Choosing a career isn’t just about finding a ‘job to do,’ it’s about discovering a path that aligns with your passions, values, and desire to create a positive impact. The best part? There are careers that help people in almost every industry, from healthcare to education, community services to emergency response. No matter what you’re passionate about, there’s a way to turn that passion into a fulfilling career that really does improve the lives of others.
Maybe you’ve always been the one to offer a listening ear to friends in need, or perhaps you’ve got a knack for problem-solving and want to use that skill to support people facing challenges. Whatever your strengths are, there’s a job to do that can put them to good use while making a meaningful difference in society.
In this guide, we’ll explore what it means to have a career that helps people, highlight jobs to do that make a lasting impact, and help you figure out if a caring career is the right fit for you. Get ready to find inspiration and start your journey toward a rewarding, purpose-driven career!
Why Choose a Career That Helps People?
Choosing a career that helps people isn’t just about earning a paycheck; it’s about contributing positively to society and finding personal fulfilment, too! Engaging in occupations that help people allows you to:
- Make a Tangible Impact: Your daily efforts directly improve others’ lives; how cool is that?
- Experience Personal Growth: Develop empathy, patience, and resilience, which help in your personal and professional life.
- Enjoy Job Satisfaction: Knowing your work matters leads to a rewarding career that you can feel truly proud of.
What Is a Career That Helps People?
A career that helps people involves roles where your primary focus is to support, care for, or uplift others. This assistance can be physical (providing medical care or physical support), emotional (offering counselling or mental health services), educational (teaching or mentoring individuals) or financial (guiding people towards financial stability). Regardless of which of these appeals to you, you’re bound to find a job to do that draws on your unique strengths.
Discover Jobs That Make a Difference
Ready to explore some jobs that make a difference? Here are five fulfilling jobs to do that truly help others:
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Aged Care Worker
Here at Explore Careers, we’re huge fans of aged care workers (our friends at Whiddon, Western Health, and Infinite Care are some of the aged care industry leaders in Australia)! Basically, this job involves assisting elderly individuals with daily activities while ensuring their comfort and well-being. Aged care workers usually work in settings like nursing homes or provide in-home care and there are tonnes of pathways into this job that makes a real difference.
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Disability Support Worker
Working in disability support is another fantastic job to do if you want to make a real difference in the lives of others. Essentially, these professionals support individuals with disabilities, helping them lead independent and fulfilling lives. The best part? You’ll meet so many amazing people over the course of your career!
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Mental Health Counsellor
When we think of careers in caring, counselling roles are often the first to come to mind. Mental health counsellors provide emotional support and coping strategies to individuals facing mental health challenges. To break into this industry, you’ll need to complete a bit of tertiary study, but the impact you’ll have on the lives of your future clients will make it worth it!
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Paramedic
Have you ever pictured yourself as one of the heroes that responds to 911 calls? If so, a career as a paramedic could be perfect job to do! Paramedics are first responders who provide critical medical care during emergencies. They often work with state ambulance services like Ambulance Victoria and NSW Ambulance.
Am I Suited to a Caring Career?
If you’re wondering, ‘what job can I do’ that aligns with your desire to help others? Try reflecting on whether or not you possess the following attributes:
- Empathy: Understanding and sharing others’ feelings.
- Patience: Staying calm and composed in challenging situations.
- Communication Skills: Effectively conveying and receiving information.
- Resilience: Bouncing back from setbacks and maintaining a positive outlook.
If these qualities resonate with you, a career that helps people could be a perfect fit!
Skills Needed for a Career That Helps People
Developing your professional work skills is something that will help you regardless of what career you want. We’ve already put together a whole blog on skills for those working in healthcare, but if you want to dive deeper and thrive in occupations that help people, focus on developing these essential skills:
Active Listening
Active listening is more than just hearing someone speak. It involves giving them your full attention, acknowledging what they are saying, and responding thoughtfully. Active listening helps build trust and ensures that you truly understand and meet the needs of the people you are helping.
Problem-Solving
Every day, you’ll encounter challenges that require creative and quick thinking. Whether it’s helping a client navigate a difficult situation or finding solutions to improve someone’s quality of life, strong problem-solving skills allow you to assess issues and implement effective strategies that help you help others!
Adaptability
No two days are ever the same in a caring career! You’ll need to be flexible, adjusting to new situations, different personalities, and unexpected challenges. Being adaptable ensures that you can meet the evolving needs of the people you help.
And if you need a refresher on the difference between soft and hard skills, check out different types of skills here!
Teamwork
Many jobs that make a difference require collaboration with others, whether it’s working with healthcare professionals, educators, or community organizations. Being able to communicate effectively and contribute positively in a team setting will help you thrive in any helping profession.
Take the Quiz: What Job Can I Do?
Still asking yourself, “What job can I do” to make a difference? Luckily, our career quiz is designed to help you discover roles that align with your passions and strengths. This super helpful quiz can also provide personalised insights into jobs to do that suit your desire to help others.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Embarking on a career that helps people is both noble and rewarding. Whether you’re drawn to healthcare, social work, education, or community services, there’s a path for you. Remember, the world needs compassionate individuals like you to step up and make a difference.
So, what are you waiting for? Explore these jobs that make a difference, harness your unique skills, and embark on a fulfilling career that not only answers the question, “what job can I do“, but also leaves a lasting positive impact on others. And if you need some extra career guidance, head over to our career advice page today!
