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builder. DISCOVER SEVERAL PAGES OF CAREER OPPORTUNITIES INSIDE Look to Sunday's Star and CareerBuilder on lndyStar.com for Central Indiana's top local job listings. 27 seconds to make an impression SECTION THE INDIANAPOLIS STAR WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2006 INDYSTAR.COMBUSINESS REAL LIFE CAREERS JFjL 5 NIGHTTIME JOBS These often-nocturnal careers bring unique rewards, while frequently letting you have your days to yourself By Dana Knight dana.knight(9indystar.com Yawn. It's 10 a.m. Why does your workday have to be during the day? You are at the job but not really there.

Daytime is a blur a monotonous routine of going through the motions. But at night? That's a different story. As others snooze away, you are chipper, at your best and creative juices flow. You are officially a night owl. "There is a particular physiology that predisposes you to be more of a night owl," says Carolyn Schur, author of "Birds of a Different Feather." "Those people will find in the daytime they are less productive, less creative.

In the evening, into the night, the ideas flow. They've got energy." Lucky for you, the work world is moving toward a 24-hour dynamic. Working at 1 a.m. no longer is reserved for the entertainers or security guards. All sorts of well-paying jobs allow people to work at night.

With the help of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, we swooped in and found five night-owl jobs where top earnings surpass $40,000 a year. DANA KNIGHT Message in the mirror: Biases are reflection of our own behavior You despise Ms. Short Skirt, the flirtatious woman in your office who has all the men wrapped around her little finger. The guy who discusses politics nonstop makes you sick to your stomach.

And forget about the egotistical sales guy who can't stop bragging about how far he surpassed his quota this week. WARNING: The characteristics you despise in your co-workers are most likely the exact traits you have yourself. You've heard the saying: It takes one to know one. Well, according to workplace research, it really does. The same behavior that we dislike in others in the workplace is characteristic of our own behavior 79 percent of the time, according to The Impact Group, a Los Angeles-based group of psychotherapists that does management consulting worldwide.

"We are blind to our own faults, but not to others," says Kenneth Siegel, president of the group. "In order to notice a fault in someone else, you have to have some experience with it yourself." I don't know about you, but this startling fact scared me. I can't stand people who have that "all about me" attitude. I despise workers who kiss up to their bosses. And aggressive people who come off as pushy send me over the edge.

Maybe I should take a look in the mirror, or at least be a bit less judgmental. Siegel offered this example: If you were going to build the perfect bank, who is the best person to ask how to build it? The bank robber, of course. He knows the flaws because he thrives on those flaws. So if you are looking to be the perfect employee, start looking at the faults in others and try not to exhibit them yourself. Self-awareness is the key to becoming a better person.

It enlightens you, gives you a clear head and makes you a little more modest, says Siegel. "See if you are looking through a lens that is exaggerated enough that these behaviors of coworkers seem more extreme than they really are," he says. Good point. There are plenty, and I mean plenty, of you out there who may benefit greatly from this insight. I get e-mails frequently from employees asking me how to deal with difficult co-workers.

"You may be able to help me," wrote Anna in June. "I am at my wit's end. My officemate gets so jealous over others' accomplishments. Someone gets a promotion, and she talks behind their back. Someone gets praise from the boss, and she begins an immediate backstabbing.

Her jealousy drives me crazy. Should I confront her?" I never responded to Anna. Now I want to ask if she's the jealous type herself. I received another rant just last week: "Can you tell me, when it comes to the workplace, how to deal with a psycho co-worker who always thinks he is right to the point of me wanting to walk away from the job because of him?" It came from S.B. in Tipton.

I don't have the perfect answer. It's a complicated issue. But my advice to all workers is to take a look in the mirror. Then, when they get to the office, think about what they saw before judging a co-worker. Call Dana Knight at (317) 444-6012 or e-mail her at dana.knightindystar.com.

Photodisc.com 0 HOTEL MANAGER Depending on the size of the hotel, these managers might oversee the entire operation, including setting room rates and checking in guests. At larger establishments, they focus on specific responsibilities, such as guest service or food operations. Training: Undergraduate degree in business or related hotel experience. Some require training in hospitality management. Night fact: You can choose to be the night manager, meaning you rarely would have to work a day.

Fast fact: Great people skills are a must. You'll be dealing with some cranky customers. Pay: $22,680 to $72,160. AIRLINE PILOT Lots of flights depart in the middle of the night, and passengers definitely want the person navigating the plane to be alert and cheery when the skies are dark. Training: Must have a commercial pilot's license with an instrument rating issued by the Federal Aviation Administration.

For details, go to www.bls.gov oco and search for pilot. Night fact: Hours are given based on seniority. So if you want nights, you probably will get them. Fast fact: Most pilots fly about 75 hours a month and work an additional 75 hours a month performing non-flying duties. Pay: Average salary is $129,250.

INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION MANAGER They make manufacturing facilities more efficient, monitoring product standards and quality control and making sure goods are produced within budget. They also may implement training programs. Training: A college degree in industrial engineering, management or business administration is helpful. Some employers offer apprenticeships. Night fact: Many plants operate 24 hours, so opportunities for night work are good.

Fast fact: While other manufacturing jobs are eliminated, this isn't one companies are cutting. Pay: $43,660 to $123,010. FIREFIGHTER The night hours should be a breeze compared with the hazardous conditions that are encountered. Training: This depends on the department, but can include written exams; tests of strength, coordination and agility; and medical exams. You will have on-the-job training, and certification as an emergency medical technician may be required.

Night fact: May be on duty 24 hours, then off 48, so days are part of the job. Fast fact: Ninety percent of firefighters are employed by municipal or county departments. Pay: $20,196 to $60,756. Call Star reporter Dana Knight at (317) 444-6012. SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST Sometimes called scrubs, these workers get the operating room ready for surgery and prepare patients by washing, disinfecting and shaving incision sites.

They transport the patient to the room and, during surgery, pass those crucial instruments to the operating team. Training: There are 400 programs for surgical technologists nationwide. They range in length from nine months to 24 months and end with a certificate, diploma or associate's degree. Night fact: May work nights on rotation, but some days may be required. Fast fact: Seven of 10 jobs are in hospitals.

Pay: $23,940 to $45,990. THE EYES HAVE IT PLAYING IT STRICTLY BY THE NUMBERS JUST That paycheck stub that you quickly file away or shove into a shoebox is filled with annual revenue of the U.S. Treasury. The average American will work 116 days in 2006 just to Staring at the computer screen for hours at a time isn't easy on the eyes. Try this exercise to relieve the reddening and blurred vision, courtesy of "Fitness 9 to 5: Easy Exercises for the Working Week." FIGURATIVELY SPEAKING 1, 2, 3, 4 Rank of giving employees the opportunity to add to their skills, supportive supervisors, daily flexibility and control over schedules as the things companies say are their most important engagement tool.

Source: Work St Family Connection. Compiled by John Maclntyre information you might want to know. Next week is National Payroll Week, a great time to learn about those numbers on your paycheck. Symmetry Software, a company specializing in payroll software applications for pay taxes. The 401(k) plan turns 25 this year, and 35 million workers saved a total of $1.7 trillion in 401(k) plans in 2005.

The Health Savings Account allows employees to have pre-tax dollars deducted from their paychecks for payment of MINUTE Sit with your shoulders relaxed. Rub the palms of your hands together vigorously. While your palms are still warm, lean forward, rest your elbows on the desk and place your cupped hands lightly over you closed eyes. Breathe deeply while holding your hands over your eyes for 15 seconds. Repeat as necessary.

Dana Knight ONLINE EXTRA OGo to www.indystar.comcarGGrs to view an archive of past Careers section stories and columns. ASST. MANAGING EDITORBUSINESS: Steve Berta BUSINESS PHONE: 317.444.6868 the Internet, offers a few payroll facts: American workers contribute $1.4 trillion, or 71 percent, of the health-related expenses not covered by insurance. Dana Knight iciwu i ASSOCIATES, INC..