There are certain career paths you can choose, that perhaps you never thought of following, that will allow you to really make a positive impact on the lives of others around the planet. And this selfless giving and compassion towards others could be just what you need to transform your career into one that inspires you and motivates you every day to get out there.

If you’re tired of sitting at a desk job or working for a corporate giant with questionable ethics, continue reading for a list of five careers you can switch to if you want to have a more positive role in the world.

Human Rights Advocacy

Working for people in need is a great way to feel empowered, challenged, and fulfilled. You can help victims of abuse, the impoverished, or the population on a whole by imploring the government to maintain equal rights for all individuals. With so many fields you can enter in the realm of human rights advocacy, you’re sure to find a cause that speaks to your heart and that really motivates you every day to fight the good fight for people at home or abroad.

Saving Animals

Have you always loved animals and dreamed of a career that would allow you to work with them every day? With so many careers in animal care, wildlife preservation, rehabilitation, sheltering, and more, you can find a position doing what you love at last and save the lives of other species that you hold dear. Whether you want to work behind a computer coming up with compelling marketing materials or you want to work hands-on in rescue, following this path is tough but extremely fulfilling.

Counseling

A good counselor is sometimes all that a person needs to get his or her life back on track. Whether you decide to pursue a counseling career in which you can help abused teens, individuals who are addicted to drugs and alcohol, or even couples who are trying to keep their marriage together, you’ll be able to work directly with people and give them the advice and insight they need to be inspired enough to change their ways and make themselves happier.

An Educator

Education is a field that a lot of people get into because they want to be able to make the future a brighter one for young people, from very young children to adults. Never feel like you need to force yourself to work in a traditional school environment, as educators can also work in museums, special education schools, and even hospitals.

Spiritual Leadership

If you’re someone who has a strong faith in whatever religion or spiritual path you follow, consider a career in which you can help others realize how important it is to believe in something that gives them hope and a healthy perspective on life. You can join a seminary with doctoral program, work with underprivileged youth in a religious after-school program, or even become a teacher of yogic philosophy. All of these paths are about bringing people together and inspiring them to better themselves.

Emily Greaves is a writer who loves her job because it gives her the freedom to write about topics that are important to her. If she could have any other job, it would involve saving animals in some capacity. She encourages everyone she knows to follow their hearts when choosing a career.