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Different people have different definitions of what it means to have a purpose in life. For some, it’s their family, while others find purpose in creativity. That being said, there is a category of people who draw purpose in life from their profession. Work is fulfilling by default, but not all work is the same.
Some professions are more fulfilling than others, especially in the white-collar world where sitting in a cubicle all day is the norm. Here are some of the more interesting career options that might provide purpose to your life.
Medical Field
Healing others is a calling like no other. Being a medical professional is probably the one occupation most people can draw a purpose from. There’s a misconception that becoming a medical professional requires 10+ years of formal education and a few more years of on-the-job training. That’s not always the case. Sure, surgeons and other high-level medical professionals have to dedicate a large portion of their lives to practicing and learning their trade. However, there are other angles to the medical field. You can become a nurse or a paramedic. The latter puts you in the front lines of EMS work where you’ll make an impact.
With all that said, anyone thinking of becoming an EMS, nurse, or doctor should prepare for hard work and emotional strain.
Feeling unfulfilled in your job? Explore careers that bring purpose and meaning to your life. Discover professions that align with your values and passions. #CareerChange #FindYourPurpose #MeaningfulWorkClick To TweetMilitary Service
Service to one’s country has a long tradition of providing purpose to people’s lives. Those who choose to serve are traditionally selfless individuals willing to offer their blood, sweat, and tears for the greater good of their nation. Today, the military enjoys the same status, but things have evolved.
Modern militaries offer much more than the opportunity to serve. They offer extensive training that applies to both combat arms as well as a variety of support roles. Going into the military allows you to choose whether you want to be on the front lines, or in the rear. Both of these are equally important and connected at the most fundamental levels.
In the words of Army General John J. Pershing: “Infantry wins battles, but logistics win wars”. There are numerous jobs in the military that can give you purpose in life, as well as good training that will serve you when you retire from the service.
Are you looking for the latest information to open the door to the career of your dreams? Opportunities in Military Careers covers a range of jobs in this sector, from those that require high school and trade school to associate, four-year, and graduate degrees.
HVAC Technician
The first two picks on our list are what you’d call conventional as far as finding purpose in life goes. It’s important to understand that different people draw inspiration and purpose from different things. To some, it’s military service, but to others, it’s blue-collar work. A career in HVAC is becoming one of the most popular choices for people looking for hands-on work. Not only is HVAC work paid well, but you’re actually offering a valuable service to your community. No industrial complex, office space, or factory can work without HVAC. Becoming an HVAC technician requires apprenticeship and on-the-job training that will be enough to get you started.
One thing many appreciate about the HVAC field is the fact that it is constantly evolving. You’ll rarely have idle days, that’s for sure.
At Your Best as an HVAC/R Tech is your playbook for learning if a career as an electrician is right for you, progressing from pre-apprentice to journeyman to master technician, and launching your own small business.
Becoming an Educator
We live in a world where education is key and the only thing that can help our society move forward. Becoming an educator means dedicating your career to teaching others. There are few professions that are more fulfilling and purposeful than that. The good thing about education is that it’s so diverse. You can be anything from an elementary school teacher to an instructor in a very specific niche. It’s up to you. Both of these options will give you the joy of imprinting your knowledge onto others.
Whether you already are a Damn Good Teacher or are hoping to be, this book is a fun one. From the very start, you sense that the professional advice and encouragement here is down-to-earth.
Law Enforcement
The mutual societal agreements we call laws are the foundation of modern societies. However, while most of us agree to obey these agreements, there are those who don’t. Law enforcement is a career field that requires a special kind of mindset. Law enforcement officers handle all kinds of cases, ranging from tracking down violent criminals to uncovering white-collar crime.
Much like the military, law enforcement is a very diverse industry. There are numerous verticals and growth paths at every instance, starting from the local, to municipal, state, and federal levels. What most LEOs share is the joy and purpose they find in catching criminals. Although there are places like Portland where law enforcement jobs are paid way above the national level, most LEOs aren’t getting nearly the kind of compensation they deserve. This is a risky career field, but a highly rewarding one.
Careers in Law Enforcement is a valuable resource for students considering a career in the criminal justice field, specifically in policing.
Engineering
Those who are attracted to sciences, but want a more hands-on career, should consider engineering. Mechanical, electrical, civil, industrial, or any other kind of engineering is all about figuring out how things work and then using that knowledge to solve complex issues. We use the results of successful engineering every day. From cars to planes, phones, and computers – all of it is courtesy of engineering.
Becoming an engineer takes formal training and education. Depending on the field you’re looking to get into, the education part can last for more than 4 years. That being said, it’s never too late to become an engineer. In fact, it’s one of the popular choices for those who have decided to switch careers.
The most comprehensive career book series available, Opportunities in Engineering Careers is a wonderful guide.
Seeking Purpose through Work
Finding purpose and meaning in your work is an awesome feeling. There’s nothing more rewarding than knowing that your effort has made a difference. Trying to quantify how much purpose you can draw from a specific profession is borderline impossible.
Finding purpose in life is an individual quest. The jobs we’ve mentioned above are just some of the more popular options out there. Each and every one of us has a calling – a calling only we can recognize. Some of us are lucky enough to find it early in life while others spend decades searching for it. Either way, you’ll know it when you see it.
The moment you find a career that gives your life true meaning and purpose, you won’t work another day in your life. We hope that this short guide has at least given you some ideas on where to begin your search!
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