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Naomi Rothwell-Boyd, September 4 2023

The Ultimate Guide to Finding Jobs That Help People and Pay Well

Are you passionate about making a difference in the world and earning a rewarding income while doing it? You’re not alone. Many people seek careers that allow them to help others, protect the environment, or contribute to the well-being of their communities. This blog post will explore a variety of sectors and jobs that help people and pay well, where you can make a meaningful impact, ensuring your work-life balance aligns with your values and passions.

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Make a difference in the lives of others while earning a rewarding salary with high-paying healthcare jobs, mental health and addiction services roles, helping professions in education and childcare, social work & community service positions or careers that protect & serve.

Explore conservation science to help preserve our planet’s environment for future generations. Become an animal lover as a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian.

Make meaningful contributions to your community by pursuing impactful careers, all offering financial stability!

High-Paying Healthcare Jobs That Make a Difference

Healthcare is one of the most fulfilling industries to work in, making a job rewarding for those who choose this path. It offers numerous career paths, all centered around improving people’s lives and overall health. As health care professionals, individuals have the opportunity to make a real difference while earning a substantial income. In fact, these are some of the best jobs that help people on a daily basis.

In this section, we’ll explore three of the most meaningful jobs in healthcare: physicians, registered nurses, and physical therapists.

Physician

Physicians are at the forefront of healthcare, performing the following tasks:

Diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries to help patients recover and maintain their health

Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests

Prescribing medications

Developing treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs

Their role in society is indispensable.

With a median annual salary of $208,000 in the United States, this rewarding career path offers both professional and personal fulfillment.

Registered Nurse (RN)

Registered Nurses (RNs) provide essential care to patients in various settings, such as hospitals, medical offices, and care facilities. They monitor patients’ vital signs, administer medications, and coordinate with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible care for their patients.

RNs play a crucial role in the healthcare system, and their dedication to patient care often results in improved patient outcomes and overall well-being.

Physical Therapist

Physical therapists, along with occupational therapists, are healthcare professionals who help patients recover from injuries, manage chronic pain, and improve their mobility. Their work is instrumental in enhancing patients’ overall well-being and quality of life.

To become a physical therapist, you must obtain a Master’s degree in physical therapy, which will equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to provide effective care to your patients. With a rewarding salary range, this career path is perfect for those driven by helping others and making a lasting impact on their lives.

Careers in Mental Health and Addiction Services

Mental health and addiction services careers are dedicated to helping individuals overcome challenges related to mental illness, substance abuse issues, and mental or physical disabilities. These professionals work tirelessly to provide support, guidance, and evidence-based treatments to improve the lives of those in need.

In this section, we will explore three essential roles in mental health and addiction services: psychiatrists, psychologists, and substance abuse counselors.

Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. They play a vital role in helping patients manage their conditions through therapy and medications. Psychiatrists assess patients’ mental health, provide diagnoses, and develop treatment plans tailored to their specific needs.

With an average salary of $219,526, psychiatry offers a fulfilling and financially rewarding career path for those looking to make a difference in the mental health field.

Psychologist

Psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat mental health issues by using various therapeutic approaches. Their work helps people improve their emotional well-being and overcome challenges related to their mental health.

Psychologists can work in various settings, including hospitals, mental health clinics, and private practice. They also have the opportunity to specialize in different fields, such as sport, clinical, or forensic psychology, allowing them to tailor their career path to their interests and passions.

Substance Abuse Counselor

Substance abuse counselors play a crucial role in supporting individuals struggling with addiction. They work with clients to create personalized treatment plans and provide guidance throughout their recovery process. To become a substance abuse counselor, a Master’s degree in addiction counseling or a related field is required.

With an average salary of $39,383, substance abuse counseling is a rewarding career path that offers the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of those affected by addiction.

Helping Professions in Education and Childcare

Education and childcare professions play a critical role in shaping the future by nurturing and guiding children. The impact these professionals have on young lives is invaluable, as they help children develop essential skills, build self-esteem, and foster a love for learning.

In this section, we’ll discuss three impactful careers in education and childcare: special education teachers, school counselors, and early childhood educators.

Special Education Teacher

Special education teachers:

Work with students who have a range of disabilities

Create individualized learning plans

Provide support to help students succeed academically and socially

Adapt teaching methods to meet the unique needs of each student

Ensure students have every opportunity to thrive

With a Bachelor’s degree in special education, you can embark on this rewarding career path and make a significant impact on the lives of children with disabilities.

School Counselor

School counselors play a vital role in assisting students with their academic, career, and personal development. They help students navigate challenges, set goals, and make informed decisions about their futures.

To become a school counselor, a master’s degree in counseling or a related field is required. With a median annual salary of $56,310, school counseling offers a fulfilling career that positively influences the lives of students and their families.

Early Childhood Educator

Early childhood educators lay the foundation for children’s lifelong learning by:

Creating engaging and nurturing environments for young learners

Introducing children to essential skills

Helping develop their social and emotional growth

Fostering creativity and curiosity.

A Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education is required to pursue this career, and with an average salary of $48,497, it offers both personal fulfillment and financial stability.

Impactful Jobs in Social Work and Community Service

Social work and community service careers focus on:

Improving the well-being of individuals, families, and communities

Addressing social issues

Providing support

Advocating for those in need

In this section, we will explore three impactful careers in social work and community service: child and family social workers, community health workers, and nonprofit program managers.

Child and Family Social Worker

Child and family social workers play a crucial role in protecting vulnerable children and supporting families in need. They assess the needs of children and families, connect them with essential resources and services, and provide ongoing support to ensure their well-being.

A Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field is required to pursue this career, while a master’s degree can further enhance your expertise, offering a rewarding opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children and families.

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Community Health Worker

Community health workers:

Bridge the gap between communities and healthcare providers

Promote health and wellness through education and outreach

Provide essential health services

Advocate for health policies

Conduct outreach activities that raise awareness about health issues.

With a high school diploma or equivalent, excellent communication skills, and a comprehensive understanding of health and wellness topics, you can pursue this impactful career as a home health aide, benefiting underserved communities.

Nonprofit Program Manager

Nonprofit program managers:

Oversee the development and implementation of programs that address social issues

Make a lasting impact on their communities

Manage program operations

Coordinate with stakeholders

Ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the programs.

With an average salary of $63,723, nonprofit program management offers a fulfilling career path that contributes to the betterment of society.

Jobs That Protect and Serve

Protective service careers, such as police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs), help maintain safety and order in society. These brave professionals often put their lives on the line to help others, making their careers incredibly rewarding and impactful.

In this section, we’ll discuss the roles and responsibilities of police officers, firefighters, and EMTs in detail.

Police Officer

Police officers enforce laws, prevent crime, and protect citizens, contributing to safer communities. They patrol neighborhoods, respond to emergency calls, and investigate crimes.

To work as a police officer, you must complete the necessary police academy training. After that, you will need to pass several tests such as agility, fitness, and strength tests. With an average salary of $53,594, this career path offers both personal satisfaction and financial stability.

Firefighter

Firefighters:

Respond to emergencies

Extinguish fires

Rescue people in life-threatening situations

Often risk their own safety to save others

Work in challenging conditions

Operate equipment

Navigate difficult terrain to reach those in need

To become a firefighter, a high school diploma or GED is required, along with completing fire academy training. Their dedication and bravery make a significant difference in the lives of those they rescue.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) provide critical pre-hospital care to patients in emergency situations. They assess patients’ conditions, administer basic medical care, and transport them to medical facilities for further treatment. To become an EMT, you must complete an accredited training program and pass a certification exam.

With a median annual salary of $34,320, EMTs play a vital role in providing life-saving care and support to those in need.

Rewarding Careers in Environmental and Animal Care

Environmental and animal care careers focus on:

Preserving the planet

Caring for its inhabitants

Protecting natural resources

Ensuring the well-being of animals

Promoting sustainable practices

In this section, we will discuss three rewarding careers in environmental and animal care: conservation scientists, wildlife rehabilitators, and veterinarians.

Conservation Scientist

Conservation scientists work to protect and manage natural resources, ensuring the sustainability of ecosystems for future generations. They conduct research, monitor wildlife populations, and develop conservation plans to preserve the environment.

With a bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, or environmental science, you can pursue this impactful career and contribute to the preservation of our planet. The median salary for a conservation scientist is $63,670 per year.

Wildlife Rehabilitator

Wildlife rehabilitators:

Rescue and care for injured or orphaned animals

Nurse them back to health

Release them back into the wild when possible

Assess injuries and administer first aid

Provide a safe environment for animals to recover

While no formal education is necessary, having a background in wildlife biology or a related field can be beneficial.

The average salary for a wildlife rehabilitator is $31,000 per year, making it a rewarding career for animal lovers.

Veterinarian

Veterinarians play a crucial role in promoting the health and well-being of animals. They diagnose and treat medical conditions in animals, prescribe medications, and perform surgeries when necessary. To become a veterinarian, you must obtain a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and pass a licensing exam.

With an average salary of $93,830 per year, a career as a veterinarian is both financially rewarding and personally fulfilling.

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Summary

In conclusion, there are numerous rewarding careers that make a positive impact on people, animals, and the environment. From healthcare professionals to educators, social workers, and environmental specialists, these careers offer personal fulfillment, financial stability, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. We hope this blog post has inspired you to consider these career paths and find the one that aligns with your passions and values.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good paying job that helps people?

You can make a meaningful difference in other people’s lives while earning a good salary with careers like social work, nursing, or teaching.

Explore these 20 high-paying jobs to get started.

What job is easy to get and pays good?

If you’re looking for an easy job that pays well, consider house sitting, personal training, optometry, flight attending, dog walking, toll booth attendant, massage therapy, or librarianship in 2022.

These 12 high-paying simple jobs are worth considering.

What qualifications are needed to become a school counselor?

To become a school counselor, you need a master’s degree in counseling or a related field.

How do conservation scientists contribute to environmental preservation?

Conservation scientists play a vital role in preserving our environment by conducting research, monitoring wildlife populations, and developing conservation plans. Their work is essential to sustain the delicate balance of our ecosystems.

By understanding the complex interactions between species and their environment, conservation scientists can identify areas of concern and develop strategies to protect them. They also work to educate the public about the importance of conservation and the need to conserve.

What is the role of a wildlife rehabilitator?

Wildlife rehabilitators play a vital role in rescuing and caring for injured or orphaned animals, with the ultimate goal of releasing them back into the wild.

Rehabilitators provide medical care, nutrition, and a safe environment for the animals until they are ready to be released. They also work to educate the public about the importance of protecting wildlife and their habitats.

Author: Naomi Rothwell-Boyd

Naomi is the founder of Tribe And Seek and an EMCC and CIPD accredited career coach specialising in career change. 

Her career advice comes from her work alongside ex-olympic athletes supporting corporate clients like Kraft Heinz, and creating leadership courses at the Duke Of Edinburgh's Award.

She also left a previous career in international development consulting behind, where she led UK corporate fundraising at Habitat For Humanity.

Written by

Naomi Rothwell-Boyd

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