Want to Help People? These are the Careers You Should Consider

If you're a true empath and you want to help people, then you can make a career out of it. This will make every day at work consuming, yet incredibly fulfilling because you will be nurturing your mind, your soul, and other people's as well. If this sounds like your true calling, here are some career options you should consider:

Medicine

If you aim to spend your days helping people, then the likeliest option is seeking a career in medicine. But bear in mind that being a doctor is nothing like ‘Grey's Anatomy’ has portrayed the job and that it is an extreme career choice all the way through. Before you make up your mind about applying for pre-med, try doing some volunteer work in a hospital. This would give you an idea about what being a doctor looks like in the real world. If you're ready to put in the time, the effort, and the dedication, then becoming a doctor might just be the answer.

Nursing

If you're passionate about the science and aim for a thrilling and active lifestyle that keeps you close to people and always on your toes, then nursing is something you should consider. As mentioned above, volunteer work in hospitals might be helpful to get an idea of what the non-theatrical version of the job is like. As a nurse, you get to spend more time with patients than doctors do, so if your empathic side is more developed than your pragmatic side, then you might find nursing as the better choice.

Emergency Services

If you have a taste for adrenaline rushes, then seeking a career in the emergency services will make your work an adventure every single day. Depending on your skills and interests, you can train to be an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician), a firefighter, or you can opt for a career in law enforcement. Whichever path you choose to take, you will be the first line of assistance for people who are in dire need of it.

Alternatives in the Medical Field

Aside from becoming a physician or a nurse, there are some other career options that would have you working with people in the socio-medical field. These combine elements of medicine, psychology, and social work to help patients in need. For instance, becoming a caseworker, or offering community support to people with drug and alcohol issues, you can get certified with a diploma in mental health. Crucially, you want to pick a course that also offers practical work placement such as that offered by Open Colleges or King’s College London.

This type of career creates a steady foundation for supporting individuals in a crisis. You would be there to take people going through dark times in their lives and guide them towards the light. If you want to stay close to the medical field, but aim for a more practical approach and a lighter work mood, then you could consider working in audiology, optometry, or dental hygiene.

Psychology

Another well-tailored career path for people who want to help others is psychology. As a therapist, you will get to work directly with people going through hardships and help them overcome their issues. If you have a developed analytical side, have an eye for subtle details, and if you are prepared to dive into the deepest layers of somebody's story, then becoming a psychologist could be the right choice for you.

Social Work

If you're a doer and you have a knack for solving problems in your community, then aiming for a career in social work is certainly something to take into consideration. The main advantage boasted by this type of job is getting the chance to see cases through until the end. As a doctor or a nurse, you would interact with a large number of patients for a limited amount of time, which may not leave you enough time to get to know them. On the other hand, as a social worker, talking to people and maintaining a relationship with them is actually part of the job description.

 

These are just a handful of options available should you decide to immerse yourself in the act of helping people professionally. Choosing the right path will ultimately be your decision, but no matter which way you opt to contribute, know that the path forward will be filled with ups and downs, and would ultimately be as challenging as it is fulfilling.