There are various different factors that influence our career decisions. Everyone is motivated by something different, and this will largely determine the field that they end up working in. Some are driven by money and “success”: they are likely to end up starting their own businesses and capitalising on the consumer market. Some crave knowledge and progress; they want to understand how the world works and how to move it forward. They are likely to enter academia, the sciences, and social humanities. Others simply want to make the world a better place for themselves and the others inhabiting it. So what kind of career path should these empathetic individuals pursue? Well, there are various jobs that suit caring individuals, but some of the most rewarding are those in health and social care. These positions require you to come into contact with some of society’s most vulnerable individuals: the sick, the needy, and those in need of a little compassion and care. So, if this sounds like something that you might be interested in, here are just a few positions that might prove perfect for you!
Mental Health Counseling
In the past, mental health was relatively neglected. As it is something that we don’t understand entirely yet and because it is not tangible or necessarily easily rectifiable, it has long been swept under the carpet and ignored. However, recent years have seen increased awareness surrounding various conditions that are actually a lot more common than you might have originally thought. This is brilliant, as it is increasing the demand for answers, treatments, and cures. You could become a part of this movement by training in mental health counselling. If you don’t have the time to head back to university full-time, don’t worry. You can take an online mental health counseling degree which you can fit around your current responsibilities.
Midwifery
Every day around 350,000 babies are born. But anyone who has witnessed a birth knows that while it is an extremely natural process, it is by no means an easy one. Increasing numbers of women are choosing to give birth in the safe and sterile environments of hospitals, and they need someone there to keep an eye on them and lend a helping hand if intervention is required. This is the role that midwives take on. These individuals are specialists in pregnancy and birth and their period of care spans through pregnancy, labour, birth, and up to 28 days following birth. This, of course, requires specific training and you are likely to have to take specialist courses. However, the time and effort poured into the work is more than rewarding when you see beautiful little ones being born into the world! There are lots of open positions in the US for midwifery nowadays. So this career option is very popular.
These are just two careers that require compassion and understanding and are best suited to the empathetic amongst us. So, if you think you’ve got the essential traits for the roles, why not take them into consideration? Not only are they stable and admirable careers, but they’re extremely personally rewarding too.
I live in a small Georgia town that you most likely have never heard of and I LOVE it! My house is more than full as I am a single mother of four & caregiver to my aging mother and uncle. Lover of all things Outlander. Goes to the beat of her own drum woman.
Michelle S says
I was having a conversation with my son the other week about how I thought he was well-suited for the health field. He definitely is empathetic and has tons of patience for both the young and the old.
Sarah Hayes says
this is an excellent post. I think one of these careers would be a good fit for myself and many others.
Lindsay A. says
Great post! I know several women who became midwives and/or doulas, and it’s been extremely rewarding for all of them.