6 Respected Careers That Let You Serve Low-Income Communities

Your heart tells you to help others, but your wallet says you need to make money. Luckily, if you choose the right career, you can do both. Sometimes, it seems like lucrative jobs don't give you a chance to help low-income communities, but the following five careers are fulfilling.

1. Lawyer

You could get into law and provide pro bono work to folks who need the help. Now, you probably won't be able to do this for every client that needs your help, but if you do it sometimes, you'll feel good about your career. People in low-income communities need help in many areas of expertise like family law, criminal law, worker's comp, and personal injury law, just to name a few. The support you're able to provide to people in need will fulfill your career as a lawyer in ways other cases won't.

2. Dentist

Smiles are for everyone, including folks in low-income communities. Sadly, many go without getting the care they need because they don't have the money. Successful dentists have the opportunity to use their fortune to help others. For example, a successful Winnetka dentist could open a second clinic in a low-income area of Chicago. Revenue and staff from the original clinic can help support the other, allowing low-income families to get the oral care they need.

3. Doctor

Every career here makes the heart soar because you're helping others, and these people need your help. This is the reason doctors need to make their way to those in need. There are many ways doctors can offer their services to the less fortunate. For example, they are opening up a clinic in low-income areas. A doctor could even reserve a day for folks who don't have insurance or are underinsured, so it doesn't disturb his or her paying clientele.

4. Psychologist

Mental health is vital in every community, yet low-income communities don't always have access to this type of care unless someone like you comes along. Access is sometimes one of the most significant barriers between you and low-income families, but there are a few things you could do. Thanks to technology, you could try telehealth or just communicate with your patients on the phone. You could establish a practice near a public transportation stop so that folks can get to you even if they don't have a car. The time you dedicate to these families will be priceless and helpful.

5. Teacher

A teacher's job could be lucrative, especially if you stick to highly-rated private schools, but these schools do not usually focus on low-income communities. The good thing about the teaching profession is that you have freedom and long breaks that can be used to assist others. You can volunteer in various ways. You can do a night course for adults who are trying to better themselves. You could also offer teaching services online for as many people as you're able to at a discounted rate or even free when possible. You could also volunteer for summer school for kids who need help.

6. Politician

While everyone tends to despise politicians as a whole, most folks have positive things to say about their own elected officials. That's because, generally speaking, local politicians don't survive long if they fail to improve their community or the lives of their constituents. With this in mind, a career in politics is a great option for those who are outspoken, passionate, and eager to solve difficult problems. It also opens doors to other career opportunities, including cabinet posts, public policy think tanks, and special interest groups.

A lucrative career can have a lot of heart if you want it to. The world is a better place when everyone helps others in some way, and that's what you'll find in these careers.