Understandably, most people choose their career path based on the obvious metrics like salary, unemployment rates, availability, and demand growth rate. However, it’s also important to consider the personal and emotional side of the coin, as all of the above incentives simply can’t make up for leading a life that you’re not passionate about and proud of.
Having a positive impact in the lives of others is undoubtedly the best way to feel good while you’re at work, and many times these kinds of jobs aren’t as complex or stressful as the more demanding, hectic, and complicated tasks involved in office and retail work. If you want to build a career that lets you be of service to others, consider the following list of career options.
Respiratory Therapy
Helping individuals who are suffering from respiratory conditions is definitely a feel-good job because you’re playing a direct part in the healing of many different patients. Plus, the position pays well and is fairly easy compared to the complexity of other similar paying jobs. You can get started on this path by comparing the best respiratory therapy schools in your area.
Physical Therapist
Physical therapists help people heal and recover from debilitating injuries. So, as you would expect, you’ll be seeing the difference you’re making in their lives on a regular basis. The smiles on your clients’ faces when they’re able to regain movement and reduce their pain levels is definitely worth the education that it takes to get started in this field.
Firefighter
Although this profession can be one of the most dangerous to pursue, at the end of the day, there is nothing more rewarding than knowing you played your part in saving lives and property. Some areas of the country are more prone to wildfires than others, and in places like California, firefighters are highly esteemed. With millions of acres being burned over the decade, residents thank firefighters for the work that they do, sometimes at high costs to themselves.
Teacher
Even though there are times when teachers aren’t given the credit they deserve, this is one occupation in which salary isn’t the chief objective. No one ever got rich on a teacher’s salary but it is one of the most rewarding professions on earth. To know that you have helped to mold a student’s life is often reward enough and although your salary isn’t enormous, that feeling of having done something worthwhile is well worth your time and effort – on the clock and off.
Building a Career and a Legacy at the Same Time
Since we all only have one life to lead, it can be difficult to separate your work life from your personal life because the two tend to blend together. If you’re doing something that you don’t absolutely love and feel good about full-time, that means you’re going to be subjecting yourself to negative emotions for eight hours a day. Obviously, living that way isn’t the best way to develop a happy and fulfilling lifestyle. Thus, as you compare the open doors ahead of you, be sure to consider how your choices will affect your personal well-being and the legacy you leave behind.
