Jobs that give satisfaction and self worth?

Legacy_user

I'm not going to harp on about the pitfalls of my job, I just want to know what sort of jobs are there out there that make you feel like what your doing really matters or is worthwhile? I think its an area I would like to get into, something like the work you do volunteering only I would need to get paid, min wage would be fine.

dmg24

Most jobs can be fulfilling, it is what you make of the opportunities you are given. Although I have worked in a relatively senior role in the NHS, I would say that I got a greater sense of achievement and self worth whilst working in call centres, as I was actually helping people.

jackieb

I'm a support worker with people who have learning difficulties. They all live in their own homes and you can make a difference to them. It's lovely when they ask when you're coming in again.

The pay's not a lot but it's more than minimum wage.

torikate

I work as a carer for the elderly and disabled. I adore my job, better than any other job I've ever had!! Although as Jackieb says money and hours aren't great but I get more joy from knowing I've helped someone to be as independant as possible than any amount of money. Why not look at something you're interested in first? Write and ask for a few weeks work experience to see if the job suits you. Good luck!
Tori xXx

System

well the way I see it is, I am never gonna earn big bucks, so may as well do something worthwhile.

PinkMascara

if you like animals rspca etc hire its not much but you feel you're making a difference

Savvy_Sue

The only job where I didn't feel what I did really mattered was working for the Cleansing Department of a local authority, who should remain nameless.

I was one of two new members of staff recruited because we were supposed to be needed once various systems were more locally computerised - we had electric typewriters within the office but mostly worked from A3 concertina printouts which were centrally produced, if anyone else remembers THOSE days!

However, whoever was meant to be giving us this new work was always too busy to do so, and I was soooo bored that one day I was reduced to re-punching all the holes in the accident reports and filing them more tidily.

That's not to say I didn't learn anything that day. Never Argue with a Bin Lorry, the Bin Lorry Always Wins.

Apart from that 9 month interlude, I've always managed to put enough in to get plenty out, IYSWIM. I've worked in universities, local authorities, a housing association and charities, if that helps.

piggeh

It depends what makes you tick. If it were me I'd probably like to work with animals but others probably get more fulfillment from working with the disabled/elderly/children/NEETs or whatever. I saw a job last year training guide dogs and paid £25,000 per year. That would be an absolutely amazing job personally speaking though you need to think what gives you enjoyment or satisfaction generally.

Rueben_2

I would say teaching, because when it goes well it's a brilliant job. The flipside is that when it doesn't go well it can be despairing. You also have to work very long hours (tempered somewhat by the holidays).

You get out of it what you put in and no two days are ever the same.

wontfallforit

nirelandguy wrote: »

I'm not going to harp on about the pitfalls of my job, I just want to know what sort of jobs are there out there that make you feel like what your doing really matters or is worthwhile? I think its an area I would like to get into, something like the work you do volunteering only I would need to get paid, min wage would be fine.

It's different strokes for different folks, and totally depends what you're into, what makes you tick, etc. What are you into?

It's easy to think of the caring/people-oriented professions as 'worthwhile' (even if not particularly enjoyable sometimes!), but you have to "think outside the box" (I hate that phrase).

I don't work in a particularly 'helpful' job, and it has no element of altruism whatsoever, but I still find it worthwhile (for me! ).

Savvy_Sue

Actually there's a part of me which thinks that if the OP worked on his own self-worth, life in general might perk up, IYSWIM. Even in the job where I was bored and had nothing to do, I didn't doubt that if they only gave me the work I'd do a good job. I don't rely on my job to give me self-worth, I KNOW I'm OK, and that helps on the days when the job isn't going so well ...