $60,000 a year. This is likely because the job is not that appealing to many. Building boilers, or large closed vats that hold hot liquids and gases, can be both physically demanding and dangerous. Common injuries on-the-job include burns, cuts, and broken bones due to falls. Additionally, boiler construction and repair jobs are often contractual and could require extended travel and long stays at worksites far from home.

Demand for boilermakers is projected to increase by 9% by 2024, slightly faster than demand for all occupations.

12. First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers
> Median annual wage: $62,070
> Typical training: None
> 2014 jobs: 578,400
> Projected change 2014-2024: 10.0%

A high school diploma is often the highest formal degree needed for jobs such as construction foreman, field supervisor, and site superintendent. Such jobs regularly pay more than $62,000 a year. It may be difficult to find work as a construction or material extraction supervisor directly out of high school, however. Workers in these occupations typically have years of on-the-job experience or have completed an apprenticeship program.

Employment growth for construction and extraction supervisors is projected to outpace overall job growth between 2014 and 2024. The BLS projects a 10.0% increase in employment across the field, a faster rate than the 6.5% total labor force projected growth.

11. Subway and streetcar operators
> Median annual wage: $62,360
> Typical training: Moderate-term on-the-job training
> 2014 jobs: 12,000
> Projected change 2014-2024: 4.7%

Public transportation is a popular and practical option for many people living in major urban centers. Cities such as Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. have extensive public transit networks that each serve tens of millions of riders a year. Operating those public transit systems requires little more than a high school diploma and typically pays more than $62,000 a year.

While such jobs are often routine in nature, they can also be stressful. Subway and streetcar operators may be responsible for directing emergency evacuations, and a majority of workers in the field report dealing with unpleasant or angry people on a daily basis.

10. First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers
> Median annual wage: $63,010
> Typical training: None
> 2014 jobs: 447,100
> Projected change 2014-2024: 5.4%

Supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers need to be able to manage, coordinate, and think critically. Job titles in the field include facilities manager, electrical foreman, and maintenance supervisor. While it takes a certain skill set to be effective in these jobs, it does not necessarily require formal education beyond high school. Despite the low educational barrier to entry, the typical worker in the field earns $63,010 a year, far more than than the $27,809 a year the typical worker with no more than a high school diploma earns.

9. Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers
> Median annual wage: $64,170
> Typical training: None
> 2014 jobs: 929,800
> Projected change 2014-2024: -1.9%

The typical farmer, rancher, and agricultural manager earns $64,170 a year. The different job titles often indicate different work places. While farmers and ranchers tend to own their own small family farms, agricultural managers mostly supervise work at larger agricultural establishments for companies or farmers. Similarly, while farmers are involved in all aspects of crop and livestock production, managers hire workers to carry out most of the physical labor tasks. Farm revenues can be unpredictable and dependent on a number of factors, such as the weather, and often times the government may subsidize income to ensure farmers earn a fair wage.

Most farmers and ranchers have some experience as a farmhand before coming into the position. While the job tends to require just a high school diploma, many universities offer postsecondary degrees in farm and land management.

8. Gaming managers
> Median annual wage: $68,380
> Typical training: None
> 2014 jobs: 3,800
> Projected change 2014-2024: -0.6%

The typical gaming manager earns $68,380 a year, more than any other worker in gaming services such as dealers or slot supervisors. Gaming managers are responsible for ensuring that the casino floor runs smoothly, walking table to table and addressing any complaints from customers that may arise. They also keep an eye out for potential cheaters and make sure that all customers and employees are following the establishment’s rules.

Gaming managers are typically promoted from lower positions in the casino after gaining a few years of experience. Las Vegas has the highest concentration of gaming managers of any metro area and offers them the highest salaries in the country.

7. Media and communication equipment workers, all other
> Median annual wage: $70,590
> Typical training: Short-term on-the-job training
> 2014 jobs: 19,400
> Projected change 2014-2024: -3.3%

Media and communication equipment workers mostly work in the motion picture and video industry. More than one-fourth of such workers live in the Los Angeles metro area, where the large film industry likely provides the most jobs. Film work can be inconsistent, which is one reason for the high minimum pay many entertainment-related workers unions require for their members. Many media and communication equipment jobs require workers to be in such unions, like the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. Jobs may include crew positions such as boom operator, grip, gaffer, with the more specialized positions paying higher salaries. The typical media and communication equipment worker earns $70,590 a year, one of the highest salaries of any occupation that requires just a high school diploma.

6. Postmasters and mail superintendents
> Median annual wage: $70,640
> Typical training: Moderate-term on-the-job training
> 2014 jobs: 17,300
> Projected change 2014-2024: -26.2%

A majority of postmasters and mail superintendents have no more than a high school diploma in the way of formal education. While there is a low educational barrier to entry, postmasters need to have some on-the-job experience as well as management skills, organizational skills, and a knowledge of business administration. Those in such positions are relatively well compensated. A typical postmaster or mail superintendent makes more than $70,000 a year, more than all but five other jobs with similarly low formal education requirements.

However, the job may not be a viable option for high school graduates in the near future. The BLS projects a 26.2% decline in demand for postmasters and mail superintendents between 2014 and 2024.

5. Transportation inspectors
> Median annual wage: $70,820
> Typical training: Moderate-term on-the-job training
> 2014 jobs: 26,400
> Projected change 2014-2024: 1.2%

Transportation inspectors are responsible for conducting safety inspections for all modes of transportation, including flight and rail. The typical transportation inspector earns $70,820, more than all but just four other positions that require only a high school education. Nearly half of all transportation inspectors work for the government, and about a third work in the private transportation and warehousing industry.

Job outlook for the profession is somewhat less promising than the job market as a whole. Despite expectations that the trucking industry will grow in the coming years, the BLS projects that the number of transportation inspectors will grow by just 1.2% in the decade ending in 2024, far slower than the overall projected labor market growth.

4. First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers
> Median annual wage: $72,300
> Typical training: None
> 2014 jobs: 430,700
> Projected change 2014-2024: 4.7%

The typical first-line supervisor of non-retail sales workers, which includes positions such as sales manager, branch manager, and sales supervisor, earns $72,300 a year. Such managers are responsible for supervising sales employees, and may also carry out budgeting, accounting, and personnel duties. While the job tends to require just a high school diploma, sales managers often work their way up from lower positions. Some first-line sales supervising jobs require up to five years of experience in a related position.

Many first-line supervisors may run their own businesses. More than 40% of such workers are self employed, one of the largest shares of any profession.

3. Detectives and criminal investigators
> Median annual wage: $77,210
> Typical training: Moderate-term on-the-job training
> 2014 jobs: 116,700
> Projected change 2014-2024: -1.2%

While police officers actively fight crime and enforce the law, detectives or criminal investigators are responsible for investigating crime scenes, gathering evidence, and compiling facts. While it is not necessary for a detective to have formal schooling past high school, the job is often contingent on successful completion of a training academy. Detective salaries tend to be far higher than nearly every other job with similar educational requirements. The typical detective earns more than $77,000 a year.

High salaries in the profession are due largely to the stresses and dangers associated with the job. Working in crime scenes often means working in close proximity to death and suffering.

2. Elevator installers and repairers
> Median annual wage: $80,870
> Typical training: Apprenticeship
> 2014 jobs: 20,700
> Projected change 2014-2024: 13.0%

While a college education is not a prerequisite to working as an elevator installer and repairer, most who work in the field have completed an apprenticeship. The job is one of only two in the United States where the typical person with no more than a high school diploma can earn more than $80,000 a year.

Like many high-paying jobs with a low minimum educational attainment threshold, working as an elevator installer can be especially difficult and dangerous. Workers often spend long hours in tightly enclosed areas such as elevator shafts and are susceptible to electrical burns, falls, and muscle strain. Because of the possibility of emergency repairs, elevator installers can be on call 24 hours a day.

1. Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
> Median annual wage: $86,630
> Typical training: None
> 2014 jobs: 111,600
> Projected change 2014-2024: 2.2%

Transportation, storage, and distribution managers can reasonably expect to earn more than $86,500 a year, the highest annual salary of any job that does not require formal education past high school. There are a range of job titles in the field, including distribution manager, shipping supervisor, warehouse manager, and transportation director. Job responsibilities typically include adhering to budgets, supervising workers, and directing dispatching and routing operations.

Demand for these workers is projected to grow at a slower rate than demand across all fields. Consequently, those with only a high school diploma may find it increasingly difficult to find work in the field.

Want more? Click here to see the lowest paying jobs for college graduates.

Click here to see the 18 jobs being replaced by robots.

Click here to see the 12 jobs being lost to China.

Click here to see the 25 fastest growing jobs.

Proposed USCIS Rule Aims to Foster Innovation and Entrepreneurialism

On Wednesday evening, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump attempted to clarify his plan for immigration reform and continued to grab (largely negative) headlines. With a lot of hype focused on this particular speech, it's important not to overlook an immigration development that occurred last week intending to enhance options for a group of job creators and innovators: immigrant entrepreneurs.

Even though they account for only about 13 percent of the population, immigrants created more than a quarter of new businesses in the United States in 2014, and more than 20 percent of the Inc. 500 CEOs are immigrants. More than half of billion-dollar startups in the United States were founded by immigrants, according to a March report from the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP). The study also reveals that immigrant founders created an average of 760 jobs per company in the United States, and the value of those companies is $168 billion, which, the NFAP points out, is close to half the value of the stock markets of Russia or Mexico. In addition, more than 40 percent of Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or the children of immigrants, according to a study by the Partnership for a New American Economy.

On Fri., Aug. 26, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), proposed the International Entrepreneur Rule, which would allow foreign entrepreneurs who "provide a significant public benefit through the substantial and demonstrated potential for rapid business growth and job creation" to live in the United States for up to five years. The long-awaited rule, which is part of President Barack Obama's 2014 immigration executive actions, would include an initial two-year grant of parole to a qualifying "International Entrepreneur," with one additional three-year renewal allowed. On a case-by-case basis, the Department of Homeland Security would be able to parole eligible entrepreneurs of startup enterprises:

• Who have a significant ownership interest in the startup (at least 15 percent) and have an active and central role to its operations;
• Whose startup was formed in the United States within the past three years; and
• Whose startup has substantial and demonstrated potential for rapid business growth and job creation, as evidenced by: receiving significant investment of capital (at least $345,000) from certain qualified U.S. investors with established records of successful investments; receiving significant awards or grants (at least $100,000) from certain federal, state or local government entities; or partially satisfying one or both of the aforementioned criteria in addition to other reliable and compelling evidence of the startup entity's substantial potential for rapid growth and job creation.

Despite the countless contributions of immigrant entrepreneurs to America's economy, the current U.S. immigration system is not ideal for them. There is no specific visa option for startup founders. The E-2 investor visa is an option, but it's restricted to citizens of designated treaty countries. Another option is the H-1B visa, which typically applies to those wanting to work in the United States for an employer and poses significant challenges for those interested in self-sponsorship. Additionally, the H-1B visa is subject to a lottery system, for which 236,000 petitions for temporary high-skilled workers were received this year for only 85,000 available visas. Jyoti Bansal, founder of AppDynamics, which works with HBO to ensure smooth streaming of online viewing, came to the United States on an H-1B in 2000. He was restricted to working for other startups until he received his employment-based green card an agonizingly long seven years later. He started AppDynamics in 2008, and today the company employs more than 900 people and is valued at $1.9 billion.

Unfortunately, the International Entrepreneur Rule is merely a stopgap in lieu of legislation to fix our broken immigration system. The strict requirements and investment demands will severely limit those able to take advantage of the rule, and, in fact, the DHS estimates that only about 2,940 entrepreneurs will be eligible for parole each year. Not exactly a ringing endorsement for all of the best and brightest from around the world to be part of the next wave of U.S. innovation.

The rule is open to public comment for 45 days. If you'd like to weigh in to ensure that the policy best helps entrepreneurs create jobs, and ultimately continues to boost the American economy, you can do so here. We'll be sharing our thoughts on our Immigration Blog in the coming weeks on how the rule should be simplified, strengthened and improved after the comment period.

Once The Domain Of Millennials, Uber And Lyft Are Now Pursuing Seniors

Ride-hailing services want to make sure Grandma Betty can get to bridge club just as easily as her 22-year-old grandson travels to and from ... whatever it is young folks are doing these days.

Once the domain of 20-somethings who might have a drink or two and need a safe ride home, companies like Lyft and Uber have set their sights on a different age range entirely: senior citizens.

Lyft announced Tuesday it has partnered with GreatCall, a mobile phone company that specializes in providing cell phones to seniors, to extend its ride-hailing services to those who ― like the elderly ― may not have a smartphone, much less want to learn how to use an app on one to hail a ride.

Instead of an app, GreatCall customers dial “0” to talk to an operator, who can provide a cost estimate and book a ride. The fare is tacked onto the customer’s monthly cell phone bill.

The L.A. Times notes Uber struck up a similar arrangement with a company called 24Hr HomeCare last week.

Several third-party ride-hailing services also specialize in giving lifts to older adults who don’t have smartphones, including GoGoGrandparent, a newer entrant that adds additional features like meal and grocery delivery options.

As people age, one thing to go is the ability to drive. That means losing your freedom to get to doctor’s appointments and to stay social with friends.

This is far from either company’s first foray into the senior market, which, judging by recent moves from both Uber and Lyft, seems ripe for disruption.

And it couldn’t come at a better time. The first wave of the so-called “baby boomer” generation turned 65 in 2011, with the number of Americans aged 65 and older projected to keep growing until 2030, when it’s expected to peak at around 71 million people.

Earlier this year, both Uber and Lyft began offering non-emergency medical transport services, specifically targeting customers whose rides would be reimbursed by Medicaid. 

And in the Denver suburb of Centennial, where 15 years from now at least 30 percent of the population is projected to be over the age of 65, city officials are exploring replacing current dial-a-ride services with less expensive, more efficient rides via Lyft.

Starting Aug. 17, the city has embarked on a first-of-its-kind, six-month long pilot project, paying for Lyft rides to and from the area’s major light-rail station in a bid to increase mobility.

“We call Centennial the Silver Tsunami,” Centennial Mayor Cathy Noon told The Atlantic blog CityLab. “As people age, one thing to go is the ability to drive. That means losing your freedom to get to doctor’s appointments and to stay social with friends. We really want to help keep the people who started Centennial engaged in it.”

Note: The Huffington Post’s editor-in-chief Arianna Huffington is a member of Uber’s board of directors and has recused herself from any involvement in the site’s coverage of the company.