There are several great reasons why you should consider a career in helping others. Firstly, it allows you to make a real positive difference in people’s lives and help create a happier and safer society for everyone. What’s more, pursuing a rewarding career helping others can also have a positive impact on your mental and physical health, enhance your overall well-being, and even extend your lifespan.
Boost your happiness
Research shows that helping others is an effective way to boost your happiness and wellbeing. Many people experience what is known as “Helpers High” when they engage in an act of kindness. This is because helping others has a physical effect on your brain. According to Project Helping – “After doing a good deed, your body releases endorphins which create feelings of happiness to reward you for your actions. It’s a natural “high” that is designed to encourage you to continue doing good.” This feeling is one of the main reasons why many people gain enjoyment from doing selfless acts that help others.
Improve your job satisfaction
You are likely to spend the majority of your adult life working, so you must get enjoyment from your career. Unfortunately, people can be unhappy in their job roles for many reasons. This may include – a lack of recognition, poor working conditions, and insufficient advancement opportunities. Studies show that people doing jobs helping others in some way have higher job satisfaction and are more engaged in the workplace. Choosing a career that helps people can, therefore, be a great way to improve your job satisfaction and happiness in the workplace.
Live longer
As discussed above, you are likely to be happier and more satisfied if you choose a career that has a positive impact on the lives of others. Happier people are generally healthier and have lower stress levels than their unhappy counterparts. Low-stress levels can reduce the risk of developing health conditions like heart disease and can also improve immunity to illnesses. For that reason, having a rewarding career that helps others can help you live a healthier lifestyle and could even extend your lifespan.
What jobs help people?
Fortunately, there is a hugely diverse range of jobs available that help others in some way. This means you have the opportunity to find a rewarding job that matches your interests, regardless of your skills and qualifications. To give you some inspiration, here are some of the top jobs that help people:
Public safety officer
Public safety professionals play an active role in keeping communities safe from threats like terrorism, crime, and natural disasters. The role of a public safety office is extremely diverse but may involve – patrolling public areas, investigating suspicious incidents, responding to emergency calls, obtaining evidence, and interviewing potential suspects. Overall, a public safety officer is responsible for maintaining a safe and peaceful society. If you’re interested in entering the field of public safety, then it’s possible to complete a safety management degree online. This qualification is extremely flexible and can be completed during your spare time, making it particularly convenient if you are in full-time work or have other commitments on your time.
Doctor
Doctors are highly trained medical professionals who help people in a significant way, and have the unique opportunity to save lives daily. Doctors use their expert skills and knowledge to diagnose and treat an extensive range of injuries, illnesses, and diseases. Medicine is a highly respected field and doctors enjoy excellent job security, an attractive salary, and other job perks like free private health insurance and generous pension schemes.
Becoming a doctor is considered a highly rewarding career choice as doctors often have a hugely positive impact on the lives of their patients and their families. To become a doctor, individuals must complete a medical degree followed by several years of residency training before they are eligible to become certified.
Firefighter
Firefighters are professionals who are trained to put out fires and respond to emergencies. Again, this is considered an extremely rewarding career as firefighters are responsible for rescuing people from life-threatening situations and controlling disasters to minimize harm to life, property, or the environment. Firefighters perform a vital public service and are well respected within communities. If you are interested in becoming a firefighter, you must typically have a minimum of a high school diploma and then complete training at a fire academy. Firefighters must also usually obtain an emergency medical technician (EMT) certification and complete a variety of mental and physical tests before being able to work in the field.
Probation officer
Probation officers play a crucial role in the criminal justice process. They help make societies safer by reducing crime rates and encourage criminals to lead law-abiding lives. Probation officers work closely with convicted criminals in prison and after release to help them reintegrate back into society and choose a life away from crime. The role of a probation officer is extremely diverse and an average day may involve – running treatment programs to help criminals rehabilitate, providing offenders with advice and guidance, writing reports, interviewing offenders and their families, and attending court hearings. Probation officers must complete a degree in criminal justice, social work, or a similar field. Many probation officers then go on to complete a master’s degree in criminal justice to further enhance their skills and knowledge. Candidates must then complete two years of work-based training before they can practice as a probation officer independently.
Final thoughts
As you can see, there are many incredible benefits to doing a job that helps others. Choosing a rewarding career helping people should increase your job satisfaction, boost your happiness, and improve your overall health and wellbeing. Many jobs help others – obvious choices include doctors, nurses, and police officers. However, many other careers help others in some way and have a positive impact on society.
If you’re interested in a job helping others, then research different career options and look for a role that suits your particular skills and interests.