Business

Career options where you can help others

Published

1 year ago

November 28, 2022

sylvia J

Career options where you can help others

Just like change, another constant of life is inequality. Therefore, there will always be people who need help, whether for physical, mental, emotional, social or economic reasons. Fortunately, as a corollary, there will always be people who are willing to offer this help. They are the people who make social work their career. While there are other professionals whose work involves helping others, this blog post will focus more on social work as it is more specific in its approach and its impact on human lives is not merely incidental.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, social work is one of the fastest-growing professions in the US, with a projected growth rate of 12% by the end of the current decade.

However, social work is a blanket term that covers a wide range of career options that people can pursue in different fields of life. This blog post will explore what social work is and what career options are available to people who want to actively pursue a career where they can actively help others.

What is social work, and what do you need for a career in social work?

According to the Social Work License Map, social work is a practice-based profession that promotes social change, development, cohesion, and the empowerment of people and communities. In simpler terms, social work involves making life better for people and bringing groups of people together through development.

Social work is a fulfilling career path to pursue. However, social work can also be emotionally tasking. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that you are suited for social work before pursuing a career in the field. Below are some of the things to consider when choosing a people-focused career.

People skills

To pursue a career where helping others is the main focus, you must have certain non-negotiable skills that will put you in a better position to manage people and achieve results based on your interactions with them. People skills include effective communication skills, empathy, emotional intelligence, active listening skills, collaboration and teamwork skills, persuasion skills, mediation skills, reliability, tolerance, and a non-judgmental attitude.

Technical skills

Many people erroneously assume that the only thing they need for a career that involves helping people is a passion for people and societal development. However, helping people requires that you have some technical skills that can be applied to create change and measure results. Project management, strategic decision-making, problem-solving, business organizational tools proficiency, data analysis, writing and design are technical skills that will come in handy when building a career that involves helping people.

A nexus for your soft and technical skills

Another important consideration for a career in helping people is finding a job that fits your soft and technical skills perfectly and matches your personality and interests. For example, a writer looking to pursue a social work career will, by virtue of their writing experience, have learned the art of effective written communication, which can be a very useful skill to have when pursuing a career in advocacy and civil rights.

Credentials

Once you have decided vaguely on what career pursuits might interest you based on your personality and technical skills, you need to build competence in that specific field and gain credentials. Many people assume that they do not need to subject themselves to any form of institutional learning to help people.

The main difference between a person who wants to help people and volunteers their time and skills to do it and a person who wants to build their career around helping other people achieve their potential and live full lives is that the latter builds competence not just through experience but also through training.

A common credential that most people pursue is a Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited Bachelor of Social Work degree. This degree enables students to develop the core skills necessary to improve relationships, develop solutions and connect with clients on a deeper, more spiritual level.

Different career options where you can help others

Generally, any career path can be infused with social impact such that it becomes a career option where ‘you can help others’. For example, a fashion entrepreneur can create a sustainable project that is aimed at protecting our planet or a project where they donate items from their fashion business to underprivileged members of society. However, the following categories of work are available for people who are looking to create structured establishments and processes for change.

Child care and family support work

Child welfare and family support work involves creating systems to help vulnerable children, youths and families. Childcare and family support workers provide safe spaces and environments for these children and their families using various mechanisms such as counseling, providing monetary support, housing, and other amenities such as gas. They focus on building up the strength of the family. However, in the event that building up the family unit does not work, family support and child welfare workers focus on protecting children from abuse, harm and neglect and finding new ways to support them.

Substance abuse and mental health management

This type of work focuses on helping people with a history of addiction or substance abuse get their lives back together. They assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional or substance abuse problems. They use different mechanisms such as therapy, crisis interventions, client advocacy, prevention campaigns and education.

Working in this space, your role includes collaborating with counselors, physicians or nursing professionals on treatment plans based on their knowledge of the client’s specific situation and needs. They also monitor the progress of each of their clients by conducting timely reviews and assessments. Workers in this space can have any of the following job titles: case manager, clinical social worker, clinical therapist, counselor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), mental health therapist, social worker, and substance abuse counselor.

Clinical health social work

Clinical health social workers are professionally trained to help people deal with personal and social factors that affect their health. They also work in healthcare planning, administration and policy roles. They sometimes engage in research and fieldwork to help drive health awareness, patient education and new policies.

They typically work in clinical environments such as hospitals, mental health clinics, private practice, schools, child welfare and human service agencies. They provide support for people dealing with clinical illnesses that are chronic or terminal and the attendant emotional and mental issues. They also assist students in recovery and help them readjust to life outside of the clinic.

School social work

School social work is an area of social work focused on the psychosocial functioning of students to promote and maintain their health and wellbeing. School social workers provide mental health support, manage behavioral concerns, and provide academic and classroom support.

Their roles cover psychosocial assessment and intervention, student and family counseling, adaptive behavior assessment, recreational therapies, health education, assessing social and developmental histories of students with disabilities, identifying students at risk, integrating community resources into schools, advocacy, case management for identifying students in need of help and promoting systematic change within a school system, crisis intervention and conflict resolution.

Criminal justice and forensics

Criminal justice and forensics social workers work at the intersection of the legal system and social services. They collaborate with law enforcement institutions to advocate for reforms in the criminal justice system and create social systems to support families and individuals within the criminal justice system.

A criminal justice and forensics social worker must be familiar with the legal system and the agencies that enforce and initiate laws and law reforms. They may work on cases that involve domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, custody, juvenile delinquents, substance abuse, trauma, and incapacitation trials.

They also provide advisory and consultation services on policy and law reforms, behavioral science research and analysis, public education, safety assessments, alternative dispute resolution services, expert witness services, and recommendations for criminal and juvenile justice cases in terms of mental status, inability to testify and capacity.

Criminal justice and forensic social workers work in various settings, including correctional facilities, mental health institutions, welfare agencies, and centers for victims of trauma and abuse.

Geriatric social worker

With the increase in the aging population, the need for geriatric social workers has increased significantly. Also known as gerontological social workers, they coordinate the care of older patients in clinical and hospice settings. They act as advocates for patients, making sure that they receive the social, emotional and physical care they need. They serve as bridges between patients, their relatives and healthcare officials.

Civil rights, advocacy and community organization

Community organizers advocate work on a wide range of societal issues. They organize members of the community into groups to advocate for specific issues of interest that may range from health, climate action, gender equality, LGBTQ rights, racism, immigration, etc.

Disaster and crisis management

The anticipated and observed effects of climate change and climate disasters necessitate that more people who are interested in social work begin to look into disaster relief. Disaster relief workers support victims of natural disasters and other traumatic events, such as collapsing buildings, and help them cope afterwards.

Other career paths that social workers can pursue include disability and public welfare, occupational and employee assistance programs, international social work, and many more.

These career paths sometimes overlap, and your work in one role may transcend into other aspects of social work. Whichever career you choose, however, you should ensure that you are putting in your best and helping real people overcome trying times and build back their lives.

Business

Winning With Short Term Personal Loans

Published

2 weeks ago

November 22, 2023

sylvia J

Unveiling the Unorthodox Uses of Short-Term Loans

Short-term personal loans, often visualized as quick fixes for urgent financial crunches, indeed serve this primary purpose. However, their utility extends beyond the common paycheck-to-paycheck relief. Consider a vehicle title loan in Wisconsin, where your car’s title can be used as collateral. Such loans might seem straightforward, but their applications can be as diverse as the borrowers themselves.

The Road Less Traveled: Vehicle Title Loans in Unexpected Scenarios

Imagine a budding artist in Milwaukee, seeking funds not for emergencies, but to seize an opportunity to exhibit their work. Here, a vehicle title loan becomes an unconventional but effective tool to fuel their dreams. It’s a scenario less explored, yet profoundly impactful in the right circumstances.

Short-Term Loans as a Steppingstone to Greater Financial Stability

Often, the narrative around short-term loans is steeped in cautionary tales of debt traps. While this is a valid concern, there’s another side to this story. Short-term loans can be a strategic move towards long-term financial stability when used judiciously. For instance, consider a small business owner leveraging a short-term loan to take advantage of a bulk purchase discount, thus reducing long-term costs.

Navigating the Maze: Understanding the Intricacies of Short-Term Loans

Before diving into the world of short-term loans, it’s crucial to understand their nature. These loans are not just financial stopgaps; they are complex financial instruments. Borrowing against a vehicle title in Wisconsin, for example, requires a deep understanding of the loan terms, interest rates, and the repercussions of non-payment.

The Butterfly Effect: Small Loans, Big Impact

In the realm of short-term loans, the butterfly effect is palpable. A small, well-timed loan can have a significant impact on an individual’s financial trajectory. This can range from covering an unexpected medical bill to keeping a small business afloat during a lean period. The ripple effect of these loans can extend far beyond the immediate financial relief they provide.

Case Study: The Unseen Benefits of Short-Term Loans

Consider the story of a young couple in Green Bay, who used a short-term loan to cover moving expenses for a new job opportunity. This loan, seemingly a burden, was a catalyst for long-term prosperity. They avoided dipping into their savings, thus preserving their financial cushion, and successfully transitioned to a better economic phase of their life.

The Art of Winning with Short-Term Loans

Winning with short-term loans is an art that requires a fine balance. It involves understanding your financial situation, recognizing the potential benefits and pitfalls of these loans, and using them as a tool to bridge gaps or seize opportunities, rather than as a mere crutch for financial woes.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

Short-term personal loans, when navigated wisely, can be more than just financial band-aids. They can be powerful instruments in your financial arsenal, offering solutions that are as diverse as the borrowers who use them. Whether it’s through vehicle title loans in Wisconsin or other forms of short-term borrowing, the key lies in understanding their potential and using them to your advantage. This less-trodden path of utilizing short-term loans can lead to unexpected victories in one’s financial journey.

Business

Sorting Good Money Advice from Bad on the Internet

Published

2 weeks ago

November 20, 2023

sylvia J

Sorting Good Money Advice from Bad on the Internet

In an age in which information is readily accessible at our fingertips, navigating the vast expanse of the internet for valuable financial advice can be a daunting task. Spend some time on TikTok, Reddit, YouTube, or other social platforms, and you’re sure to come across money advice of one stripe or another. While many qualified professionals offer sound financial guidance on their popular channels, there’s also an abundance of dubious “tips” that require scrutiny. In this article, we’ll delve into the art of discerning credible financial wisdom from noise, incorporating unique angles and analogies to shed light on this critical skill.

The Financial Jungle: Where to Begin

Navigating the Financial Wilderness: When it comes to seeking financial advice online, imagine it as entering a dense jungle. The first step is acknowledging that not all paths will lead you to safety. During this digital wilderness, you’ll encounter a variety of voices, including debt consolidation organizations. These entities often offer valuable insights into managing and consolidating debts, which is a crucial aspect of personal finance. It’s essential to recognize and consider their recommendations.

The Rosy Apples and Poisoned Oranges

Discerning Good from Bad: Just like in the jungle, not everything that appears edible is safe to consume. The same applies to financial advice. To distinguish the good from the bad, consider the source’s credibility. Seek advice from professionals with a track record and credentials, rather than self-proclaimed gurus.

A Unique Approach: Let’s step away from conventional thinking for a moment. Picture financial advice as a collection of rare fruits. Some are sweet, offering you nourishment and growth, while others may be exotic and alluring but ultimately lead to disaster. An analogy like this helps us see that while financial advice can come in various forms, it’s the quality, not the novelty, that truly matters.

The Myth of Get-Rich-Quick Schemes

The Alluring Mirage: In the realm of online finance advice, beware of mirages promising instant wealth. Remember that building wealth is a journey, not a sprint. Sound financial guidance emphasizes patience, discipline, and realistic goals. Analogize it to nurturing a plant. It requires consistent care and time to flourish, much like your financial well-being.

Uncommon Case Studies: Learning from Experience

The Value of Real-World Examples: To enhance your financial discernment, seek out unconventional case studies. While conventional examples are valuable, unexplored stories can provide fresh perspectives. Consider the experiences of individuals who overcame unique financial challenges. These tales can offer valuable insights that aren’t commonly discussed.

The Need for Critical Evaluation

Question Everything: In the jungle of financial information, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy skepticism. Even well-intentioned advice may not apply to your specific circumstances. Your financial journey is unique, and one-size-fits-all solutions are often unrealistic. Like a seasoned explorer, you must question every piece of advice you encounter.

Conclusion: Navigating the Financial Maze

As you venture through the labyrinthine expanse of online money advice, remember that discernment is your most valuable tool. Debt consolidation organizations, seasoned professionals, and unconventional case studies all offer valuable perspectives in your financial journey. But, much like navigating a jungle, the path to financial success is not always straightforward. Embrace unique analogies, explore uncharted territories, and above all, question the advice you encounter. By doing so, you’ll be better equipped to separate the wheat from the chaff in the vast world of internet finance advice.

In the end, it’s not about the novelty of the advice, but its reliability and relevance to your unique financial landscape that truly matters. So, venture forth with a discerning eye and a willingness to learn, and you’ll find your way through the financial wilderness.

Business

The Significance of the Bid Price: A Key Metric for Investors

Published

3 weeks ago

November 15, 2023

sylvia J

Investing in stocks can be risky, even for the most experienced investor. Making the right decisions and predicting how they could play out months or years from now is no easy feat and requires understanding many different variables. One such key metric to know when investing in stocks is the bid price – but what makes this factor so important? In this article, we will explore a bid price, why it should matter to investors, and how its performance can give you insights into your portfolio’s current market activity and prospects. Read on to learn more about this crucial aspect of stock investments today.

What is the Bid Price, and Why is it Important To Investors

In finance, the bid price is a crucial concept that investors must understand. The bid price refers to the maximum amount a buyer is willing to pay for a particular asset, such as a stock or bond. The market sets this price and represents the demand for the asset at any given time. Understanding the bid price is crucial for investors because it helps them determine whether a particular investment is an excellent opportunity.

Generally, a higher bid price indicates strong demand for the asset, which is typically a positive sign for investors. On the other hand, a low bid price may suggest that the asset is not in demand and may not be a wise investment choice. Therefore, investors must closely monitor the bid price when considering potential investment opportunities. This bid price example shows the importance of this metric in making informed decisions about investments.

The Significance of the Bid-Ask Spread and its Impact on Trading

In addition to the bid price, investors should also pay attention to another related metric called the bid-ask spread. It refers to the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept (ask). The smaller the bid-ask spread, the more liquid and active a market is, generally considered a positive sign for investors. A large bid-ask spread, on the other hand, may indicate lower demand and could make it more difficult for investors to buy or sell their assets at a desirable price.

Furthermore, the bid-ask spread can also impact trading strategies. For example, if an investor wants to purchase stocks with a low bid-ask spread, they may have to be patient and wait for the market conditions to change. On the other hand, a high bid-ask spread could lead investors to make quick decisions and potentially incur higher transaction costs.

How to Interpret the Bid Price for Different Types of Assets

While the concept of bid price applies to all types of assets, it is essential to note that different markets may have varying ways of expressing this metric. For example, in stock market trading, the bid price is often referred to as the “current market price”; in foreign exchange trading, it is called the “bid-ask cross rate”. The bid price is typically called the “list price” in real estate.

Investors should be aware of these nuances when interpreting the bid price for different types of assets, as it can impact their understanding and decision-making process. It’s also important to remember that the bid price can change quickly and frequently, so staying up-to-date with market trends is crucial for successful investing.

Analysing Historical Trends in Bid Prices to Forecast Future Performance

In addition to using the bid price as a tool for current investment decisions, it can also help forecast future performance. By analysing historical trends in bid prices, investors can gain insights into market patterns and make more informed decisions on when to buy or sell assets.

For example, if there is a consistent upward trend in bid prices for a particular stock, this could indicate a potential opportunity for growth in the future. Similarly, if bid prices have been consistently decreasing, this may suggest that it is time to re-evaluate your investment strategy.

Strategies to Reduce Risk When Trading Based on Bid Prices

Investing in the stock market always carries a certain level of risk, and understanding bid prices can help investors mitigate some of this risk. One strategy is diversifying your portfolio by investing in multiple assets with different bid price trends. This way, if one investment does not perform well, others may balance it out.

Another strategy is to use stop-loss orders when trading based on bid prices. A stop loss order is a predetermined price at which an investor will sell their assets if the market reaches that point, minimising potential losses.