Some Ideas for Satisfying Career Changes

People switch jobs for a variety of reasons. Some desire more money, which others feel that a job with higher satisfaction will enhance life in a positive way. Several job opportunities allow you to experience a career full of gratification at the end of the day.

Physical Therapist
Median Pay: $77,990

As a physical therapist, you will have a variety of job opportunities to choose from. The field is in great demand, and will continue to grow as baby boomers continue to enter into the latter end of life. You can find a job specializing in whatever age you want, whether elderly, the general population or in pediatrics.

To enter into the physical therapy, you must go to school and receive a degree in the field. It will be challenging, but the end result is a very gratifying career. As you spend day after day helping people with a variety of conditions, whether simply aiding in the maintenance of health and lifestyle changes or helping someone recover from an injury.

Speech Language Pathologist
Median Pay: $69,880

As a speech language pathologist you will treat people with voice, speech, language and fluency disorders. You will research and keep up-to-date with new alternative communication methods, and teach its use when applicable to a patient. This career path is especially satisfying because it helps people with a basic human need: communication. To enter into this career, you will need to invest the time in a Master’s degree program. Once successful, you can wake up in the morning excited for your gratifying career as a speech language pathologist.

Personal Trainer
Median Pay: $35,920

A personal trainer has the perfect opportunity to turn something you love into a career. For those who workout everyday, a jobs as a personal trainer gives you the opportunity to nurture that same passion in others. Making the transition into a personal trainer position can be as easy as taking a certification course over the weekend, and the beginning a part-time class to gain clients. Once you have a large enough client base you can move into a full time position.

Healthcare Social Worker
Median Pay: $49,200

With a strong healthcare background and a master’s degree, you may find the transition into a healthcare social worker position fairly easy. As a social care worker, you will receive the satisfying experience of aiding groups, individuals, and families with psychosocial support while facing acute, chronic, or terminal illness. You will advise family caregivers, provide counseling and education, and make professional referrals for other services.

Wendy McCaffery was a public relations specialist. She transitioned into a social worker career to seek a jobs that made her feel like she was making a difference. She says, “I felt like I was able to connect with people who were going through a very difficult time. It was tough for a few years, but I’m very pleased with my decision.”