Top 10 careers Brits find most meaningful: from nurses to firefighters

Nurses, paramedics, and firefighters have topped a poll as the UK’s most respected professions, revered for their impact on society. The study involving 2,000 adults also placed teachers and foster carers high on the list for carrying out some of the most valuable work in our communities.

A quarter said they feel inspired when speaking to someone whose job they believe truly makes a difference. Yet, 16 per cent of said they feel dissatisfied in their own jobs, often due to what they see as a lack of contribution to society. The research was commissioned by National Fostering Group which has developed a quiz to help people explore whether they have the skills suited to fostering.

Tim Barclay, CEO of the organisation, said: “It’s clear the roles we most admire – from first responders to teachers and foster carers all have one thing in common – they change lives.

“Whether it’s protecting the public, educating young people or offering a safe and loving home, these roles are driven by purpose and empathy – values that really resonate with people today.

“Careers which offer purpose, people-focus, and a clear social good are clearly striking a chord. Fostering offers more than just a job – it’s one of the most important ways to make that kind of meaningful difference, changing a child’s life for the better, every single day.”

Travis Walker, 45, from Warrington, left his job in telecoms to become a foster carer. He said: “I spent over 10 hours a day behind a desk and started to wonder if I used that same time doing something that truly mattered, how much better would life be?”

“I had done well in the corporate world, but ticking boxes and chasing KPIs wasn’t enough anymore. I wanted to do something real, something that actually helped people.

“Ten years on, fostering has given me more purpose than any job I’ve ever had – it can be challenging work but every day you know you’re doing something that counts.”

The research shows that 27 per cent of adults want to switch to a more fulfilling career, while 19 per cent are actively seeking roles that allow them to give back to society.

Could you make a positive impact by fostering? Take this quiz to find out.

Over half of the respondents believe they possess strong problem-solving skills and consider themselves compassionate and empathetic individuals. However, two thirds believe these skills are not being fully utilised in their current roles.

When exploring more meaningful career paths where these skills could make a real impact, 20 per cent have considered becoming a teacher, and 17 per cent have looked into what a counselling role might involve. Others have looked into roles such as being a social worker, nurse, and foster carer.

TV host, writer and motivational speaker Ashley John-Baptiste, championing National Fostering Group’s initiative, shared: “Growing up in care, I saw just how life-changing a foster carer can be. I remember one family, in particular, who gave me safety, belief, and the confidence to build a future.”

“They weren’t superheroes,” he added, “they just had compassion, patience, and the will to show up. If you’ve got those qualities, you could be the difference in a child’s life.”

National Fostering Group’s Tim Barclay said encouragingly: “Many people already have the core skills that make a great foster carer. It’s often not about retraining, but recognising the strengths you already bring.

“Fostering is a natural next step for those who want their work to have real, lasting impact – get in touch with us to find out more.”