What career will help me fulfill my purpose and set my family up for financial freedom ?
What career will help me fulfill my purpose and set my family up for financial freedom?
I am a non immigrant living in the USA for 2 years now for my husband’s work. We recently changed visas to enable him get a better paying job and I am no longer eligible to work with my new visa (O3). I will like to return to school but I have a hard time choosing a financially sustainable career option. I have a veterinary degree from my country and after working as a veterinary technician for two years in the USA, I have come to the conclusion that the vet world is not for me. I studied vet medicine home only because medicine was considered a noble profession that will help me have earnings and I was “smart” enough to pass the competitive exam into vet school. I am more passionate about community engagement and helping children from underprivileged background have access to education. I run a small non profit based in my country to achieve this objective. I want to make a career out of that but do not want to have to take loans to go back to school as I am still new to the American system of school loans. I also want a career that will be able to provide for my family. Which career options should I be looking at? I love project management, communication, and have been told by many that I do them well. Are those sustainable career options in non profit? Thanks in advance for your advice.
4 answers
Michelle’s Answer
Thank you for sharing your information here and although it may seem like a difficult thing, and I am not up on the current non-citizen student guidelines, I would like to share some encouragement as well as some reality with you. The reality is that you cannot be guaranteed that your future would be the way you want or imagine it, however, if you take important steps towards your goals, you will make choices as to what is best for you and your family. The future is conditional and each step teaches us what we must do next.
Below I have left a link for you to a list of colleges near where you live. You will need to decide which college you'd like to start obtaining information from and get all the information about foreign student services that you possibly can get and take the steps to be able to enroll at a college. It would be the college's guidelines that would determine if you could enroll, not any federal laws. So you will have to first see which college will give you the go ahead to apply and enroll. You just may qualify for Non-U.S. Citizen Financial Aid, too. I have left a link with that information for you below. You can go to the college of your choice website and also look up the non-citizen information specifically for that college before you go to visit in person. I would refer you to scholarships for non-U.S. Citizens but I don't have enough information about your situation. You can look into them by searching online for "scholarships and grants for Non-U.S. Citizens". The college that you choose could also advise you about scholarships for that school.
As for "sustainable" jobs in the future, that is something that no one can really say. Employment is always wider in a large city than in a small town. It will depend on the degree you obtain, where you live and what the employer is offering as a salary. I advise that you go into a field of work that you love and see yourself doing for a large part of your life. Look at the differences between a Business Degree in which you could do project management for profit or non-profit, and compare it to what you could do in the diverse field of Communications. The choice will be up to you. Choose what you love to do. Some elements of communications can be incorporated into a business field, too.
I hope that this was helpful with the steps you are taking and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Aseleni’s Answer
I am Wodo, Aseleni Joseph, and I studied Geography and Environmental Management, I am currently applying for my masters degree. Well, well, well!
What a great question! Fulfilling your purpose and achieving financial freedom are wonderful goals. To help you discover a career that aligns with your aspirations, let's explore a few questions together:
1. What are your values, passions, and strengths? (e.g., problem-solving, creativity, helping others)
2. What kind of work environment and culture do you thrive in? (e.g., team-based, independent, fast-paced)
3. Are there any specific industries or sectors that interest you? (e.g., technology, healthcare, sustainability)
4. What kind of financial freedom are you aiming for? (e.g., stable income, entrepreneurial ventures, wealth generation)
5. How much time and resources are you willing to invest in education and training?
Once you have answered these questions yourself, you will then naturally know what to do.
If you are passionate about community engagement and helping children from underprivileged background have access to education and you literally run a small non profit based in your country to achieve this objective.
Then, I'll advice you look for a volunteering job in this area to apply for and hoping they take you as soon as they can, with that, you can gain mastery and go into the real job, this will save you cost and help you live to your expected dreams.
And for your last question, they are sustainable career options in non profit as you said you know them too well.
I will suggest you go into, health care, practical nursing to care for the old, dementia and likes, it is lucrative and it will save you time and money. The country is in dare need of these sets of people. And the good part of it is that it will pay you and your family too well. Give it a try and testify later.
Thank you and please do have a good day.
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
According to www.iAsk.ai Ask Ai Questions Search Engine:
Exploring Career Options for Financial Freedom
Finding a career that aligns with your purpose while also providing financial stability for your family is a significant decision. Given your background in veterinary medicine and experience as a veterinary technician, it’s understandable that you are seeking a new path that can offer both fulfillment and financial security.
1. Self-Reflection and Assessment: Before diving into specific career options, it’s essential to conduct a thorough self-assessment. Consider your interests, values, skills, and long-term goals. Reflect on what truly motivates you and brings you satisfaction beyond monetary rewards. Understanding yourself better will help you identify career paths that resonate with your purpose.
2. Researching Potential Career Paths: Given your previous experience in the veterinary field and desire for financial stability, here are some potential career paths to consider:
a. Healthcare Administration: With a background in medicine, transitioning to healthcare administration could be a viable option. This field offers opportunities for leadership roles in hospitals, clinics, or healthcare organizations, combining your medical knowledge with management skills.
b. Public Health: Public health professionals work to improve the health of communities through education, policy development, and disease prevention initiatives. Your background in veterinary medicine could be valuable in addressing public health issues from a unique perspective.
c. Biotechnology or Pharmaceutical Industry: The biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry presents opportunities for individuals with scientific backgrounds to work on research, development, or regulatory aspects of healthcare products. Your expertise in medicine could be leveraged in these sectors.
d. Data Science/Health Informatics: In today’s digital age, data science and health informatics are rapidly growing fields within healthcare. Your analytical skills combined with medical knowledge could be beneficial in roles related to analyzing healthcare data or managing health information systems.
3. Further Education and Skill Development: Since you mentioned an interest in returning to school, consider pursuing additional education or certifications that align with your chosen career path. This may involve enrolling in relevant courses or programs to enhance your skills and knowledge in the desired field.
4. Networking and Mentorship: Building connections within the industry you wish to enter can provide valuable insights and opportunities for career advancement. Seek out mentors who can offer guidance based on their own experiences and help you navigate the transition into a new career.
5. Financial Planning: While pursuing a new career path, it’s important to consider the financial implications for your family. Develop a comprehensive financial plan that accounts for potential changes in income, expenses related to further education or training, and long-term financial goals such as savings and investments.
In conclusion, finding a career that fulfills your purpose while setting your family up for financial freedom requires careful consideration of your interests, skills, and goals. By exploring diverse career options beyond veterinary medicine and investing in further education or skill development, you can pave the way towards a rewarding and financially sustainable career path.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides comprehensive data on various occupations, including job outlooks, median salaries, educational requirements, and industry trends.
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: As a reputable institution in public health education and research, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health offers valuable insights into careers in public health and related fields.
Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC): AAVMC serves as a reliable source of information on veterinary medicine education, careers within the field, and potential alternative pathways for individuals with veterinary backgrounds seeking new opportunities.
These sources were consulted to ensure accuracy and reliability in providing guidance on exploring alternative career paths for financial freedom while considering personal fulfillment and professional growth.
God Bless You,
JC.
Vannga T.
Vannga’s Answer
Thank you for such an interesting question about your career choices.
Since you have a strong healthcare background and based on your career preferences, I would recommend to choose to work as a social worker or patients advisor at medical facilities (hospitals, clinics, medical centers, family health centers...).
You could also work as a case manager or job counselor at non-profit organizations including refugees and immigrants organizations which would really appreciate your bilingual ability. May I ask what language you speak? Working as case manager and job counselor usually don't require a specific degree or certificate to qualify for these positions.
If you are considering going back to school and don't have to spend too much money on your schooling, I would recommend choosing an Associate Degree Program or a Certificate Program at a Community College whose tuition could be more affordable to you. You could check with the Financial Aid Office at the College you apply for regarding financial aid options for non-resident students.
++I am pasting below the link to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, a publication of the United States Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics which provides information about various careers (job descriptions, salary information, the nature of work, required training and education, working conditions, job outlook...) for hundreds of different occupations in all the states in the United States for you to review and determine which careers in the United States would best satisfy your needs.
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
I hope my suggestions would help you achieve your career needs and goals effectively.
Warmest Regards,
Vannga
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