Do you feel you improve people's life through your work?

[Anonymous]

I used to want to work in policy to " change the world." I really thought that I could make a difference. Now I am older and much more cynical. It seems that nothing gets done and politics always trumps. I am thinking about more direct ways to help people -- teacher maybe? I am looking for ideas, especially with respect to children, but would love to hear from anyone who feels this way from their job. Thanks for some inspiration!

[Anonymous]

I improve my family's life. That's enough for me.

[Anonymous]

HAHAHA. No, I certainly don't. I work for one of those professional associations that thinks it matters, but it doesn't.

If a career change isn't possible, you could become a child advocate. Are you convenient to PG County? I was thinking about doing this a couple years ago, but life got in the way (not an excuse). I'm sure other counties in this area offer something similar.

http://pgcasa.org/programs/child_advocacy

[Anonymous]

No, not in my work. I am also in policy. When I worked in government I did feel like I was making things better for people. Now in private sector, no way.
I use my knowledge to help people individually outside of work. In my dreams I'd win the lottery and be able to do it full-time.

[Anonymous]

I am an oncology nurse. so, yes, I feel I make a difference every day. It's not for everyone, but it is a fulfilling career.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I improve my family's life. That's enough for me.

I was coming in to say this too. I improve my own life mentally by getting out, going to the office, feeling like I'm a part of something bigger than myself (the office), and doing a good job.

I improve my family's life by bringing in more $$$.

I improve my daughter's life b/c she sees a happy mom going to work and being a part of society. Work = a man's world in her mind. Work = what adults do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I improve my family's life. That's enough for me.

I was coming in to say this too. I improve my own life mentally by getting out, going to the office, feeling like I'm a part of something bigger than myself (the office), and doing a good job.

I improve my family's life by bringing in more $$$.

I improve my daughter's life b/c she sees a happy mom going to work and being a part of society. Work does not = a man's world in her mind. Work = what adults do.

See correction above, pls.

[Anonymous]

OP here, thanks for the helpful replies!

And a plea, can this thread please not turn into the SAHM vs WOHM debate? That doesn't advance anyone's thinking even when relevant to the question. Both are great and each family has to choose what works for them.

Here it's not relevant. I am only inquiring about WOHM jobs, in case it was unclear.

[Anonymous]

Funny you mentioned a career change to teacher. When I saw the thread title, I clicked on it specifically to write that I certainly felt like I made a difference back when I was a high school teacher, before I went back to grad school for a policy degree!

I felt like being a teacher was a very powerful role to play in young people's lives. I had been a smart, well-behaved, eager student and expected that I would really connect with kids like that. To my surprise, I found instead that I loved working with difficult teenagers, and I know I made a real impact in their lives. It was so satisfying because they, especially, needed someone positive in their lives and if you were that person, they would just suck up whatever you had to offer: time, attention, knowledge, advice, wisdom, etc. There is great, great responsibility in that. And it is exhausting, usually in a good way. As a teacher you can really change people's lives, but you have to be willing to put your heart on the table and a lot of energy into the job.

After I left for grad school, I got letters for years from former students. I don't know if I'll ever do anything so satisfying again.

[Anonymous]

I think my job does matter and makes a difference. But back when I had one that didn't, I made sure to find other ways to give back via volunteering.

I don't think your job has to be one that changes the world. You can do that outside of work.

But I do believe you have to more than improve your own family and be a cog somewhere in your life otherwise, what's the point of being here ?

[Anonymous]

I think a lot about this because I always imagined a career in public service and have found myself firmly rooted in the private sector. I have started to look for volunteer opportunities and other avenues of community involvement to have a more direct impact on people. However, since I started working for quite a large organization, I do feel that my work improves people's lives - not through the work itself, but by contributing to the ongoing operations of such a huge employer. I may be a cog in the machinery, but if this particular piece of machinery were to break, that would be a huge loss of jobs to the economy.

[Anonymous]

9:59, so what is your job that helps others?

10:00, thanks for your reply but I am looking for more direct helping.

And, I can and do volunteer but am considering a job change and want to do meaningful to society work at work, too.

To h.s. teacher, how wonderful that you made such a difference!

To oncology nurse, you definitely help people! I don't think I am willing to do that much additional schooling, though.

[Anonymous]

I do but it sometimes feels distant. I manage and implement international health programs - a lot of my day is spent reading and writing reports, reviewing budgets, dealing with the donor, etc, etc but when I travel to the programs that we are implementing I can see directly the impact the work is having and that sustains me through the drudgery of the other stuff.

[Anonymous]

9:59 here. I changed careers and now teach at a community college. I teach mostly developmental classes, so I feel I am helping students who struggle or who were failed at some point.

Given the population at my school, my job is way more than grading, though. Many of my students are at risk, especially the immigrants who are going to school and supporting a family. I have spent many hours tutoring for free, guiding them to legal resources, learning their stories.

Many of their stories have led me to active outreach and volunteer opportunities.

For me, most importantly, I work with veterans. Many of them have come back with PTSD and TBIs, and VA resources on campus are not so good. So there is a whole range of things, I do there.

But again, I don't think you have to change careers to feel better about your give back. My family and I have carved out time every week for volunteer work. It's just part of our schedule. Helps my husband feels better, who really is just a money making machine.But then we donate a lot of money too, so that helps, as well.

Sorry if this was way tl;dr.

[Anonymous]

" things, I do there." and "Helps my husband feels better," Oops. Fall resolution: proofread on my phone!