By Alexia Hope

Copyright researchsnipers

You know that feeling when a child looks at you with complete trust? Or when they’re so excited to tell you something that the words tumble out in a rush? If these moments make your heart sing, then working with children might be your calling. But which job should you choose? Here are 5 to consider.

1. Primary School Teacher

You’ll spend your days with children aged 4-11, and trust us when we say no two days are ever the same. One moment you’re explaining fractions, the next you’re mediating a playground dispute about who gets the red crayon.

The paperwork may drive you slightly mad. You’ll mark books until your hand cramps and create displays that would make Pinterest jealous. But then little Maddie finally grasps long division after weeks of struggle, and suddenly all those late nights feel worth it. Or Jack, who barely spoke in September, confidently presents his project about dinosaurs to the whole class. These breakthroughs happen when you least expect them.

You’ll need a degree and teaching qualification. Most universities offer combined courses now, which makes the process smoother than it used to be.

2. Foster Carer

Foster care isn’t just a job; it’s opening your heart and home to children who’ve had their worlds turned upside down. You might find yourself caring for a three-year-old who’s never owned a toy, or teenagers who’ve been through more trauma than most adults can imagine.

No qualifications are required, but you’ll go through extensive checks and training. Your fostering agency becomes your support network, providing guidance and financial help, such as a foster carers allowance. Some children stay for emergency placements lasting just days, and others become part of your family for years.

The hardest part isn’t the behavioural challenges or sleepless nights. It’s watching children leave when they’re ready to move on. You will also have the privilege of being there during their healing process, seeing them learn to trust again.

3. Children’s Nurse

Paediatric nursing means your patients range from tiny premature babies to sulky sixteen-year-olds. Each age group needs completely different approaches, and you’ll become an expert at reading non-verbal cues from children who can’t explain what hurts.

You’ll comfort sobbing five-year-olds getting their first injections and teach diabetic teenagers how to manage their condition independently. Parents often look to you for reassurance when their world feels like it’s falling apart. Night shifts can be exhausting, especially when you’re dealing with emergencies.

The training is intensive, as you need a nursing degree with paediatric specialisation. But hospitals always need children’s nurses, so job security is excellent. Plus, watching children recover and bounce back gives you hope on the toughest days.

4. Youth Worker

Teenagers get a bad reputation, but they’re actually fascinating to work with. Yes, they can be moody and challenging. They’ll test every boundary you set and sometimes reject help even when they desperately need it.

You might work with young offenders, kids in care, or those struggling with family breakdown. Building trust takes months, sometimes years. Many have been let down by adults before, so they’re naturally suspicious of your motives.

But when breakthrough moments happen, they’re incredible: the teenager who finally believes they’re worth something, the young person who gets their first job after months of support. These victories feel enormous because you’ve worked so hard for them.

5. Childminder

Running your own childminding business means becoming part of several families’ daily routines. You’ll watch children grow from wobbly toddlers to confident school-starters, celebrating every milestone alongside their parents.

Registration with Ofsted is mandatory, plus safeguarding training. Your days involve everything from nappy changes to homework help, arts and crafts to endless games of hide-and-seek. Some days you’ll feel more like a short-order cook or taxi driver than a childcare professional.

But you’ll build lasting relationships. Many childminders stay in touch with families long after children have grown up, receiving graduation photos and wedding invitations years later.

Working with children changes your perspective on everything. They remind you what really matters in life.