The defining feature of caring careers is an emphasis on the importance of humanity, compassion, and empathy. Caring careers are suitable for those who have the desire to help people. They are not always the most financially lucrative options but they can be the most rewarding for those who are motivated by a sense of compassion.
There may be instances where caring is not a career choice, but nonetheless becomes a full-time occupation by default such as when caring for a disabled relative.
Here are the top careers for caring people.
Nurse
Nursing has long been seen as one of the most caring professions there is. Nurses work closely with their patients to provide care and support, and they can make a profound difference in someone’s life.
Nurses also play an important role within the health team by providing information for doctors and other members of the healthcare team.
There are different types of nurses at different ranks ranging from auxiliary to Matron.
There are disability nurses, where one is a carer for disabled. Veterinary nurses assist veterinarians by providing clinical support to animals in clinics, operating theatres, and emergency areas. Community nurses look after the health of people within their community. And hospital nurses provide general nursing services to surgical and medical patients.
As well as developing personal qualities like empathy, patience, and care, potential nurses will need to complete a degree in nursing. This is typically a three-year course including time spent studying science subjects such as anatomy and physiology, before working with patients in the clinical setting while undertaking practical training. Once one is qualified, they are eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatry is a branch of medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. Psychiatrists work with their patients to understand how they can live well despite their illnesses
Psychiatry is an interesting career for those interested in mental health and science as it bridges the gap between psychology and medicine.
This is because psychiatry requires expertise in medicine (such as pharmacology) in order to prescribe medication, while also requiring knowledge in psychology in order to understand, diagnose and treat mental health conditions
Psychiatry requires at least a six-year degree in medicine after high school. After completing a medical degree, you must complete an internship and residency before being eligible to sit for registration exams with the Australian Medical Council.
For those who can’t face all that studying and enjoy understanding how the mind ticks, there are also routes into becoming a Counsellor.
Human Resources Manager
Every organization needs a person responsible for managing its human resources – or human capital – which is why a career as a human resources manager is always in demand.
In a nutshell, human resources managers deal with all matters related to staff management, from recruitment and selection through to termination. This role requires empathy because one is dealing with people at every level of the organization.
Human resources managers typically need a degree in business or management, often combined with relevant qualifications such as diplomas and membership of professional associations. Australia has several human resources associations including the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI) and the Australian Human Resource Professionals Association (HRPA).
Teacher/Educator
All people who care about imparting knowledge and educating others should consider a career as an educator or teacher. This can range from pre-primary school teachers, educators who work with adults, to secondary school teachers.
Teaching requires a degree in early childhood, primary or secondary education after high school. Once qualified, educators must complete professional studies and meet the requirements for teacher registration.
Vet
A veterinarian is a professional who ensures the health of animals. This path is a great career option for careers because it allows you to combine your love for animals with a passion for science and caring about nature.
To become a veterinarian, one must complete a degree in veterinary science after high school. Vets also require practical experience, including farm work and animal husbandry.
Once qualified, vets must complete internship and residency before applying to sit for registration exams with the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA).
Nanny
Being a nanny makes for a great career and can be very lucrative. A degree isn’t required for becoming a nanny, although it may be useful when caring for multiple children.
You can also take it a step further and become a childcare worker. Childcare work can be very rewarding because it allows you to develop knowledge about childhood development and teach young children important life skills.
Environmental Lawyers
Contrary to popular belief, not all lawyers are power-hungry corporate lawyers. Other kinds of law include environmental law, which is a great career option for people who care.
An environmental lawyer works to protect the environment through legal means. This includes representing companies, governments or community groups in negotiations and court cases that aim to prevent damage to the natural world.
To become an environmental lawyer, you must complete a degree in law after completing high school. Once qualified, lawyers must complete an internship and complete the requirements for admission to practice, such as bar exams and professional examinations.
To illustrate what an environmental lawyer does, let’s say there’s a company that is polluting a waterway with its manufacturing process.
They take them to court, forcing them to pay heavy fines once the court finds them guilty. The fines are then used to take steps to repair the damage to the water and to prevent further damage.
Musician
Being a musician involves channeling your emotions into your music. This is why it’s a top choice for empaths. It can also deeply move people. How often in times of hardship or turmoil can a piece of music touch us to the very core and make us feel someone understands and knows exactly what we are going through?
When becoming a professional musician, one must gain thorough knowledge in musical performance, learn how to play an instrument well enough to perform with others, and (possibly but not always) study music theory.
There are many different kinds of musicians including solo performers, composers, conductors, band members, singers, and songwriters.
Music is always evolving so it’s worth keeping up to date on new techniques and styles of music to stay ahead of the curve.
Conclusion
Having a caring nature can be channeled via multiple outlets. There are not just one or two options out there. We have given you a list of just some of the career choices that may be available to you.
