It is important to remember that you’re likely to be working for the majority of your adult life. For that reason, it’s vital that you get enjoyment and satisfaction from your job role. Obviously, people want different things out of a career – some people want high earning potential and career advancement, while others look for roles that offer flexible working and remote work opportunities. Whatever you’re looking for in rewarding careers, it’s crucial to your overall health and wellbeing that you’re happy and satisfied in the workplace.

Benefits of a Rewarding Career

Improve your mental wellbeing

Mental health conditions often affect employees who are unsatisfied in the workplace. A recent study by Gallop found that a massive 51% of Americans, employed full-time, stated that they’re uninterested in their jobs and a further 16% reported disliking their workplace. Being unhappy or overly stressed at work can lead to a number of mental health issues including anxiety and depression. Whereas, doing a rewarding job in a working environment where you feel valued and supported should have a positive effect on your mental wellbeing and help you feel happier and healthier overall.

Minimize the risk of developing health conditions

Doing a rewarding job role that makes you feel happy and satisfied will also have a positive effect on your physical health. According to CareerBright “Careers that involve helping other people are statistically proven to be the most satisfying.” This is because doing good deeds and helping others releases endorphins in the brain which boost feelings of happiness and reduce negative emotions like anxiety. Lower stress levels have also been linked to a reduction in the likelihood of developing health conditions such as heart disease and strokes.

Pursue a career you’re passionate about

Most people spend at least eight hours a day working, so it’s important that you enjoy your work tasks and responsibilities. Choosing a rewarding career gives you the opportunity to pursue a career that you’re truly passionate about. This could mean working in the medical profession and assisting people who are ill or injured, creating a safer society by working in law enforcement, or caring for animals by training as a veterinarian. Working in an industry you’re passionate about and making a real difference to the lives of others will allow you to get satisfaction and joy from your job role.

Rewarding Careers to Consider

It is extremely important to think carefully about your job role and pursue a career that matches your skills and interests. Choosing a rewarding career that makes a difference to the lives of others is a highly effective way to get satisfaction out of your job and improve your mental and physical wellbeing. With this in mind, here are ten rewarding careers to consider:

1. Psychologist

Psychologists are highly trained professionals who use specialist techniques to help people manage and overcome life issues and mental health problems which may include depression, personality disorders and trauma. However, psychologists don’t just work within clinical settings. The role is extremely diverse and qualified psychologists can choose to specialize in a huge variety of sectors and work within a wide range of settings. Some popular roles within the psychology industry include;

• Aviation psychologists who study the behavior of pilots and flight crew members and conduct research on airline safety

• Community psychologists who carry out research into public and community health issues

• Consumer psychologists who research consumer behavior and design effective marketing strategies for businesses

Entering such a diverse industry allows qualified psychologists to find a role that suits their particular skills and interests and pursue a career they’re passionate about. To become a qualified psychologist, it’s necessary to complete a bachelor’s degree followed by postgraduate training. This is usually followed by a psychology internship and you must then become certified in the state where you wish to practice. Fortunately, you can find plenty of useful advice and tips on how to become a psychologist by reading career forums and blogs online.

2. Doctor

Doctors help others in a significant way and have the unique opportunity to save lives on a daily basis. They use their specialist skills and training to provide expert medical care and support people suffering from illness, injury or disease. The role of a doctor is extremely diverse and qualified doctors can choose to specialize in a wide variety of medical fields such as cardiology, pediatric care and emergency medicine. This gives doctors the opportunity to specialize in a sector that they are truly passionate about. To become a doctor, you must complete a medical degree followed by several years residency training before being eligible for medical licensing.

3. Nurse

Similar to doctors, nurse’s are highly trained healthcare professionals who treat a range of medical conditions and help people return to optimal health. Nurses spend a lot of time with their patients and have the opportunity to build close relationships with people from a wide variety of different backgrounds. Many nurses get great joy and satisfaction from supporting people in their time of need or from seeing a seriously sick patient make a full recovery.

There is an extremely high demand for qualified nurses which means they enjoy fantastic career prospects and enviable job security. There are also many opportunities for qualified nurses to travel and relocate abroad. If you think that you would enjoy a rewarding career as a nurse, then you will need to complete an accredited nursing program and obtain a state license before you can apply for jobs as a registered nurse.

4. Carer

Becoming a professional carer offers a highly rewarding career for many people. Carers help others in a significant way by providing them with support that allows them to remain living independently and safely. Many professional carers visit people in their homes and carry out essential daily tasks which may include household chores, preparing meals, personal care, running errands and administering medication. This support allows many elderly, ill and disabled people to remain living comfortably and safely in their own homes for much longer than would be possible without the extra care. According to Supercarers, many carers report getting a great sense of pride and satisfaction from empowering clients to live their lives as independently and as fully as possible. If you’re interested in becoming a carer, then the minimum entry requirement is a high school diploma, although some professional organizations and states may require additional certification.

5. Police Officer

Police officers play an essential role in creating safer societies by reducing crime rates and encouraging people to make better life choices. The role of a police officer is challenging and diverse and may involve responding to emergency calls, administering first aid, detecting and investigating crimes, preserving life and providing expert testimony in court cases. Police officers have the opportunity to make their local community safer and create a more secure environment for their family and friends. A high school diploma is the minimum qualification requirement for entry into most police academies. However, a bachelor’s degree is required or referred by some police organizations, so obtaining a degree may enhance your career prospects and help you stand out from the competition when applying for the best jobs.

6. Veterinarian

If you love animals and have a passion for animal welfare, then training to become a veterinarian may be the perfect career for you. Vets get to spend everyday around animals and play a key role in helping animals to live healthy and happy lives. What’s more, veterinary medicine is a highly respected and growing industry that offers excellent career prospects. Many veterinarians work in private practice, but others work in a wide variety of fields. They can also choose to specialize in a particular animal or sector, like exotic animals or equine medicine.

The job outlook for veterinarians is extremely good. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, available jobs in the veterinary sector is expected to grow by 18% in the next ten years, which is far higher than the average across all other industries. If you’re an animal lover and have an interest in medical care, training to become a veterinarian could offer a rewarding and prosperous career path. To become a veterinarian, you must obtain a doctor of veterinary medicine degree, followed by residency training and certification.

7. Dietician

Dietitians create food and nutrition plans based on clients individual needs and requirements. They also promote healthy eating habits that can effectively protect against and treat a huge range of illnesses including diabetes and heart disease. Dieticians promote the importance of healthy eating on your physical and mental wellbeing and teach people how to prepare and cook healthy meals at home. 

Unfortunately, obesity and related health conditions are on the rise due to people following diets consisting of processed foods high in fat, sugar and salt. For that reason, dieticians are in high demand as people search for ways to lead healthier lifestyles and achieve their individual fitness goals. Dieticians work within a wide range of settings which may include hospitals, nursing homes and private health care facilities. They also have the option to offer their services on a freelance basis and enjoy all of the benefits that come with running your own business and being your own boss. To become a registered dietician, you must usually complete a bachelor’s degree in nutrition or a closely related field. Most states also require that you become licensed before being able to practice as a qualified dietician.

8. Dentist

Dentists diagnose and treat a number of conditions affecting the teeth, gums and mouth. They also provide people with valuable advice on how to improve their oral hygiene and care for their dental health. It’s important to remember that poor oral hygiene can affect your overall health beyond just your teeth and gums. The work dentists do effectively protects against a huge range of health conditions that can develop as a result of poor dental hygiene such as heart disease, lung conditions and even some forms of cancer. What’s more, the treatment provided by dentists can greatly enhance a person’s mental wellbeing by improving their confidence and self-esteem. Dentists, therefore, play a key role in helping people lead healthier and happier lives.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in dentistry or looking for dentist jobs UK, then you must obtain a dental degree followed by a dental residency. Once this has been completed, you must then become licensed in your particular state or location.

9. Teacher

Teachers pass on their specialist skills and knowledge to the next generation and help prepare children and young adults for later life. Teaching is considered a highly rewarding career path as all teachers have the opportunity to inspire the next generation of learners and play a key role in the development of education. Qualified teachers can also choose to work within a wide range of settings, with teaching roles available all the way from preschool up to University level. Many educators specialize in a particular subject which gives them the opportunity to teach a topic they’re truly passionate about.

Another amazing benefit of a career in education is that it opens up fantastic travel opportunities. Skilled teachers are in high demand all around the world, so many qualified teachers can choose to relocate and work in a country of their choice. To become a teacher, you must complete a bachelor’s degree followed by a student teaching placement and certification. Some states also require or prefer a masters degree, so obtaining this qualification may enhance your career prospects in the education industry.

10. Rehabilitation Counselor

Rehabilitation counselors play a crucial role in improving the lives of people suffering from physical or emotional challenges which may include addiction, disability, or mental health conditions like depression. They are highly trained professionals who provide vulnerable people in society with expert guidance by helping them get the support they need to live safely and independently. In order to become a rehabilitation counselor, a masters degree is usually required along with several years of clinical experience. All rehabilitation counselors must also become licensed in the state where they wish to practice.