8 Career Paths for Compassionate People

Choosing the right career for you isn’t always easy, and for the majority of people, it takes trying a few different kinds of jobs before they find one that they’re good at and enjoy. Some people thrive in high-pressure roles, while others relish in expressing their creativity. Some individuals feel at peace working in the great outdoors, and other people feel most at ease in an office. Then some find that their true calling is helping others; their dream job is being able to share their compassionate nature to help try to ease other people’s hardships or make them more comfortable. Does that sound familiar? If you think you’d love to work in a role where you’re taking care of other people or helping to make the world a better place, here are eight career paths that might be perfect for you. 

 

1. Doctor/nurse

 

Possibly the first field that comes to mind when thinking about caring for others is that of the medical profession. The main reason why so many people choose to become doctors and nurses is that they want to help those in need, and hopefully help them heal and recover. To make these roles even more attractive, usually, they are well paid and are both highly respected professions. However, there is no denying that working as a doctor or nurse is tough, and there are likely to be a lot of high-pressure situations you will need to face in these roles. If you think you can handle that, these could be perfect jobs for you. 

 

2. Childcare

 

If working in healthcare doesn’t sound like your thing, what about childcare? Looking after kids whose parents need/want to work is a great help to them and it can be very rewarding. You will be responsible for their welfare, and you will also be playing a role in their development. Watching them grow and learn under your watch can bring a lot of joy and great job satisfaction. You can pursue a role within a kindergarten or become a private nanny for a family. 

 

3. Carer for the elderly

 

This can be a very tough job at times, but elderly people must get the care they need to live out their later years with dignity. Sadly, a lot of elderly people have lost their partners or close friends/family, and it’s quite common for people of this age to feel lonely. Again, there are various roles you can take on as an elderly carer, from organizing volunteers to visiting with those living alone, to meals on wheels or working in a retirement home. You could even start a residential care facility for the elderly yourself. If this sounds interesting to you, find more information from resources like this one that discuss the process to starting an RCFE in California or find the relevant information for your state.

 

4. Counselor

 

Another career option for those who are interested in helping others is therapy. The right roles for someone interested in mental health, how people’s minds work, and how to help individuals overcome these issues would be to become a mental health counselor, psychiatrist, or psychologist. 

 

5. Charity worker

 

One of the other most obvious roles for compassionate people is charity work. You might already volunteer for one or more charities, but if you want to spend more time dedicated to these causes, then you should consider looking for paid work within these organizations. From events management, marketing, public relations, legal representation, to training volunteers, there are plenty of different jobs that could be available in charity organizations. You might even be presented with the opportunity to travel or live in another country, depending on the role you choose. 

 

6. Homeless shelter

 

Sadly, many people end up losing their homes due to a variety of circumstances, and living on the streets is dangerous, can lead to a life of crime, drug abuse, or worse. Working in a homeless shelter is yet another hard job, but helping those less fortunate have a safe space and a roof over their head, even if just for a night or two, can make a big difference. Often people on the streets can end up feeling dehumanized and having the opportunity to eat, sleep, and wash can help ease this feeling. It will certainly take a patient and compassionate person to take on a role working in these shelters, but they are essential places to help some of the most vulnerable people in society. 

 

7. Hospice worker

 

Being faced with your own mortality is something everyone will have to do eventually, but being made to feel as comfortable as possible in this stage of life can help to make this situation easier. As a hospice worker, you will be there supporting not only the individual but also their relatives and friends, enabling them to get the most out of life. Unlike hospitals, hospices are designed to be comfortable, pleasant places people can live in and have their loved ones visit at any time. There are various job roles for hospice workers, including occupational therapy, nursing, and palliative care.

 

8. Funeral director

 

This career choice might sound depressing, but you will be playing a very important role in helping people say goodbye to their loved ones and giving them the send-off that they wanted and deserve. Not only will you be helping with the organization of the funeral, but your job will require you to be supportive of the family as they process their grief. 

If you’re driven by your compassionate nature and want to make a career out of helping people, consider the career options listed above. While they might be tough emotionally and mentally in some cases, knowing you’re supporting those who need it most mean that these are incredibly rewarding and important roles.