A
male
age
36-40,
anonymous
writes:Howdy aunts and uncles, love your work by the way :)So basically I've lost my job a couple of weeks ago, wasn't an enjoyable job, just something to pay the bills and now I'm ready to pursue a career in something I'm interested in. Which has led me to ask many questions, primarily... what the hell am I interested in?? I've come to the conclusion that I want to help people... that's a rather broad scope, but since I've been writing on and off this site for years, intrigued with people and their problems I figure that something like counseling, psychology, social work might be an option. I'd be interested in knowing if there are any people working/studying in these or similar fields and their current opinions on their field.Do you enjoy your job/course?Would you recommend it?Any tips?Employment prospects?I'm aware that there are plenty of government websites that help with plenty of stats and descriptions- I'd just like to hear from the people in the trenches :)Thank you so much for your time and I'll be sure to followup with further questions to those who care to share. Have a good one aye! Reply to this Question
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (4 January 2013):
I'm a Mental health nurse, I have a COSCA degree in counselling as well as behavioural therapy.
I enjoy my work, though it is challenging and time consuming I'm not one for coming home and leaving my work at work.. Clients sometimes ring and I have found myself discussing their issues while making my family tea haha . But I wouldn't give it up,for the world..
My clients will say, you think I'm mad.. And I reply show me someone who's normal.. As there is no such thing.. People have issues even ones who hold down good jobs its the way we manage these problems and let them manage us that the difference..
I love humour in this kinda job you have to have tons and I have worked alongside social work too.. In multidisciplinary meetings..
Take your time research what you want to do and good luck
A
female
reader, Aunty BimBim +, writes (4 January 2013):
 While you are considering your options think about volunteering for several organisations who 'help' the community, food banks and crisis lines would be a good start depending on where you are located.
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A
female
reader, Abella  +, writes (4 January 2013):
 One important thing to consider is that with the ageing population in the West that any careers that focus on meeting the needs of the aged population will be a money spinner for the next thirty years.
Demographically in the west the aged population is the biggest chunk. And should still be good for another twenty to thirty years.
Demographically in the Arab world the very young population is the biggest chunk.
Demographically in India and China men far outnumber women. So services that men need - tailors and men's clothing are doing well.
After that generation has passed, in another thirty years, then perhaps areas that focus on young families and children may be worth considering
Also remember if you choose to always work for someone else you will never be as financially successful as you could be if you used your skills to go into business for yourself. Though this second option is more risky.
Counselling would appear to be the biggest growth area. Social work is hard and tough and sometimes very rewarding but other times just very sad when you are working with some people. You will see a lot of tragic situations.
psychology and counselling offer you many options to work with people but also branch out into things like Life Coach and in private practice. That can lead to DVDs and books and media appearances to speak on your specialities (though media is in a minority) but certainly Counselling is becoming very important in the community. If you do counselling also consider learning things like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Never think that some things will NEVER channge. Because they WILL CHANGE. I could tell you that there will always be jobs in the Bereavement area and in the Funeral Indistry and then in 30 years time some advance I cannot even think of could negate that advice. (People vapourised instead of being buried to save land and the air quality re cremations
I could tell you that while 1% of the population all over the world will always contract the illness schizophrenia so there will always be a need to work with those people all over the world that advice could be wrong if someone comes up with a vacine to guard against that cruel illness.
Nothing is certain. But looking at current possibilities there are many people in the world born in the 1942-1960 time period. They exceed other age groups, but will later be eclipsed by young people due to rising birth rates in some parts of the word. As the people born 1942-1960 age they age they are going to require all the things elderly people require. And they are going to need a range of physical, psychological and other support professionals to give them support to ensure quality of life.
One area worth focusing on is languages as languages like Mandarin and Urdu and Farsi are in the ascentdant. While languages like French and Italian are less needed.
As far as your country the nearest country with a huge population is Indonesia so that is a country you should not ignore as a potential big player in your region in the future.
All the education you can get will never do any harm. Never think the day you leave University that you have completed your education. That is wrong. You can try to learn something new every day. And later enroll into professional studies in allied fields. Psychology is a Great start. But there is so much more that you can add to that field later on. Or you can even go out onto another limb and learn a allied but different set of skills to enrich your life and your chances of being more useful to the community in the future.
Hope that helps?
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A
male
reader, Sageoldguy1465 +, writes (4 January 2013):
 Here's how I "helped" people during my career:
I was an Engineer... and worked for companies which made pumps and turbines.... I was a Service Engineer. That meant that people who had problems (of MANY sorts) contacted me and sought my advice.... and I tendered that advice.... and they were happy, and I was content that I could help them....
I actually had a following AROUND THE WORLD... since I had become very expert at the design, manufacture, installation, operation, maintenance and repair of these machines.....
That's one form of "helping" people....
Good luck in your search for a new career....
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