Ahead of the Curve: Wellness Coach

Fitness trainers have long been popular, but ever more, people also want support in their efforts to eat less, stop smoking or drinking, and reduce stress. These people are starting to seek out wellness coaches. This trend should accelerate if—as is widely predicted—more of us are pressured by younger, tech-savvy workers, globalization, automation, and the massive influx of immigrants from Asia and Latin America who are willing to work long hours for low pay. Wellness coaches are being hired not only by individuals but by employers and health insurers as a likely cost-beneficial perk for their employees.

(Originally printed in “Best Careers.”) © usnews.com, December 11, 2008