Many adults find themselves in a rut after they've been working in an industry or working a particular job for some time. Some adults choose to stay in their job, some find ways to move up into management positions, and some look into making a career change. This sudden change of heart is often not so sudden, as many individuals are encouraged to work in particular professions because of money and the potential for growth when they graduate high school or college. However, many people who work in business or another industry may have had a different idea of where they'd be working when they were younger. If you're working in a career you don't enjoy and want to find a job where you can work with children, here are some ideas to help you make a decision that could change your life for the better.
Teach Young Minds
If you're looking to work with children in your job, consider becoming a teacher. Teachers are able to work with kids with a range of abilities in a variety of subjects. If you enjoy working with young children, consider becoming an elementary school teacher. If you seek to shape the minds of teens and want to make an impact in the lives of high school students, consider becoming a high school teacher in your strongest subject matter.
In a study completed by the Fraser Institute in 2007, 91% of parents surveyed said that the dedication of the teachers was their main reason for choosing to send their child to a private school. Private and public schools alike attempt to employ teachers who truly want to see their students succeed and who will help them every step of the way. If you want to make a difference in the lives of students by teaching them and guiding their educational and emotional well-being, teaching may be a profession you should consider pursuing.
Ensure Children Are Properly Taken Care Of
While many jobs entail caring for children, social workers often work hand-in-hand with families and other professionals alike to ensure children in a variety of situations are properly taken care of. Social workers can help children in foster care, the adoption process, abusive households, schools, courtrooms, and therapy.
As a profession, social work is centered around service, social justice, integrity, competence, the dignity and worth of a person, and the importance of human relationships. These factors are the six core values of the National Association of Social Workers'(NASW) Code of Ethics. If you want to make a difference in your community and help ensure the safety of children in a variety of circumstances, consider pursuing a career as a social worker<.
Help Children Heal From Injuries
If you're already in the medical field or would like to make a switch to this industry, there are several jobs that can involve working with children. One of these job titles is a physical therapist. Physical therapy involves helping patients with chronic or acute pain or physical impairments from illnesses, trauma, or injuries. Clients that seek physical therapy intervention within the first 2 weeks of a knee, back, or neck injury reduce the need for prescription pain medication, and you can help young children in similar circumstances, too.
Physical therapists can work in hospitals, schools, or private practices. Each of these locations offers opportunities to work exclusively with children or teenagers. While it takes quite a bit of schooling to become a physical therapist, it is definitely a career to ponder if you want to work in the medical field and want to help children in ways that can truly change their lives physically and mentally.
Nurse Kids Back to Health
Another career that can involve working with children in the medical field is nursing. A registered nurse can work in an elementary or high school to treat sick kids. A nurse can also work in a hospital, where they can choose to work in a pediatric wing. Private family practices or pediatric offices are also great places to work for nurses who want to work exclusively with children. Everyone should visit a doctor at least once a year. As a pediatric nurse in a doctor's office, you'd be able to help kids and parents alike with check-ups, diagnoses, and overall care.
Provide Childcare for Working Parents
Another career option involving children that doesn't require a college degree is providing childcare for working parents. This may involve opening and operating your very own daycare either out of your own home or out of a rented building or space. If you're already in the business industry, starting your own company like this may be up your alley. This career change would allow you to work directly with children, provide fun and educational entertainment, hire other adults to help provide care, manage your own business, and set your own hours and rates.
If you're looking to make a rewarding career change into a position that allows you to work exclusively with children, consider going back to school, attaining another degree, or making a major change in order to find a career that suits your interests, passions, and expertise. While it may be difficult to make a major career change as an adult, it may be well worth your time and money to find and pursue a job you will love.
