If you’re looking for a brilliant career change, then maybe you want to focus more on something that helps people.
Sure, doctors, lawyers, and even butchers are helping people. If you run a business that sells a service such as consulting, then you are technically helping people. Just about all businesses help people, but there’s helping people, and then there’s helping the people.
It’s just totally different. In a way, it’s meant to be altruistic; it’s meant to change the world, not your world but other people’s worlds. So, with that said, what are some of the most rewarding careers out there that help others? Well, keep reading on to find out!
Emergency First Responders
First responders, including paramedics, firefighters, and police officers, are everyday heroes who rush into life-threatening situations to protect and save lives. Their courage, quick thinking, and unwavering dedication make them the backbone of any community, ensuring the safety and well-being of its members.
There’s even being an operator that takes the calls and connects them with emergency responders, even that is incredible. When it comes to these (minus the operator), you are essentially putting your life in some sort of danger in the name of helping others, whether it’s an individual or a group.
Community Organiser
So, if you’re looking to serve your community without the risk of danger or being traumatised then this option might be far better (and the pay is usually about the same too). Community organisers work to bring people together, advocate for change, and address systemic issues within their communities. They empower residents to take collective action, fostering social cohesion and driving positive transformation at the grassroots level.
Usually, you’re working in a bureaucratic setting, so you are most likely a municipal worker. Sometimes, you don’t even need a career in this, as you can technically become a volunteer and talk your way up (but of course, no pay since it’s volunteering).
International Development
Usually, this comes in various forms, and it can be a governmental organisation (like the World Bank), but it can also be a non-profit or even just volunteer work. While it all varies, the main point is to focus on alleviating poverty on a global scale, promoting economic growth, and improving living conditions in impoverished regions.
This could be providing healthcare such as Doctors Without Borders or even just volunteering in the Peace Corps. Overall, it’s all going to vary, so when it comes to international development and helping others through this method, you’re going to have plenty of options, and even when it comes to education and work-related requirements, it’s also going to vary too.
Animal Welfare
This also includes conservation as well. If you’re an animal lover and would much rather help animals than people (which is just as valid and important), then you can do this too. Like the others, there are various career and volunteer routes in how you can help.
It could be just working at an animal shelter, becoming a Vet, advocating the rights and well-being of animals such as WWF, there’s wildlife rehabilitation, and the list can go on and on. But these are so important, too, and there are so many options out there in case this is the option you want to go to.
Child Welfare
Unfortunately, we all live in a world where not only animals are endangered, but children are, too. This can include homelessness, living in broken homes, needing help from a mental health professional, and so on.
For the most part, when it comes to careers that work closely with kids, it’s usually a school nurse, teacher, counselor, social worker, pediatrician, etc. But there is a lot of variety when it comes to helping kids. There are different ways to help kids, so it’s up to you what route you’d want to take, but social workers and child psychologists are both known for being one of the biggest two because they acknowledge both the physical and mental safety of the child.
Social Work
Speaking of social workers, you don’t always have to work solely with children. When it comes to social workers, there’s more to it. In general, social workers play a crucial role in assisting individuals and families facing various challenges, such as poverty, mental health issues, and domestic violence.
They provide counseling, resources, and support to help people overcome these obstacles and build better lives. A career in social work is emotionally rewarding, as it allows you to witness the transformation of lives through your dedicated efforts. While it can be stressful from time to time, you are making a massive impact on families and lives.
Nonprofit Sector
This is somewhat mentioned earlier, but when it comes to nonprofits, they’re meant to help people, communities, animals, and organisations. Each nonprofit is going to vary entirely, which is the beauty of it.
Chances are, there is a nonprofit out there of something you strongly believe in, or at least you can create that nonprofit of what you believe in. Honestly, with this wide range of careers out there, some are dedicated to addressing various social issues, from poverty and hunger to environmental conservation and animal welfare. You’re going to be able to align your career with your values as you work towards a specific cause that you are passionate about.
Rehabilitation
This is a fairly emotional taxing career, and honestly, a lot is going to weigh on you. But this is absolutely rewarding because you know you’re trying to make a difference in one person’s life, which will then change the lives of their friends and family and so on.
When it comes to the rehabilitation career, it’s similar to that of mental health professionals; a lot is weighing on you, and you have to practice plenty of compassion. You’re helping people overcome trauma, addiction, and other psychological challenges. The recovery process can be long, and it can be bumpy, too, but overall, you’re helping out tremendously.
