There are plenty of industries where being a sensitive and caring individual will get in the way of your career. That’s an ugly truth, and one that I am loath to even mention, but it is a truth that many people end up learning the hard way in their lives. When you’re the type of person that takes things to heart or becomes emotionally invested in your work, it’s not always easy to watch others not doing the same.
I’m here to tell you that isn’t a weakness. In fact, it’s an admirable quality that would make the world a much better place if more people thought as you do. Still, that’s of little comfort when you find yourself in an occupation that doesn’t prize such values. Instead of fighting your instincts, though, it’s a far better idea to seek out a profession where caring is a strength, not a weakness.
Believe it or not, there is a profession that fits that bill quite nicely, and it’s one that is growing worldwide at a rate that’s often many times that of national employment averages. It’s rewarding and necessary work, and there is a demand for it in every country around the globe – care for the aging.
A Global Demographic Shift
There are few things in this world that are universal, but one of them is that the global population is aging rapidly. By 2050, every part of the world, save Africa, will see more than a quarter of their population aged 60 or above – that’s some 2.1 billion people. That’s leading to an explosion in demand for medical professionals to help care for the multitudes of aging citizens that often need specialized care. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that in the U.S. alone, the job market for home care aides will grow by 41% by 2025, and is likely to grow even faster in the future. That’s going to create jobs for a whole lot of caring people.
A Growing Profession
The global demand for aged care is driving a similar rise in available training programs to prepare the needed workers. Here in the U.S., each state has their own set of requirements and certifications that prospective home care aides need in order to work in the industry. Other developed countries, like Australia, offer vocational training through their TAFE educational initiative. They’ve added a whole range of TAFE aged care courses to prepare their workforce for the future. It is very likely that as the need for these skills in the U.S. continues to grow, similar programs will begin to appear here too. They’ll have to.
The Desire to Help
If you’re a caring individual, there are few professions that will be more rewarding than aged care. It’s a way to have a direct, positive impact on someone else’s life, and it’s a job that you can be proud to do. Don’t get me wrong. It isn’t an easy job, as growing to care for others creates inevitable feelings of loss when they are no longer here. Still, no matter the challenges, it’s a perfect way to make the most out of your natural instinct to care.
You’ll do so with the knowledge that you are valued and are providing assistance to those who otherwise couldn’t navigate their daily lives. Also, you’ll be setting an example for the millions of others like you that will be called into service in this necessary profession for generations to come. That’s the ultimate legacy that you can create, and it’s something that nobody can ever take away from you.