Many people choose career paths based on the potential financial gain, such as advertising or the law. Others seek career paths that can provide them with benefits like personal fulfillment and well-being.
Pursuing this second path often means choosing jobs where you help people. There are obvious choices like firefighting or emergency services, but these involve risks not everyone wants to take.
So keep reading for a few careers that help people that aren’t as dangerous as fighting fires.
Translator
Translators work in a wide variety of situations. You can work for businesses helping them broker deals. You can also work for hospitals or even in the legal system translating for doctors or witnesses.
There is no specific educational background required, but you must demonstrate fluency in at least two languages.
A job as a translator typically requires a combination of language skills and cultural understanding. The specific skills needed for a translator can vary depending on the type of translation work being done, but some common skills include:
- Fluency in multiple languages: Translators must have a high level of proficiency in both their native language and the language they are translating.
- Cultural knowledge: Translators must have a good understanding of the culture and customs of the countries where the languages they work with are spoken.
- Strong writing and editing skills: Translators must be able to write clearly and accurately in both their native language and the language they are translating.
- Attention to detail: Translators must be able to pay close attention to detail and ensure that the translated text is accurate and correctly conveys the meaning of the original text.
- Technical skills: Some translators may need to have knowledge of specific technical or industry-specific terminology.
- Communication skills: Translators may need to work with clients and colleagues from different cultures and backgrounds, and must be able to communicate effectively.
- Computer skills: Translators may use computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools, so they need to be comfortable using software and technology.
- Time management and organization: Translators often work on tight deadlines and need to be able to manage their time effectively.
- Flexibility: Translators may need to be able to work on a wide range of texts, from legal documents to creative writing.
- Continuing education: Translators may need to continue to develop their language and cultural knowledge throughout their careers.
Social Worker
Social workers typically work for state or city agencies helping at-risk populations. Social workers often work with kids, families, and the homeless population. They can connect people with mental health, housing, or job placement services.
Social workers typically get a bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work. Many states also require a license.
A job as a social worker typically requires a combination of education, skills and values. Some of the key skills required for a social worker include:
- Strong communication skills: Social workers must be able to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and other professionals.
- Empathy and compassion: Social workers must be able to understand and connect with clients who may be facing difficult or traumatic experiences.
- Active listening: Social workers must be able to truly listen to clients and understand their needs and concerns.
- Problem-solving skills: Social workers must be able to identify and analyze problems, and develop and implement solutions.
- Cultural sensitivity: Social workers must be able to work with clients from diverse backgrounds and cultures and be sensitive to cultural differences.
- Time management and organization: Social workers often work with multiple clients and need to be able to manage their time effectively.
- Writing skills: Social workers must be able to write clear and detailed reports, assessments, and case notes.
- Self-reflection: Social workers must be able to reflect on their own emotions, reactions and biases and use them constructively.
- Flexibility: Social workers may need to be able to work in different settings and adapt to different situations.
- Professionalism: Social workers must be able to maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality and work within the code of ethics of the profession
Additionally, social work is a regulated profession, and a degree in social work or a related field is usually required to become a social worker. A degree in social work will also provide you with the knowledge and skills required to work as a social worker.
Teacher
A teacher’s primary role is helping people to learn. Of course, teachers also help students in indirect ways. They encourage interests, show compassion, and help instill discipline.
Depending on the location, teachers need either a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree. They must also undertake an internship and get licensed by the state.
Check out our article 7 Significant Reasons to Be a Teacher to be inspired to pivot to this rewarding and satisfying career.
Life Coach
A life coach generally works with adults who want some kind of change in their life. For example, a life coach might help you plan a return to higher education or career change. They may even help people figure out how to feel more fulfilled with their current circumstances.
You can boost your credibility if you get a life coach certification.
Becoming a life coach typically requires a combination of education, skills, and experience. Some of the key skills and experience needed to become a life coach include:
- Strong communication skills: Life coaches must be able to communicate effectively with clients and understand their needs and concerns.
- Empathy and compassion: Life coaches must be able to understand and connect with clients who may be facing difficult or challenging life situations.
- Active listening: Life coaches must be able to truly listen to clients and understand their concerns and goals.
- Problem-solving skills: Life coaches must be able to identify and analyze problems, and develop and implement solutions.
- Self-awareness: Life coaches must have a deep understanding of their own emotions, thoughts, and behaviors and how they affect their clients.
- Time management and organization: Life coaches often work with multiple clients and need to be able to manage their time effectively.
- Knowledge of different coaching methods and techniques: Life coaches must be familiar with different coaching methods and techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, neuro-linguistic programming, and positive psychology.
- Self-reflection: Life coaches must be able to reflect on their own emotions, reactions, and biases and use them constructively.
- Flexibility: Life coaches may need to be able to work in different settings and adapt to different situations.
- Professionalism: Life coaches must be able to maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and work within the code of ethics of the profession.
It is not a regulated profession, however, there are some professional associations and certifying organizations, like the International Coach Federation (ICF) that offer training and certification programs for coaches. Additionally, some life coaches have a background in fields such as counseling, psychology, or human resources.
Nurse
Nurses perform much of the day-to-day care that patients receive in hospitals. They also assist doctors during surgeries and hold roles in private practice offices. Nurses administer medication, monitor vital signs, and serve as the main connection between patients and doctors.
You can become a nurse with either an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree. You can even become a nurse practitioner with a master’s or doctoral degree. Nurses must maintain a license with the state.
There are quite a few articles on this website where you can learn about the different nursing careers.
Picking One of the Jobs Where You Help People
Picking one of the jobs where you help people should take a strong account of your natural interests and talents.
For example, someone with strong foreign language skills is a natural fit for a translator job. If you don’t enjoy science, nursing will likely prove a bad career fit for you. If you want to help kids, a position in social work or teaching will likely offer you the most personal satisfaction.
Keep in mind that most jobs that involve helping people come with education and license requirements. That means a long-term commitment to higher education before you start.
Not sure exactly what you want to do yet? Check out our blog section for some career help.