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Urban and Regional Planner Changes the Job

February 19, 2023 · 4 min read

Urban and regional planning is a critical field that helps to shape the built environment in which people live and work. The work of planners has a significant impact on the quality of life of communities, and is therefore seen as important and meaningful. As an urban and regional planner, you may have the skills and knowledge to work in a variety of related fields. Some job options may include:

  1. Transportation Planner: Focuses on designing and improving transportation systems, such as highways, public transit, and bike lanes.
  2. Environmental Planner: Works to reduce the environmental impact of development projects by assessing and managing potential environmental risks.
  3. Economic Development Planner: Helps communities create and implement plans to attract businesses and jobs to the area.
  4. Land Use Attorney: Uses their knowledge of land use laws and regulations to help clients navigate the legal requirements of land development.
  5. Real Estate Developer: Uses their understanding of planning and development processes to oversee the creation of commercial, residential, and mixed-use projects.
  6. Community Organizer: Helps to mobilize and engage communities to advocate for policy changes and address social and economic issues.
  7. GIS Analyst: Uses geographic information systems (GIS) to collect, analyze, and interpret spatial data for planning and development projects.

These are just a few examples of related jobs that may be of interest to those with a background in urban and regional planning.


 

Why may an Urban and Regional Planner want to change his job?

Urban and regional planning is a diverse field that encompasses a wide range of issues and projects. Planners may work on projects related to transportation, land use, housing, environmental policy, economic development, and more. The variety of work available in the field can make it attractive to people with different interests and skills and that's why there are many reasons why an urban and regional planner may want to change jobs, including:

  1. Seeking a new challenge: After working in the same role for a while, some urban and regional planners may feel like they are no longer being challenged and want to explore new opportunities.
  2. Career advancement: Urban and regional planners may want to advance their careers by taking on more responsibility, managing larger projects, or supervising others.
  3. Better work-life balance: Some urban and regional planners may want to change jobs to improve their work-life balance, such as by finding a job with more flexible hours or a shorter commute.
  4. Geographic location: Urban and regional planners may want to change jobs to live in a different geographic location, such as to be closer to family or to live in a different climate.
  5. Dissatisfaction with the current job: Urban and regional planners may want to change jobs because they are dissatisfied with their current role, such as due to a difficult boss, lack of opportunities for growth, or a toxic work environment.

Ultimately, the decision to change jobs is a personal one and depends on individual circumstances and career goals.


 

Is the profession of a Transportation Planner worth getting?

Whether or not the profession of a transportation planner is worth pursuing depends on your individual interests, career goals, and job market conditions. Here are some factors to consider:

  1. Job outlook: According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of urban and regional planners, which includes transportation planners, is projected to grow 11% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This suggests that there may be good job prospects for transportation planners in the coming years.
  2. Salary: The median annual wage for urban and regional planners was $76,240 in May 2020, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This can vary depending on the location, level of experience, and specific job duties.
  3. Personal interests and skills: To be a successful transportation planner, you should have an interest in transportation systems and how they impact communities. You should also have strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  4. Job duties: Transportation planners are responsible for developing plans and policies that help move people and goods efficiently and safely. This can involve analyzing data, conducting research, collaborating with other professionals and stakeholders, and communicating with the public.

Overall, if you have a passion for transportation systems and enjoy working collaboratively to solve complex problems, a career as a transportation planner could be rewarding and fulfilling. However, it's important to research the job market and determine if the job outlook and salary meet your expectations.

by Olena Kukhtyk

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