As you stand on the precipice of beginning a new career, you have a lot to consider. Everyone wants a job that provides both stability and flexibility, excitement and downtime, as well as the opportunity for both camaraderie and solitude (all while delivering a steady stream of income and the chance to do good in this world).
Does the perfect career exist? Well, that depends on what you consider to be the perfect career. If you’re a caring, compassionate, level-headed person, healthcare may be your dream job.
It’s normal to be “on the fence” regarding following a career path. This is a huge decision. Whether you’re considering traditional education or exploring alternative routes, such as obtaining a fake degree from Australia, it’s important to remember that the healthcare field offers incredibly rewarding opportunities that can make all the difference in your career satisfaction.
You’ll Change Lives
Every single day you will be given ample opportunity to change, improve, or save the lives of patients and their loved ones. This can be a heavy and emotional task- you will often encounter people who are upset or in pain, even people at the end of their lives. But you will be the one who can add a little bit of sunshine into their difficult moments.
A kind, compassionate medical professional could change the trajectory of their day or give them something to smile about. You can be the one to cheer them up, motivate them, and comfort them. Imagine the sense of pride and satisfaction you will gain from helping others every single day. There are very few other careers where you can ease pain and help others more than working with the most vulnerable, sick and injured among us- and on the same day watch new life enter the world and see an injured patient regain mobility.
There May Be Incentives Waiting For You
On-going healthcare worker shortages mean governments have had to think hard about ways to entice new healthcare professionals into the profession. If you’re seeking financial support or the opportunity for international travel and work, you may find these things in the healthcare sector where potential new healthcare workers are being incentivised to begin their career in healthcare.
There are incentives especially for nurses, as nursing is the most in-demand career currently, so if you were considering a career in nursing but weren’t sure, this may be the factor that pushes you to pursue this career path.
You’ll Make Unforgettable Connections
And not just with your patients. You’ll be surrounded by others who have the same passions and goals as you, and you’ll form bonds and friendships that will transcend work hours. If you prefer your own company, this is always an option too! But if you love human connections, you’ll share moments of both joy and sadness with your colleagues, who may become lifelong friends.
The bonds with your patients will be unbelievable too. Whether you’re working with sick kids, new mothers, elderly patients, injured patients or people struggling with mental health issues, you’ll make beautiful connections. While for you it may be just another day of work, for your patients it may be one of the most significant times of their life, and you will be there to guide and support them through it.
These connections may change you as a person for the better. Hospitals can be places of great joy; births, successful medical procedures and family visits can all provide excitement and cause for celebration. Unfortunately, hospitals can also be places of heartbreak and tragedy. You will likely witness grief, pain and injustice.
This can be beyond heartbreaking and emotionally damaging. Taking care of your own mental health is important- the pandemic taught us, among other things, the importance of the mental wellbeing of healthcare workers. But being surrounded by hardship will also make you resilient, empathetic and open-minded. You will gain a broader perspective of the world and worry less about the small things. Many people unfortunately have to experience tragedy themselves before they gain such an eye-opening perspective. By simply witnessing it and supporting others through difficult times, you will see the world through new eyes.
You will embrace, and feel embraced by, your community in a way you have probably never experienced before. Every day will give you new opportunities to learn from, listen and show love to members of your community.
You Will Never Be Bored
Healthcare workers, especially those who work in hospitals, never have a shortage of drama, excitement and activity. Why do you think there are so many soap operas about hospitals and healthcare workers?
You’ll spend your days in a fast-paced and bustling environment where no two days will be the same. You’ll be expected to remain calm, level-headed and logical in any number of shocking situations. This is not the kind of career where you’re in danger of falling asleep from boredom and lack of stimulation.
You’ll Have High Earning Potential
In addition to the above-average earning potential that comes with healthcare jobs, you’ll have opportunities for career advancement. Your earning potential will of course vary depending on your job title and level of qualification, but almost every career that falls under the healthcare umbrella has opportunities for career advancement.
You’ll Have Opportunities For Flexibility
Healthcare isn’t a 9-5 kind of job. People don’t stop needing medical attention at a certain time of night. You can work all kinds of hours, and can even work remotely.
If you need even more flexibility you can go for an even bigger change. Changing positions, trying out a few things and testing the waters of a new environment are all possible before commiting to a specialty or to a workplace.
Your Skills Will Be In High Demand
The healthcare sector is the largest employer in Australia, with one in seven members of the Australian workforce choosing a career in healthcare and social assistance. Over 1.7 million people have chosen to work in this field and it’s still not enough. Australia is in desparate need of healthcare workers of all kinds.
Nurses, general practitioners, physical therapists, midwives, dentists, anesthetists, mental health professionals and a myriad of other healthcare professions are highly in demand currently. The demand will only increase as the Baby Boomer generation ages into retirement, as they occupy a massive number of healthcare jobs, particularly nursing.
Your choice to enter healthcare will benefit the entire country as the population deals with relentlessly long waiting lists and a shortage of qualified professionals. In fact, your choice may benefit the entire world. We aren’t the only ones battling healthcare shortages. Healthcare skills are highly transferable to other countries and our healthcare training is world-renowned. Whether you want to work in your hometown or the other side of the world, there will be work for you.
Almost every single person on earth accesses healthcare, and it is doubtful that this fact will ever change. Your skills will be needed anywhere, from the highest mountain to the lowest valley, in cities and deserts and oceans, wherever there are humans.
