Stop thinking about myself so much & find a job where I can make a difference

I think the free hugs thing is a great place to start. 

I feel much of the same yearning to give of myself. And while it is slowly changing, I still get caught up thinking that I have to get into a profession that is obviously about helping others. I am slowly starting to realize that if I do what I truly love, I am giving the most I can possibly genuinely give. Even if that means creating jewellery (I am also a silversmith) For a long time I froze when it came to my art. It seemed to frivolous. Art? How is that helping to heal people?

Then this summer I suffered a major personal tragedy. And one of the things that was a significant part of my healing was the purchase of a very symbolic piece of jewellery made by a local Vancouver man. Without knowing it, and in fact without ever even meeting me, this artist and his expression touched me in a profound and healing way.

One place to start would be the Charity Village jobs board — I've found they have some terrific listings for jobs that make a real difference.  Even if you aren't planning on applying for them, it gives you a taste of what's out there.

Of course, that's just one slice... and it doesn't necessarily speak to what you want to do. So for what it's worth, here's my advice: ask yourself, where are your passions? What is it about the world that makes you furious, that you find unacceptable, that you have to change? Or more happily, what are the great things that seem to be on the verge of happening in the world, that just need a little nudge – the kind of nudge you can provide?

And draw on the experience of others. Read about people who've worked for change. What is it about their lives that speaks to you? (And just as important, what doesn't? It's easy to get hung up on ideas of what social activism "should" be about.) Talk to friends and family who volunteer in the community or who work for change, and ask them about their experiences.

Good luck to you! 

I work for the Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver http://www.elizabethfry.com/.  There are so many great charitable organizations out there and I didn't realize it until i began working for them.  They are always looking for people.  It's fulfilling to work in a field where you are actually making a difference!

Hello, check out this organization called Landmark Education, www.landmarkeducation.com . They are up to some really cool things. Working for them would be awesome.

Hope you look at it and see something for yourself.

Cheers