This is a contributed post and contains affiliate links.
If the start of a new year has got you thinking about changing careers, or you’ve decided that it’s time you went after your dream job, you’ve come to the right place. Many of us end up doing jobs we don’t love out of necessity, but it’s never too late to try and forge a career path that will make you happy. If you want to make a difference in the world, here are some of the best career options to consider.
Healthcare
There are few jobs more rewarding than working in healthcare. If you have a job as a nurse, a pharmacist, a doctor or part of the administration team, you have an opportunity to change and enhance lives on a daily basis. In some cases, the skills and expertise you possess can literally make the difference between life and death. For some medical careers, you’ll need advanced qualifications and several years of study and training under your belt, but there are also entry-level jobs you could explore if you don’t have the relevant experience. Healthcare is a growing industry, there is a variety of roles available, and every day you work will have a positive impact on the individuals with whom you come into contact. If you are interested in working in healthcare, it’s a good idea to do some research to find out what kinds of skills and qualifications you need to get a job. Careers fairs and the Internet can be useful resources.
Government and policy-making
Many of us have grand plans to be the next President of the United States when we’re young. While securing the top spot may not be simple, there are several other avenues you can take if you’re interested in local government, policy-making, public administration and politics. Individuals who work for the state or for their town or county have a role to play in making decisions that affect communities, and effective, targeted, well-delivered policies can transform the lives of individuals and groups of people. If you’re keen to get involved in politics on a local or national level, or you have skills you could use to help with campaigning or research, you’ll find useful information related to the next steps to take in this article. Experience is valuable and it’s crucial to have knowledge and awareness of what’s going on in the world. It’s also wise to figure out what kinds of qualifications you need to secure the type of job you want. Working in local government covers a wide range of positions from town planning and city management to financial managers, public administrators and political scientists.
Teaching and mentoring
Do you remember a teacher you had at school or college? Most of us have a few names in mind when it comes to teachers who really had an impact on us growing up. Teachers have an incredibly important role to play within society, but it’s not just the wisdom they impart that makes a difference. A caring, enthusiastic, kind, supportive teacher can also boost confidence and self-esteem and provide a solid foundation for an individual to grow and flourish. If you are interested in teaching at a school or college, you’ll need to undertake a degree program, which includes theoretical learning in addition to practical placements. If you don’t have the qualifications, but you’re desperate to support young adults or work with children, there are other options available. You could become an assistant or take on a mentoring role. Another possibility is volunteering with a local community group or charity.
First response and emergency services
If you find yourself in an emergency, you know that you can pick up the phone, dial a number and somebody will come to your assistance. Emergency services are highly trained, and they are capable of dealing with almost any scenario imaginable. Paramedics, police officers and firefighters deal with all kinds of situations on a daily basis, using their skills and experience to help others in need. Often, this kind of work involves making split-second decisions, and pressure can be high. This type of job isn’t for everyone, but if you do have the mental strength, as well as the energy, motivation and practical skills, you could save lives and make life better for people every day you work. To work as a first responder or join the police force, you’ll need specific qualifications. Training is critical due to the unpredictable nature of the job and the risks involved. Different jobs require different skills and credentials, so do some research and find out what you need to do first.
Counseling and therapy
Mental health is a subject that is dominating discussions and debate. We often think about health as a physical entity, but in reality, our psychological wellbeing is as important as our physiological health. Life can be tough, and often, speaking to somebody about how you feel and seeking help can have an amazingly positive impact. Counselors and therapists are trained to listen, they don’t judge you, and they offer tailored guidance and support. With mental health conditions becoming more prevalent, and people more willing to talk than ever before, the role of counselors and therapists is increasingly influential. You don’t have to be suffering from anxiety or to have gone through traumatic life events to benefit from therapy. Some people see a therapist to offload and keep their head clear. If you enjoy helping people, you have experience that could benefit others, or you’re the person in your family or friendship circle that people turn to when they need help or advice, why not consider a career in counseling or therapy? You’ll need to undertake further study and training, but this is a hugely rewarding job.
Do you have a dream job in mind, or have you decided that you’d like to do something that will make a difference in the world? Hopefully, this guide has given you some inspiration. If you want to change career or train to secure an incredible job, now is the time to start taking those first steps. Good luck!
Comments