Editor's Note: This story originally appeared on FlexJobs.com.
When you’re passionate about advocating for others, it’s natural to explore jobs that make a difference. Thanks to shifting job trends, many opportunities exist to build a meaningful career that offers the work-life balance you want.
From healthcare to life coach jobs, there is ample opportunity to find jobs that help people and pay well. You can build a career that supports your values in nearly every industry.
That said, some sectors offer more opportunities to give back, so we’ve curated a list of flexible industries offering jobs that help people for you to consider.
What Are Jobs That Make a Difference and Help People?
As you start brainstorming jobs that make a difference, you might immediately think about nonprofits with flexible jobs. But you aren’t limited to the nonprofit sector to find careers that help people.
You can find many opportunities to help others, from embracing the societal benefits of remote work to working for a company that sponsors a cause you champion. That said, some jobs directly contribute to improving the well-being of others, from providing healthcare or education to advocating for social justice to preserving the environment.
In terms of building careers that help people, you might work with individuals or in a more macro-level role that affects larger populations. You can also provide behind-the-scenes support at an administrative level, ensuring that organizations are funded and running smoothly.
Whichever path you choose, know that jobs that help the community have the potential to create positive change while also meeting your long-term career goals and personal commitments. It all comes down to finding your passion and aligning it with a purposeful career.
Explore the following career areas that offer jobs helping others to find an opportunity that suits you.
1. Art & Creative Jobs
Working in the arts goes beyond personal expression. The art & creative sector can be a robust community and platform for social change.
Art and creative jobs include a diverse range of career paths, from art therapy and curation to writing self-help books or blogs to support personal reflection and growth in readers.
Creative professionals can influence positive change by championing causes like social justice, mental health, and environmental sustainability. Explore a career as a creative director or illustrator, raising awareness for causes you’re passionate about.
2. Bilingual Jobs
In our globalized world, breaking language barriers is more crucial than ever. Bilingual professionals, such as translators and interpreters, are fundamental to communication, impacting personal well-being and social progress.
Whether your language skills include Spanish, Chinese, or another language, bilingual jobs help people smooth interactions and open doors to essential services.
Support others seeking better educational outcomes, career opportunities, and stronger cross-cultural understanding.
3. Customer Service Jobs
Spend your days problem-solving while enjoying jobs helping others without a degree requirement.
In a customer support specialist or customer support agent role, for instance, you can resolve issues, turn everyday situations around, and enhance the customer experience.
4. Education & Training Jobs
The education and training sector offers a variety of fulfilling job opportunities. From K-12 jobs helping the youngest learners to trainers teaching adult learners, education and training roles impact the world on a very personal level.
Education and training roles extend beyond traditional classroom settings. Careers can support your own interests, such as vocational training, corporate learning and development, online education, and specialized training programs.
5. Engineering Jobs
Engineers don’t just build structures; they create solutions for a safer, more equitable world.
Think about civil engineers designing accessible structures or engineering managers crafting sustainable solutions when you’re exploring jobs that help people and pay well.
You can explore diverse specializations, like urban planning, for example. You’ll be able to address pressing societal challenges while making a positive difference in the lives of others and enjoying competitive salaries.
6. Environmental & Green Jobs
Are you passionate about creating impactful action for the planet?
The environmental & green jobs sector has opportunities to raise awareness and champion change. Conservation and sustainability jobs are just the beginning.
Positions in renewable energy, climate policy, eco-friendly technology, and sustainable agriculture are at the leading edge of environmental protection efforts. Building a future in this industry, you’ll contribute to a more eco-conscious future while building a sustainable career.
7. Event Planning Jobs
Behind every successful event is an event planner who ensures everything runs smoothly. Whether as an event coordinator or in a fundraising role, the work is about creating spaces for meaningful connections and support.
Beyond traditional event coordination positions, you might find your niche in planning community outreach events or cultural awareness festivals. Foster genuine connections and provide vital support to diverse communities.
8. Human Services Jobs
Human services professionals support and empower people facing challenges. Human services jobs can range from social workers assisting families to professionals in community jobs mentoring individuals and advocating for change.
In addition to social work and community mentoring, human services careers offer a range of impactful positions that cater to different needs and populations.
Mental health counselors providing crucial support or caseworkers advocating for vulnerable populations are prime examples.
9. Medical & Health Jobs
Medical and health jobs are a clear choice when looking for jobs that make a difference. From medical research to medical coding, various medical and health roles offer the chance to promote physical and mental well-being.
Beyond traditional healthcare, there are diverse ways to contribute to public health through healthcare administration, telemedicine, and health education. You can positively impact individuals’ lives and build healthier communities.
10. Mortgage & Real Estate Jobs
Roles in mortgage and real estate often revolve around significant life events, like purchasing a home or launching a new business location. Loan processors and mortgage professionals offer essential guidance and support.
As a professional in this industry, you can promote financial literacy, housing stability, and property ownership. Empower consumers to build a more secure future while you build a solid career.
11. Nonprofit & Philanthropy Jobs
Working in the nonprofit and philanthropy sector, you can help others in positions like nonprofit outreach or grant writing. In roles like these, you’ll maximize resources for causes you care about.
Many other nonprofit roles are dedicated to social good and community development. From program management for animal welfare to fundraising for environmental conservation, you can play a key part in driving change.
12. Research Jobs
Research jobs that help the community involve shaping policies, creating evidence-based practices, and advancing life-changing technologies.
From market research to clinical research, the impact is extensive and meaningful.
Research professionals can make a tangible difference by producing valuable findings that benefit communities and address critical challenges. Embrace roles that prioritize collaboration to improve the quality of life for generations.
13. Sports & Fitness Jobs
Promoting health and wellness, health coaches, trainers, and wellness coaches are jobs that help people reach their personal best and foster communities pursuing well-being and vitality.
Explore specializations such as adaptive sports coaching, corporate wellness programs, and community fitness initiatives.
Professionals in sports and fitness careers can make a significant impact by fostering inclusivity, motivation, and healthy lifestyle choices.
14. Travel & Hospitality Jobs
The travel and hospitality industry offers exciting opportunities to connect with others and create memorable experiences. These roles, from hotel jobs to travel agent positions, focus on providing exceptional service and support.
When you’re exploring jobs that make a difference, consider jobs that emphasize personalization and cultural sensitivity and help people explore the world.
15. Youth & Children Jobs
Working with young people can be a fulfilling and impactful role, shaping the future by supporting and educating young minds. From speech-language pathologists to special education, these jobs help promote growth and development.
Look into many other opportunities to provide critical support through specializations such as child psychology, behavioral intervention, pediatric nursing, and youth advocacy.
You’ll help create safe, supportive environments, addressing the unique needs of children and youth from diverse backgrounds.
10 Companies Hiring for Careers That Give Back
Another way to build the career you want is to find a company that you’re excited to work for. The following organizations offer excellent options for building careers that give back.
1. American Heart Association
With a mission to reduce heart disease and strokes, the American Heart Association offers various careers that help people in education and research.
2. American Red Cross
Known for its disaster relief efforts, the American Red Cross lists jobs that help people and pay well in humanitarian aid and community outreach.
3. Budderfly
Budderfly specializes in energy efficiency and sustainability solutions, striving to create a more environmentally-friendly world where companies consume less energy.
4. CVS Health
On Fortune magazine’s list of companies dedicated to addressing society’s biggest challenges, CVS Health provides healthcare and pharmaceutical services to communities nationwide.
5. Habitat for Humanity
With a mission to provide affordable housing, Habitat for Humanity offers careers that help people with a focus on community development and volunteer coordination.
6. March of Dimes
Focused on improving the health of mothers and babies, March of Dimes lists various jobs that make a difference in roles like advocacy and fundraising.
7. Nature Conservancy
Dedicated to protecting the environment and natural resources, this nonprofit organization lists jobs that make a difference in conservation and donor management.
8. Thermo Fisher Scientific
A multinational biotechnology company, Thermo Fisher Scientific is on Forbes magazine’s list of the Most Sustainable Companies and offers a range of careers focused on improving the health and well-being of individuals worldwide.
9. United Way
United Way is a nonprofit organization working to improve education, financial stability, and health in communities around the world through various initiatives and programs.
10. UnitedHealth Group
As one of the largest healthcare companies globally, UnitedHealth Group offers various careers that help people, focused on improving access to quality healthcare services for individuals and communities worldwide.
How to Find Jobs That Help the Community
Use the following steps to find a job that makes an impact on the community and your future.
1. Target Companies Based on Their Mission
As you look for jobs that help people, research companies and organizations that share your core values and have a service-focused culture. Assess if their mission statements and past achievements match the impact you aim to make.
2. Look Globally and Locally
The need for assistance knows no borders. You can find companies that offer work-life balance and opportunities ranging from local hybrid jobs to work-from-anywhere jobs that take you around the globe.
Whether you prefer to work for large organizations or grassroots startups, you can make the world a better place regardless of your location.
3. Start by Volunteering
Sometimes, the best way to explore careers that help people is by immersing yourself in volunteer work. It’s a way to demonstrate your commitment and gain a nuanced understanding of the areas where you’d like to work.
4. Utilize Your Network
Tap into your personal and professional networks. Someone you know might have a lead on a job that’s perfect for you. Networking is invaluable, particularly in sectors prioritizing personal connections and grassroots mobilization.
5. Showcase How You Give Back
On your resume and during interviews, highlight how you’ve contributed to your community. Employers in service-focused industries often prefer candidates who share their sense of communal responsibility.
Commonly Asked Questions About Careers That Help People
Are you looking for a quick answer to commonly asked questions about careers that help people? Use these answers to help build your job search strategy.
1. Can you find jobs that help people without a degree?
Certainly. While some roles require specific qualifications, many service-oriented jobs value experience, passion, and a demonstrated history of helping others.
You’ll likely need to start in an entry-level role and work your way up.
2. How can I help people and make money?
Jobs that help people and jobs that pay well aren’t mutually exclusive. There’s an increasing emphasis on value-based careers that offer financial compensation and the opportunity to impact society positively.
The key is to find the right sector and a role that works for you, then master your skills to land the most in-demand positions.
3. What job can I do to make people happy?
Happiness is subjective, but roles in human services, creative arts, education, and even customer service often provide opportunities to brighten someone’s day or enrich their life.
The best job to make people happy is the one that aligns with your skills and interests, which you can apply to benefit others.
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