9 Jobs for Better Work-Life Balance

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

Embrace the possibility of a better work-life balance with high-paying jobs that offer flexible scheduling and the ability to work remotely.

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Flexible hours. The ability to work from home. More paid time off. Free nights and weekends.

Ask anyone what a healthy work-life balance looks like to them, and you will get varied answers. For example, while some relish the opportunity to nab a job that allows for remote work, others find full-time remote work challenging. 

Sometimes, creating a work-life balance comes from finding employers and roles that offer flexible options and the ability to work remotely. Work-life balance may mean something different for each of us and is as much the product of our own efforts as the parameters of our jobs. 

Discover jobs that offer the potential for good work-life balance, detailed information about pay, how to get one, and what unique opportunities they offer jobholders. 

Top industries for work-life balance

When determining the top places to work for a better work-life balance, consider the occupations and industries that offer more flexibility. 

A study conducted by Glassdoor Economic Research reviewed millions of employee comments posted on the job-seeking platform in 2022. In addition to identifying a list of the highest-rated companies for work-life balance, the study also identified the top four industries with high work-life balance ratings based on employee reviews [1]: 

  1. Technology 

  2. Aerospace and defence

  3. Media and communication

  4. Legal

Companies that provide innovative programmes, such as the ability to work from anywhere, flexible working schedules, and well-being initiatives, receive highly favourable work-life balance scores from employees. 

9 high-paying jobs for better work-life balance 

Discover high-paying jobs, their average annual salaries in the United Kingdom, and the requirements to qualify for the role. If these jobs interest you, you could begin your new career with a better work-life balance. 

1. Data analyst

Average annual UK salary (Glassdoor): £36,410 base pay, plus £2,428 in additional compensation [2]

Requirements: Postgraduate degree in a relevant field of study 

Data analysts collect, clean, study, and model data to help organisations and businesses make informed decisions. Their work spans many industries, including business, finance, medicine, and government.

The job of a data analyst is related, though distinct, to that of a data scientist, who tends to ask bigger questions about data and design original experiments surrounding data. While you will likely need a higher level degree, such as a master’s degree, to become a data scientist, you could start a career as a data analyst by formally studying it at university or building skills on your own or through an apprenticeship.

As a data-heavy role that involves computers, the job of a data analyst might appeal to those who enjoy working with numbers and are looking for a position that can likely be done remotely.

2. UX designer 

Average annual UK salary (Glassdoor): £47,882 base pay [3]

Requirements: Degree in digital media or professional degree apprenticeship

User experience (UX) designers oversee every aspect of a product’s design from a user experience standpoint. 

Becoming a UX designer often means building a portfolio of work to demonstrate your skills. You can gain or refine these skills in numerous ways, such as through flexible online courses, a professional apprenticeship, or a university degree in a relevant field.

The job of a UX designer will likely appeal to those who enjoy creative fields with a practical, research-oriented angle. Furthermore, many aspects of UX design can be conducted remotely, meaning it is a job that lends itself to working from home. 

3. Estate agent 

Average annual UK salary (Glassdoor):  £34,207 base pay, plus £9,319 in additional compensation [4]

Requirements: Sales experience, university degree or apprenticeship, driver’s licence

Estate agents work with clients to buy, sell, and rent properties. In addition to conducting a significant portion of their working days outside of the office at properties, estate agents also typically benefit from setting their own work schedules.

To become an estate agent, you will likely need to complete a course in sales to acquire interpersonal and sales skills.  Becoming a real estate agent might appeal to individuals who enjoy client-facing sales roles that allow them to control their own schedules. 

4. Statistician 

Average annual UK salary (Glassdoor): £40,525 base pay, plus £3,401 in additional compensation [5]

Requirements: Postgraduate degree or apprenticeship

Statisticians analyse data to help businesses and organisations understand trends and make decisions. Like the closely related roles of data scientist and data analyst, statisticians can find work in various fields, including health care, public safety, and even sports. Most statisticians have a degree in either statistics, economics, or mathematics.  

You may become eligible to apply for the Royal Statistical (RSS) Society upon completing RSS degree courses and a statistics degree. From there, you would earn the title of Graduate Statistician. The statistician role will likely appeal to those who enjoy working with numbers and are looking for a job that allows for working from home. 

5. Web developer

Average annual UK salary (Glassdoor): £34,985 base pay, plus £1,779 in additional compensation [6]

Requirements: Knowledge of programming languages; prior experience

Web developers build and maintain websites—such as this one. Using various design and programming skills, web developers ensure that sites function properly for clients and visitors.

To become a web developer, you don’t necessarily need a degree, but some employers might prefer candidates with a technical degree, such as one in computer science or software engineering. That said, you can become a web developer with experience in the field and skills that include problem-solving and attention to detail. 

Web developers can either be freelance or work in-house for a company, meaning it could potentially offer flexible employment models. If you enjoy working with computers, becoming a web developer might allow you to work remotely with a flexible schedule.

6. Financial adviser

Average annual UK salary (Glassdoor): £55,657 base pay, plus £12,837 in additional compensation [7]

Requirements: University degree in almost any subject; professional degree apprenticeship; registration as an approved person

Financial advisers help clients manage and plan their personal finances. Some of the responsibilities of this role include helping clients set short and long-term goals, invest, and maneuver tax laws.

The Financial Conduct Authority requires financial advisers to register as an ‘approved person’ to begin their career and offer financial advice to clients. Employers may also require on-the-job training to practice as a financial adviser, including completing specific Level 4 qualifications. Aspiring financial advisers may receive this training from the Chartered Bank Institute or The London Institute of Banking and Finance.  

In addition to working in corporate settings, many financial advisers also work as freelancers with their own clients. If you enjoy working with numbers and want a job that offers the possibility of a flexible work schedule, then you might consider a career as a financial planner. 

7. Recruitment consultant

Average annual UK salary (Glassdoor): £32,671 base pay, plus £7,975 in additional compensation [8]

Requirements: A relevant degree in the industry you intend to work in; advanced apprenticeship

Recruitment consultants handle hiring talent, including sourcing and screening candidates, for companies and other organisations. As a recruitment consultant, you must be good at working with others, identifying client needs, and locating strong candidates for corporate positions.

To become a recruitment consultant, you typically need a degree in a related field, such as human resources or marketing. In some cases, employers might prefer candidates with related work experience in sales or public relations.

Occasionally, recruitment consultants must travel for their work to connect with clients. As a result, becoming a recruitment consultant might appeal to individuals who enjoy travelling, working with people, and having the opportunity to conduct business outside of the office. 

8. Project manager

Average annual UK salary (Glassdoor): £48,806 base pay, plus £3,643 in additional compensation [9]

Requirements: A degree in any subject; postgraduate qualification or join a graduate management training scheme

Project managers organise, plan, and execute projects within budgetary and scheduling constraints. Their project-based skill set allows them to work in various fields, including construction, tech, business, and government. 

Requirements for project managers vary from project to project and employer to employer. Though not required by all employers, gaining a degree accredited by the Association for Project Management (APM) to stand out and gain the necessary skills for the position. 

If you are good at planning, organising, and working with others, a role as a project manager could offer the opportunity for flexible remote work. 

9. Social media manager

Average annual UK salary (Glassdoor): £34,979 base pay, plus £2,185 in additional compensation [10]

Requirements: Degree in a relevant subject, such as journalism or marketing; apprenticeship

Social media managers handle all aspects of a company, organisation, or individual's social media presence. As a result, you are tasked with ensuring their clients stay on-brand and on-message when posting material and responding to commenters.

While no specific credential is required to become a social media manager, employers may prefer candidates with a degree in a related field, such as marketing, business, or journalism. You may also choose to complete an apprenticeship in marketing or digital marketing to qualify for this role.

If you enjoy marketing and using social media, you might consider a career as a social media manager, a job that can often be done remotely—occasionally even from your phone. 

Getting started with Coursera

If you’re looking for a role with an excellent work-life balance, consider finding a job you can complete remotely or with flexible working hours. When you can choose when you work, you can create a proper work-life balance while still accomplishing your job's tasks.

To qualify for a job with a great work-life balance, such as a web developer or data analyst, continue learning and building your skills to stand out to potential employers. Explore the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate or Web Design for Everybody: Basics of Web Development and Coding specialisation offered by the University of Michigan on Coursera. 

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Updated on
Written by:
Coursera Staff

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This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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