Many people strive to find meaning in their lives through their work. By pursuing jobs that help people, you can have a positive impact on people’s lives and find meaning in your own.
Typically, people spend 40 hours or more at their job per week, so the way they feel about it will affect their well-being. Having a positive impact on your community by pursuing jobs that help people will ensure those 40 hours are well spent and leave you stress-free.
If you are looking for jobs that help people, read on for our list of 10 meaningful positions you can pursue to help others and what affect such roles will have on your own health.
The Benefits of Helping People
The impact you are making doesn’t stop at those you are helping. Having a meaningful job is also life-changing for those who perform them.
Helping people doesn’t only give you a sense of purpose, it has proven scientific benefits that include living longer, lowering blood pressure, reducing chronic pain, and increasing happiness. Let’s explore some of these benefits further below.
Live Longer
Extending your lifespan can be as simple as finding meaning in your work. According to Mental Floss, those who volunteer regularly or work jobs that help people are then able to better manage stress and fight off diseases. It has also been shown that such jobs alleviate depression and loneliness since you are working with and around people.
Reduce Chronic Pain
Helping others isn’t a pain and might even reduce yours. Studies have shown that those who suffer chronic pain but spend time volunteering show a reduction in these symptoms.
Lower Blood Pressure
Volunteering or working a job that you love doesn’t only make your heart bigger, it decreases your blood pressure as well. Studies have shown that those who volunteered at least 200 hours per year reduced their blood pressure by 40 percent.
Increase Happiness
Give a little, get a lot. When you help others, your brain feels as though you are getting an award. This trigger results in increased overall happiness. Studies show that Americans who volunteered a minimum of 5.8 hours per month over five years described themselves as very happy. Additionally, working a job that has meaning to you and others gives a sense of purpose.
Spark Positive Influence in Your Community
Be an inspiration for others through your giving. It is known that if you give back to your community, it can cause a chain reaction. If you have a job where you give back, others may want to do the same. Positivity is contagious.
Best Jobs That Help People
There are many jobs that help people out there. Below is a list of just a handful of the best jobs that help people.
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor
Median Salary: $46,240
One of the top jobs you can pursue to help people is as an addiction counselor. Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors work with those who are suffering from an addiction. They come up with treatment plans for patients. Additionally, they can counsel and provide support in an individual or group setting.
The minimum requirement to become an addiction counselor is a bachelor’s degree. However, sometimes the requirement can be a master’s degree. Additionally, many hours of supervision and a license are also required to practice.
Dentist
Median Salary: $159,200
In comparison to their greedy colleague, the tooth fairy, dentists are one of the most giving professionals in public health. Treating a patient’s teeth, gums, and mouth is their specialty. Their quality of life is better than a typical doctor because they don’t usually have to deal with life-threatening injuries or illnesses.
To become a dentist, in addition to having a license, you must have a Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry/Doctor of Dental Medicine. This is a job that comes with a high salary as well as it provides around $159,200.
Mental Health Counselor
Median Salary: $44,840
A job as a mental health counselor is now more critical than ever before. A mental health counselor works to alleviate symptoms and provide treatment for mental health illnesses. If you want to find a job in healthcare where you can work in many different settings, including the prison system, employee assistance programs, and schools, then a career as a mental health counselor may be right for you.
Mental health counselors must have a master’s degree and a state license as well as hours of clinical experience to work.
Social and Community Service Manager
Median Salary: $65,320
There is no better way to support your community than by becoming a social and community service manager. These professionals work to coordinate programs and organizations that support the public’s well-being. Additionally, they are also allowed to work in many different settings, including in government agencies and non-profit organizations.
A social work bachelor’s or master’s degree, or one in a related field, is usually required.
Interpreter and Translator
Median Salary: $49,930
Do you speak a second language? You could be a lifeline for someone who needs help communicating with others. Interpreters and translators work to do just that. Interpreters work with the spoken or written language while translators work with the written language.
You will need a bachelor’s degree. It may be an obvious requirement, but you also need to speak two languages.
911 dispatcher
Median Salary: $43,290
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Answer the call of altruism by becoming a 911 dispatcher. As a 911 dispatcher, you would work to respond to emergency and non-emergency calls. Dispatchers work to identify the type of emergency and the appropriate response to the situation. They also work to monitor and track police, ambulance, and fire services.
Typically, 911 dispatchers have a high school education, some training, and are certified. There might be several tests you will need to pass, including but not limited to a written exam and typing test, hearing and vision tests, and a lie detector test. Additionally, you may need to keep up on education every few years.
Registered Nurse
Median Salary: $73,000
Nurses have an excellent reputation for helping people through their most difficult times. They provide care to patients by recording medical histories and symptoms, assessing their conditions, and creating and administering treatment plans.
To become a registered nurse, you must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, an Associate Degree in Nursing, or be a nursing program graduate. Additionally, you must have a license to practice.
Physical Therapist
Median Salary: $87,930
Help people manage pain by becoming a physical therapist. These professionals help people improve movement and manage pain through rehabilitation treatment plans. A doctor of physical therapy degree is required. You will also need to be certified in the state that you practice.
Similarly, occupational therapists work to treat patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. A Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy or a doctorate is usually required. Additionally, you must also be licensed. By 2029, occupational therapist jobs are projected to grow by 16 percent.
Child and Family Social Worker
Median Salary: $46,270
A child and family social worker helps people in their everyday lives, especially at-risk children and families. Housing, childcare services, and food are just a few of the basic needs that social workers help ensure children and families have acces to.
A bachelor’s degree is required, and possibly a master’s degree in some instances, and a license. Supervised clinical experience is also mandatory.
Marriage and Family Therapist
Median Salary: $50,090
Marriage and family therapists work to help people with their family and relationship problems by listening to their concerns and offering solutions. They typically conduct their work like any other therapist, but with a focus on marriage and family. They will listen to clients’ feelings and facilitate solutions when needed. They have the option of working independently or for healthcare providers.
Marriage and family therapists must have a master’s degree and they are also licensed.
Conclusion: Help Others and Help Yourself
No matter which job you choose to commit to, all of these jobs are making a very positive and helpful impact on the world. Just by reading this, you are headed in the right direction.
Additionally, not only will you be making the lives of others better, but you will also be doing the same for yourself. A longer life reduced blood pressure, and a catalyst for change in the community are possible side effects of applying to these positions. The best part is that you are going to be paid to do them!
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
