Want to Change the World for Animals? Try These 6 Cool Jobs!

You’re probably familiar with the old adage, “If you do a job that you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” That couldn’t be a truer statement, but it’s one that very few people get to experience.

It’s estimated that over the course of our lifetimes, we will spend around 90,000 hours working! And that’s just an average – certain professions definitely require much more time than that. With so much of your life spent at work, why wouldn’t you want to do something that you love?

If you are passionate about bettering the world for animals.. you’re in luck! There are a whole host of career paths that allow you to do just that. Whether you’re just making your way into the job market, are thinking about a career change, or would just like to keep your options open, consider one of these cool jobs that empower people to change the world for animals.

1. Chef/Baker

If you’ve got a knack for cooking or baking, use that talent to let the world know how delicious cruelty-free eating can be! As a plant-based chef or baker, your culinary creations will not only nourish the body and tickle the taste buds, but challenge the mind, as well. By joining and participating in the food activism movement, you’ll have the power to change lives (human ones first, and then animals’, as a result) and make believers out of doubters.

2. Animal Behaviorist

In order to help animals, we must first have a solid understanding of them. As an animal behaviorist, your expertise can help to improve the lives of animals in an array of settings, from animals in the wild to animals in shelter environments and you can help keep companion animals in their homes when issues arise.

3. Non-Profit Work

There are so many wonderful organizations working tirelessly to make the world a better place for animals. Many non-profits employ both full-time and part-time employees and need skilled people to fill positions ranging from everything from accountants to web designers, and everything in-between.

If you’re looking for direct, hands-on work with animals, there are positions within non-profit organizations, like animal shelters, rescue organizations, and sanctuaries, that allow that, as well. So if you’ve ever dreamed of cozying up with some cows or helping dogs learn how to trust humans again, the non-profit sector may be your calling! Keep in mind that many non-profits offer internships for students, which is an excellent way to “get your foot in the door.”

4. Animal Lawyer

Justice systems around the world are slowly, but surely, making the turn toward recognizing the plight of animals and are changing laws to alleviate some of that suffering. Through your work as an animal lawyer (a relatively new and upcoming law specialty), you hold knowledge and power to make the world better for animals, whether you choose to work for an animal welfare agency, the non-profit sector, or in private practice.

5. Filmmaker

One word: Blackfish! If you’ve seen it, you know how powerful of a documentary it is and if you haven’t, chances are you’ve at least heard about it. Although released more than a year ago, the film is still a hot topic and its effects are far-reaching. It’s done what it intended to do and that is an impressive cinematic feat that can be reproduced with skilled and passionate people behind the camera.

6. Professional Green Monster

Wish you could create amazingly impactful articles, graphics, recipes or videos that inspire people to act for animals and the environment every day? Why not come and work for the largest (and fastest growing) Animal rights, eco-conscious, vegan food media company out there and share your message of Green Monster awesomeness with over six million monthly readers? We’re talking about One Green Planet, of course!

Our offices are located in NYC and operate under the careful watch of our Chief Happiness Officer, Goji Berry (yes, she’s a dog). If you like days filled with cute animal videos, creative collaboration with a team of rockstars, and the occasional vegan donut, we want to hear from you.

Check out our openings below (updated as of May 2015):

• Editor (Animal Rights/Conservation/News)
• Editor (Vegan Food)
• Staff Writer: Animal/Eco News
• Editor (Green/DIY Living)
• Social Media Coordinator
• Video Production Associate

Don’t live in NYC but still want to make an impact for animals? Apply to be a Freelance Writer. Still in school? Check out our Internships.

Green Monsters, do any of you work in a field that is changing the world for animals? Tell us about it!

Image source: Andrea Arden/Flickr