The Benefits of Being a Psychologist

One of the major attractions of becoming a psychologist is the opportunity to help others. If you enjoy working with people, a career in psychology is a great choice. While the job can be stressful at times, many psychologists describe their jobs as very gratifying and fulfilling.

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Department of Labor, one in three psychologists is self-employed. If you operate your own therapy practice, you can basically set your own hours. One big advantage of becoming a psychologist is that you can have a rewarding career and still have plenty of time to spend with your friends and family.

Psychologists who work in hospitals or mental health offices may not have work schedules that are as flexible as their self-employed counterparts, but there are still plenty of opportunities to set hours that work with your life and family demands.

While money alone is never a good reason to choose a certain career, psychologists are generally well-compensated for their time and effort. On average, psychologists earn anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 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.

It is important to note that these salaries reflect professionals who hold advanced degrees in their fields. Those who have earned an undergraduate degree in psychology cannot refer to themselves as 'psychologists,' as it is a legally protected title. Those with bachelor's level degrees also face lower salaries and few job options.

If you enjoy working for yourself and have an entrepreneurial spirit, becoming a psychologist can be an excellent career choice. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, an estimated 30 percent of all psychologists are self-employed.

Establishing your own private therapy practice gives you the opportunity to have full control over your career. 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.

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. Clinical psychologists face constant challenges from clients who need their help in solving problems. Other specialty areas such as sports psychology and forensic psychology face their own unique demands and obstacles. Being a psychologist might be stressful at times, but the profession presents intellectual challenges that keep the job interesting.

If you enjoy working with people and helping them achieve their full potential, then becoming a psychologist can be extremely rewarding. While you will often face challenges, seeing your clients make real progress and work towards their goals can give you a feeling of accomplishment. Whether you are working exclusively with children, adults, married couples or families, you will have the opportunity to meet and help people from all walks of life.