Become a Psychologist

For many people, the best way to lead a happy and fulfilling life is to spend their time helping other people. Making a positive difference in someone’s life can be incredibly rewarding, and there are many careers out there to choose from that will allow you the opportunity to be a positive force in other peoples’ lives.

Here is a list of ten jobs that are great for people who want to spend their careers helping others. For more ideas, see our healthcare, protective services, and social service pages.

1. Social Worker

Social workers are dedicated to improving the lives of communities, groups, and individuals. When elderly people need to find care, unemployed people need to find work, or a child needs to find a foster home, social workers are there to help. By providing people in need with help and access to resources that they might not otherwise be aware of, social workers are able to have a meaningful impact on the lives of many people.

2. Firefighter

Every day, thousands of people rely on firefighters to help them in situations where their property, life, or environment is in danger. Not only do they fight fires, they are also frequently the first responders to scenes of heart attacks, car accidents, and other emergencies that don’t involve fire. The truth is, firefighters help people every day in many different ways. Outside of the healthcare industry, there are very few professions where you can have as much of an impact on the health and well-being of others as you can as a firefighter.

3. Home Health Aide

Home health aides provide in-home healthcare to disabled, ill, and elderly people. Their services vary depending on the needs of the patient, but may include housekeeping, bathing, dressing, and administering simple medications. If you want to work in healthcare but don’t have a college degree, working as a home health aide is one of the best ways to do so.

4. School Counselor

School counselors provide students with the support they need to improve their time management skills, behavioral problems, and organization skills. By providing this support, counselors are able to help students meet their academic goals and thrive socially. These counselors work in all levels of education. And though students don’t always know it, counselors do a lot of work to help them succeed, even if they only rarely meet.

5. Registered Nurse

If you want a job that’s in incredibly high demand and provides opportunities to help people, a career as a registered nurse might be perfect for you. Registered nurses work in doctors’ offices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. They record patients’ symptoms, perform diagnostic tests, education patients about their conditions, and provide emotional support when needed.