Before you decide on this career, it is important to ask yourself whether or not you will enjoy a career as a psychologist. It’s a question that any student aspiring toward the career should ask themselves. There are many benefits to being a psychologist, including the opportunity to explore new challenges, grow as individuals, and learn new things about yourself.
Find Rewards in Helping Others
Psychology is a career in working with people, and while the job can be stressful at times, many psychologists describe their jobs as very gratifying and fulfilling.
- One of the major attractions of becoming a psychologist is the opportunity to help others.
Run Your Own Business
Psychologists working in specialized fields such as industrial-organizational psychology, educational psychology, and forensic psychology may also find opportunities for self-employment as private consultants
- Establishing your own private therapy practice gives you the opportunity to have full control over your career.
Find Plenty of New Challenges
The field of psychology is both diverse and challenging, so no matter which field you choose to pursue, you probably won’t find yourself bored very often.
Have a Flexible Work Schedule
29% of psychologists are self-employed
- You can set your own hours if you have a therapy practice
- Psychologists who work in hospitals or mental health offices may not have work schedules that are as flexible as those in the private sector
Meet a Wide Variety of People
Working with people and helping them achieve their full potential can be extremely rewarding.
Earn a Potentially High Salary
Psychological professionals are generally well-compensated for their time and effort
- On average, psychologists earn anywhere from $43,800 to $129,250 annually
- Some individuals opt to work part-time, still earning a respectable income while leaving time to care for children and fulfill other personal obligations.