What You Can Do to Feel Like You’re Making a Difference Within Your Career?

So, you’ve decided that you want your career to be more than just a way to pay the bills. You want to make a difference in the world. That’s honestly truly fantastic! If you think about it, there’s this adventurous mindset that you have about it, and you have about making a difference. 

Honestly, what’s there not to love about that? Whether you’re just starting out or considering a career change, finding a path that aligns with your desire to create positive change can be incredibly rewarding. But honestly, a lot of people want to make a difference in the world, but how exactly can you do about that? Well, let’s dive into some ways you can turn that passion into action and find a career that truly makes a difference.

Photo by David Iskander on Unsplash

Start with Your Passions

Alright, so here are the first things to think about. So, what you’re passionate about? What issues or causes get you fired up? Is it the environment, social justice, healthcare, education, or something else entirely? Understanding what drives you is the first step toward finding a career that will keep you motivated and satisfied.

For example, if you’re passionate about the environment, you might explore careers in renewable energy, conservation, or environmental advocacy. If social justice is your thing, consider roles in non-profits, community organizing, or public policy. The key is to find that sweet spot where your skills and interests intersect with a cause that matters to you.

You Need to Educate Yourself

Once you’ve identified your passions, it’s time to educate yourself. So, next, you’re going to want to research the fields you’re interested in and find out what qualifications you need. This might mean going back to school, taking online courses, or gaining some hands-on experience through volunteering or internships. Sometimes, what you learn might be able to spill over into your current career.

 For example, if you work at an office and you take safety courses, you could eventually become a safety officer. Just think of it this way: the more you know about your chosen field, the better equipped you will be to make a meaningful impact.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to people who are already working in the area you’re interested in. Plus, networking can provide valuable insights and potentially open doors to opportunities you might not have found on your own. But you should also look into, talking to people who are passionate about the same issues can be incredibly inspiring and motivating.

Saving Lives

All right, not every single career can guarantee that, and even careers that might be known for that (like firefighters) don’t immediately guarantee it either. But of course, with that all in mind, one of the most direct ways to make a difference is to get involved in saving lives. For the most part, careers in healthcare are a prime example. Becoming a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional allows you to have a tangible impact on people’s lives every day. But you don’t have to spend years in medical school to make a difference in this field.

But maybe you already have a fulfilling career. Maybe you have zero interest in going into years of schooling to be a doctor or a nurse. Well, in that case, you could look into EMT training; on top of that, you get to learn CPR training, so even outside your career (so daily life), you might be able to use this. EMTs are known for providing essential care before patients reach the hospital, and honestly, this role is pretty vital and can make a significant difference in your community. Plus, these skills are incredibly empowering to have, even if you don’t end up using them every day.

Embrace Technology

Alright, now this one sounds so incredibly generic just reading the heading, right? Well, think of it this way: technology is always changing, and it’s becoming more and more accessible to everyone. So, if you love tech (depending on what it is), you could use this to your advantage and help others. So here’s a nice example: careers in tech for social good are on the rise, with roles ranging from developing apps for non-profits to working on cutting-edge projects that address global challenges.

So, why not think about how you can use technology to solve problems? Here’s a great example: if you’re really good with coding (and whatever else needs to be involved), you could then look into creating an app that helps connect volunteers with local charities or developing software that assists in disaster response efforts. 

Now, this is just merely an example, but technically, even volunteering online could work, too. But overall, the tech world is vast, and there’s plenty of room for innovation that can lead to real, positive change.

Education and Advocacy

If you have a passion for teaching or even a knack for persuasive communication, consider a career in education or advocacy. Actually, here’s the thing, it’s probably likely that you won’t even have to change your current career. Nowadays, thanks to social media (yes, LinkedIn included), it’s way easier to just be able to make a difference and help others solely online- this could be include your industry.

Again, this can be in your career, but educators, even within your industry, have the power to shape the minds of future generations, instilling values and knowledge that can lead to a more equitable and informed society. Advocacy, on the other hand, involves speaking up for causes you believe in. This could be through working for non-profits, becoming a lobbyist, or even starting your own campaign.

Why Not Start Your Own Business?

Why not use those skills you developed within your career? Seriosuly, don’t overlook the potential to make a difference in the business world. Social entrepreneurship is all about creating businesses that prioritize social impact alongside profit. If you have a head for business and a heart for social good, this could be the perfect path for you.

If you’re running a business, you can tackle a wide range of issues, from providing clean water to developing countries to creating job opportunities for marginalized communities. Seriosuly, just by aligning your business goals with your values, you can create a company that not only thrives financially but also contributes positively to society.

Hope you discovered actionable tips and strategies to enhance your career impact.

Lots of love

xoxo