Looking for a job that gives more than it takes? Look no further. Here are 7 meaningful jobs that are more rewarding than their big salaries.
Approximately 53 percent of Americans currently feel unhappy or unsatisfied with their jobs.
Are you part of this group? Are you worried that you might become part of it if you don’t find a job that gives you a sense of purpose?
Doing work that allows you to help others is a great way to feel better and more satisfied with your job.
If you’re considering a career switch, or if you want to choose a career that feeds your soul and not just your bank account, these seven meaningful jobs are great ones to consider.
- Education Administrators
Most people who have careers in education report high levels of job satisfaction and find a lot of meaning in their work. Some educational careers appear to be more meaningful than others, though.
Those who work their way up to the administration side of the education field consider their work to be very meaningful. They also find that their work helps them to make the world a better place.
Education administrators working at the elementary and second school levels seem to find the most meaning in their jobs. A smaller (although still significant) percentage of postsecondary education administrators have the same feeling.
In order to work as an education administrator, you’ll need to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in an education-related subject. You may also want to consider going on to pursue a doctorate.
- Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are responsible for providing counseling to and writing prescriptions for individuals struggling with mental health disorders.
In many cases, psychiatrists give these people the help they need to change and improve their quality of life. It’s one of the most rewarding careers out there (and the pay isn’t bad, either).
As a psychiatrist, you will spend your day listening to and offering support to individuals dealing with a wide array of symptoms. It can be a draining job in some ways, but it’s also very rewarding to be able to help people start to feel better and making needed changes in their lives.
To work as a psychiatrist, you’ll need to pursue a medical degree and complete your residency like other medical professionals. It’s a long career path, but the outcome is often well worth the wait.
- Chiropractors
Another meaningful career option in the medical field is a career as a chiropractor. Chiropractors manually adjust the spine in order to help patients feel relief from chronic pain.
Chiropractors can also help with other health problems, such as allergies, headaches, anxiety, and sports injuries. Being able to help people feel better and exist without pain is very meaningful and provides a great deal of satisfaction to most chiropractors.
Chiropractors must obtain a medical degree just like other doctors. They actually spend more time in school that medical doctors do.
If you’re willing to put in the time to receive your training, working as a chiropractor can help you feel very fulfilled in your career.
- Rehabilitation Counselors
Rehabilitation counselors work with individuals struggling with addiction. They help these people overcome their addictions and change their behavior patterns so they can live sober and productive lives.
This kind of work certainly comes with a lot of challenges. It comes with a lot of rewards as well, though. There are few feelings as significant as seeing someone turn their life around and stop using the substances that were harming them and others.
Most rehabilitation counselors have a master’s degree. Some are also able to find work with a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field.
- Kindergarten Teachers
You already know that careers in education are rewarding. You don’t always have to pursue a master’s degree in order to experience those rewards, though.
Of all the educational careers that provide a lot of meaning and fulfillment to a person’s life, working as a kindergarten teacher comes in at the top of the list. Getting to help shape young children’s lives and start their educational experience off on the right foot is a great opportunity.
Kindergarten teachers must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in order to teach. Many go on to pursue master’s degrees eventually, though.
- Surgeons
Surgeons regularly report experiencing high levels of job satisfaction. When you consider the often life-saving work that they do each day, this makes perfect sense.
Of course, being a surgeon isn’t easy, either. You face a lot of challenges when operating on the human body. Overcoming these challenges and finding ways to save your patient is very rewarding, though.
It takes a lot of hard work to become a surgeon. You’ll need to be in school for a very long time before you can work on your own. However, the lessons you’ll learn along the way (and continue to learn as you begin your career) are well worth the wait.
- Home Care Aides
Home care aides are individuals who are trained to help seniors and others who may be struggling with long-term health problems. Home care aides spend time in the home with these individuals on a regular basis helping them carry out various activities.
Some home care aides are trained to administer medicine and help with physical and occupational therapy-related tasks. Others help with everyday activities like eating, using the bathroom, and getting dressed.
Home care aides also often provide companionship and spend time communicating with seniors or those who are homebound for much of the day.
This is a very rewarding job that doesn’t require a lot of training or education. It’s a good option for those who want to feel fulfilled in their careers but don’t have the time or means necessary for long-term schooling.
Learn More About These Meaningful Jobs Today
As you can see, there are lots of meaningful jobs out there that will allow you to do what you love, make people’s days better, and get paid. What better combination is there?
Are you interested in learning more about any of these jobs? Have you found one that seems like something you want to pursue?
If you answered “yes” to these questions, check the Self-Improvement section of our site today.
You’ll find lots of helpful articles here that will teach you the skills you need to land the job of your dreams!
A professional writer with over a decade of incessant writing skills. Her topics of interest and expertise range from health, nutrition and psychology.
