is your dream job worth it

With job security a thing of the past, you may be fantasizing about opening that doggie daycare business you've always dreamed of or training to become a pastry chef.

But before you give up your steady paycheck -- or sink your unemployment checks into training or startup costs -- you need to know what you're getting into.

"The biggest mistake a person can make is to jump into a new field because it 'sounds cool,'" said Alexandra Levit, author of How'd You Score That Gig? A Guide to the Coolest Jobs (and How to Get Them). "You have to do your homework."

Researching salary, job requirements, and employment outlook through sites like the Occupational Outlook Handbook and Path101 is just the tip of the iceberg, Levit said. Testing the waters to see if you even like wrangling dogs or baking cakes five days a week is also essential.

To try before you buy, "Look for a part-time internship or volunteer position in your new field, or sign up for an adult education class or workshop," Levit suggested. Other homework: Networking online and off to find people with your dream career who will give you the inside scoop over a cup of coffee (your treat!) or let you shadow them for a day.

While we can't help you with the field testing, we can jumpstart your research. Herewith, a sneak peek at some salaries, job outlooks, and insider details of seven of the most coveted careers.

1. Web entrepreneur. The beauty of starting a Web business is that you can do it on a shoestring. Just ask Michelle Madhok of New York, who founded the online shopping empire SheFinds.com in 2004. "I only paid $500 for the first website," Madhok said. "All in all, I probably spent about $20,000 on lawyers, insurance, trademarks, and government documents." And while Madhok isn't earning as much as she did in her last day job, the rewards of being her own boss are "more fulfilling than any corporate paycheck could ever be."
Web project manager, median annual salary: $63,182.

2. Winemaker. Cash-strapped consumers may be eating in more, but that hasn't stopped them from enjoying a glass of wine with dinner. A recent study by wine marketing firm VinterActive reported that U.S. wineries expect consumer sales to increase by 5 to 10 percent in 2009. For aspiring vintners, a love of the vine and taking some classes in the trade are a must. Most pay their dues by harvesting grapes at a winery or working in a wine-country tasting room before being charged with making more technical decisions that affect the flavor and quality of the wine. Winemaker, median annual salary: $57,723.

3. Doggie daycare owner. With pets living in 63 percent of all U.S. households, according to a Lifetime Networks survey, and many pet owners continuing to spend on their four-legged friends despite the recession, there's ample opportunity in pet care. But running a doggie daycare center is more than rubbing bellies, handing out treats, and wrangling the pack. "As much as you are working with animals for a living, you are also working with their owners," says Erika Teschke, owner of Erika's Pet Service, a pet sitting and dog walking company in Seattle. In other words, people skills are a must.
Dog sitter, median annual salary: $44,181.

4. Voiceover artist. As with acting, the competition for the voiceover work you hear in commercials, radio, TV, film, video games, and corporate videos can be daunting. Honing your craft with a vocal coach or in an acting or voiceover training workshop is a must. So is creating a professional demo recording -- which will run you anywhere from several hundred to a several thousand dollars. While many voiceover artists boost their rate by joining the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists or the Screen Actors Guild, union membership is not necessary to work in the field.
Voice-over talent, median annual salary: $45,317.

5. Forensic scientist. Forensic scientists often work in crime scene labs, analyzing DNA, fingerprints, weapons, and other evidence, and sometimes testifying in court. At minimum, a two-year science degree is required, though a four-year degree will get you farther. According to the BLS, job growth in the field is on the rise. But don't be fooled into thinking forensic science looks anything like it does on CSI. Forensic scientists do far more paperwork than their TV counterparts, and they don't interrogate suspects or have holographic computer programs to do all their work for them.
Forensic scientist, median annual salary: $55,037.

6. Pastry chef. As with alcohol, sweets remain in high demand during recessions, according to the New York Times article, "When Economy Sours, Tootsie Rolls Soothe Souls." If you're hoping to cash in on the country's collective sweet tooth by becoming a pastry chef, getting a solid education at a baking school or pastry chef college can help give you a competitive edge. Restaurants, bakeries, and hotels all hire pastry chefs, and some go into business for themselves. But the job isn't all frosted-pink roses: Pastry chefs are on their feet much of the workday. And depending where they work, their day may begin at 3 or 4 in the morning.
Pastry chef, median annual salary: $41,288.

7. Travel writer. Recent media cutbacks have made travel writing gigs much harder to find. But for those willing to hustle, "Freelance opportunities seem to be on the rise, as staffs dwindle," says freelance travel writer and instructor Amanda Castleman. "Many folks are creating their own platforms: blogs, e-zines, and online destination guides." That's not to say it's an easy life. "My typical itinerary for a 'leisure adventure' story may include 30 minutes of downtime from 6:30 am to midnight," says freelance travel writer Crai Bower. "We are also alone for a huge amount of our time so, six-course meal or not, it gets old. All this said, would I do anything else? No bloody way!"
Writer, median annual salary: $48,888.