I am 39 and have been looking for what I really want to do for a very long time. I am now back in school for anthropology. I am broke and miserable and a single mom. (Of course I love my kid and am happy with her) Anyway I always rejected the idea of money cuz I thought other things were more important. Tonight I realized two things, I like helping people and I like having money. How can I help people and make good money at the same time?
2006-10-15 14:30:25 · 6 answers · asked by crct2004 6 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
Why not become a management consultant? You can work on interesting problems, meet interesting people and make decent money. A lot of companies are looking for people from the social sciences since they know how to communicate better than engineers and accountants.
Or, try buying a house and then letting the renters pay the mortgage for you?
2006-10-15 14:58:40 · answer #1 · answered by rasmalai001 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first thing you should do is not fall for scams...
If there was an easy answer to your question, I think everybody would be doing it - because it would provide wealth and a clear conscience at the same time. That's very hard to find. In fact, it seems most people who try to do both get rich first and then try to help people - through foundations, scholarships, donations, all that stuff.
On the other hand, a business person would tell you that if you make a product or offer a service that people want, you're helping them by definition. By building houses, you help people have shelter. Even if you make a nice profit in the process. The value people see in their house is greater than the cost to build it. So, they pay more than you spent, and both sides end up happy.
So, the trick seems to be to find a product or service idea that really serves a need; and to provide it in such a way that the cost is significantly smaller than the value people see in it. Certain mobility products for the elderly could fit into that category, for instance.
However, it's very easy to slowly slide into the area of rip-off. Because if you follow the train of thought above as a business, what happens? You try to maximize your profit. How do you do that? (i) you minimize your cost, meaning you manufacture the product as cheaply as you can, which in the extreme case compromises quality. (ii) you maximize the prize, meaning you try to maximize the value percpetion in people minds, so you advertise your product and you embellish its quality (although you've actually just reduced quality by manufacturing more cheaply).
That's how each laundry detergent always tells you they wash better than the others, although they're all based on the same boring, tried-and-tested chemistry.
So, find a product or service that has value to people, provide it at a cost that's lower than the perceived value, BUT maintain certain ethical standards even if it means forgoing a portion of you potential profit. Then you're really helping people.
2006-10-15 21:56:04 · answer #2 · answered by T 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would say to try and get some grants to help with your living expenses and schooling.Change your classes to become an R.N.There is such a need and shortage and it pays really well.Plus when you sign on with a hospital they usually will pay and incentive start up pay which could be quite substantial.You can become a certified nurses aid in the classes too and you can work at that part time.That will help you find your way around the hospital.Then after you've put in whatever time you signed up for you can go anywhere.My daughter did that and she is now a hospice nurse.That really helps people when they need it the most.It is very rewarding and worth looking into,if you can make it work financially.Your daughter would be proud of you.
2006-10-15 21:52:36 · answer #3 · answered by Granny 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Understand that to "make good money", you have to have a skill that is
1) in high demand
2) in low supply
Also, you can help rich people or poor people, helping the poor makes you feel better, helping rich people makes your wallet feel better.
It would be helpful if you know what you're good at. Your school should offer Strong Campbell tests, which show your aptitude, and then pick something that you have a natural bend to - it helps to have passion about what you do.
The best of both worlds is to be an executive at a not-for-profit - do you know how much the top brass at the American Cancer Society and other not for profits make? 6 figures!!!
Notice I said "not for profit" - they're not "non profit", but they have excess revenue (which they bankroll into wonderful salaries and perks for the upper eschelon).
2006-10-15 21:38:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I was going to say something ignorant, BUT, I changed my mind. Try firstgov.gov, it is a link to the federal governments website, from ther you can access America's job bank, look up non profit organizations. I hope you can find what you are looking for! I am suffering in life. I was just looking to make someone else suffer to. I apologize, Good luck to you, Please help some one. It is to late for me. I have my plans.
2006-10-15 21:45:20 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want to be more successful helping people you must be willing to take more risks and get out of your comfort zone. here are two articles you should read at http://file5.com :
2006-10-15 21:55:04 · answer #6 · answered by Answer Man 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋