I want a job where I feel like I'm making a difference, no idea what to do

[makeadifference]

I have a science background and had visions of going into research, but I found lab work too difficult and preferred reading and writing about science. I then got a job working in marketing for a pharmaceutical company which I'm good at, but I'm not enjoying as it feels thankless and relentless and I feel like I'm not doing any good. There's lots of perks and flexibility and I can WFH but I'm utterly bored with it and it's only been a few months. It's the type of thing I'm naturally fairly good at so I adjusted quite quickly and I'm already bored.

I had a brief stint working for the NHS in a laboratory; it was low pay and long hours but I found it rewarding. I would love to be a doctor or nurse or midwife but I'm awful with blood, injuries, germs, etc. I'd love to be a primary school teacher but I hate public speaking.

Does anyone have any suggestions or advice?

If you're prepared to retrain you could go into Biomedical science, lab based but with better pay and as part of the nhs I think you'll feel that you're making a difference.

Forensic science or similar for the police?

Forensic science is a hugely competitive field.

Clinical trials - could be for pharma/CRO, for the NHS as a Clinical Trials Officer or working for one of the clinical research networks.

Speech and language therapist for adults? Can be quite medical, but not gory.

And your definitely make a huge difference

I know a lot of primary school teachers who hate public speaking and refuse point blank to talk in parent assemblies or concerts etc. But it is different with children.

Could you ask about getting some school experience in a primary school to see how you feel about the possibility? We offer that as part of our 'thinking about teaching' pre- recruitment offer.

You can certainly make a difference as a primary teacher.

Why not marketing for a science based charity, or working in research comms at a charity. Or working in research and info at a charity where you're assessing projects and awarding grants?

Do you still work in marketing? NHS trusts have marketing teams, admin, research departments who need research coordinators so you don’t have to be on the frontline if you don’t like blood. That way you are still contributing to making a difference.

Civil Service.

Medical writing or the training side of MedComms? I moved from Marketing to that area and it does feel different to be helping people learn and understand rather than just selling a product.

I would agree with PP - marketing at a science based charity. They'd love you.

Police, Fire Service, Prison Service, Armed Forces.

Try the nhs health careers quiz

You could also consider pastoral roles in schools.

@Mufflette

Medical writing or the training side of MedComms? I moved from Marketing to that area and it does feel different to be helping people learn and understand rather than just selling a product.

I'm actually working in MedComms at the moment. II'm more in the commercial, marketing area of it though. I feel like I'm not being stretched enough even though I'm very junior and new to the field. I have a busy workload and a variety of projects and accounts yet I'm still feeling a bit bored.

I was considering being a Biomedical Scientist, but my degree is not accredited so I would have to go through that process.

I like the idea of being in a similar writing/marketing role but within the NHS or a charity, I've had a look but can't find many opportunities out there at the moment but will keep looking.

What about global health research? Public health research? There are plenty of research opportunities in the big universities, and the work really feels like you’re making a difference.

Don’t recommend becoming a BMS in Biochem or Haem. Unless you enjoy running around fixing machines like a robot monotonously for very little pay and appreciation.

Science communications
Science teaching