By Yahoo! Education Staff

In this economy, it's easy to just think about the bottom line. But maybe you want more…

Do you want to pursue a career that lets you give back?

Good news: There are occupations out there that let you make a difference to society - and to you, too.

Whether you're a stay-at-home mom who wants to join the work force, a working professional, or student, making a difference in the world - one small step a time - could be attainable with the right career and motivation.

Here are three growing careers that could help you make a difference to others and maybe even help the world.

Make a Difference Career Option #1: Medical Assistant

What's the Career? As a medical assistant, you'll likely work with patients on a regular basis and may call in prescription medication, remove sutures, draw blood, or prepare the examining room.

Make a Difference: You can bet that creating a calm and welcoming environment in medical offices makes a big

YOU are a gift. A gift to share with others. And if you are standing knee deep in your own worry, fear, self-pity or disappointment, then you are not living your highest purpose.

It breaks my heart when I get emails/calls from people who are bursting with possibility and purpose, yet they can't make the quantum leap. Their reasons are always the same...

"Success means having the courage, the determination and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be." ~ George Sheehan

* Feeling like the marketing is hard?

* A little blue cause you lost a client?

* Can't seem to get motivated or on track?

* Not sure you are meant to be in business?

You forgot.

Yes, YOU forgot.

You are not a series of disappointments. You are not marketing and websites and hard work. You are not the answers you get nor the answers you give.

YOU are a gift. A gift to share with others. And if you are standing knee deep in your own worry, fear,

Commuting in some of the most nightmarish conditions should be on my resume. In the past, I drove a three-mile commute in L.A. that took up to 45 minutes most days and a 13-mile commute in New Jersey that took up to TWO HOURS (thanks, bridge traffic!). I also drove in white-out snowstorms, and once, black ice caused a seven-car pile-up, which I was seconds away from becoming a part of. Then, there was the hour-long train commute from the 'burbs into Chicago and NYC. I still do that once a week. But my easiest commute by far? The one from my bed to my desk in my own apartment! Working from home has been nothing short of a miracle for my mental and physical health.

More from The Stir: Being a Single Mom Is Not a Health Hazard

For so long, I've thought I was a weakling for not being able to handle the rat race. Everyone else (in NYC especially) makes it look effortless. But now researchers say that commuting to work IS more stressful for women. Whew -- so I'm NOT alone!

By Kimberly Fusaro How to Deal with Difficult Coworkers

No matter how lovely most of your coworkers are, there are always a few personality types that tend to bring down office morale. But you don't have to let Mrs. Stress-y Pants or The "No" Man make your nine-to-five life miserable. Below, our experts' tips on how to deal with the most annoying workplace dispositions in order to have a less stressful work day.

The Spotlight Stealer
You're right in the middle of announcing to the team that you scored a new client when The Spotlight Stealer brings the attention of the group where she prefers it: back on her. When she interrupts your big news with her own, simply keep calm and continue with what you were saying after she runs out of steam, suggests Samantha DiGennaro, founder of DiGennaro Communications, a strategic public relations agency specializing in business communications. You can also lead by example by commending the entire team-"Client X signed on with our group"-instead of taking all the credit with

By Cathy Benko, Vice Chairman Deloitte LLP and author of, "The Corporate Lattice" - CNBC.com

GUEST AUTHOR BLOG: Tips For Managing Your Career in the Changing World of Work by Cathy Benko, Vice Chairman Deloitte LLP and author of "The Corporate Lattice: Achieving High Performance In the Changing World of Work."

There's nothing like relaxing on a Sunday morning with a cup of joe and the crossword. A few weeks ago, while leisurely making my way through the Sunday puzzle, I came across the clue "lifetime job." They were looking for a six-letter word beginning with C and ending with the letters E and R. "Career" was the right answer, but it gave me pause: is a career still synonymous with a "lifetime job"? I think not.

More from CNBC:

Businesses You Can Start For Under $5,000

Jobs That Make You Fit

10 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Money

Our world, and by extension the world we work in, is quickly changing. "It's almost like you have to embrace a lot of

(Photo: Getty Images)Not all educational degrees are created equal when it comes to finding a good job. While going back to school to earn a higher degree can be great for one's career, it can also cost a bundle of money. Many degrees ultimately pay off with increased opportunities and earning potential but some may not open that many doors. If you are contemplating going back to school for any degree--from a two-year associate's degree to a doctorate--it's prudent to do your research. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (U.S. BLS) provides a wealth of free and detailed information on which occupations are going to experience the most growth in the coming years and what the educational requirements for those jobs are.

We spoke with Teri Morisi, Manager of Occupational Outlook Studies at the U.S. BLS about five accessible, high-growth jobs that also provide a good salary.

Registered Nurse

From home health aides to surgeons, the entire healthcare industry is experiencing a surge in growth.

By Sarah Howard, Life2PointOh.com

You probably spend more time with your co-workers than your own family, right? Even if you normally wouldn't hang out with these people on a Saturday night, it's in your best interest to become an office best friend. Someone needs to take you out for a birthday lunch after all. Follow these tips for fitting in and finding office bliss.

Pay attention to your co-workers' lives. If a co-worker mentions that she's throwing her sister a bridal shower over the weekend, ask how it went come Monday. Do you know via Facebook that a co-worker just got engaged? Pick up a card before work and have everyone sign it. Showing interest in your office-next-door buddy's life will flatter him or her (and make for easy conversation starters!), plus they'll reciprocate by asking about your life outside the 9-5.

Eavesdrop. OK, hear us out on this one. With the majority of staffers working in side-by-side cubbies, it can be easy to overhear conversations-and that

With thirty-five million potential business contacts-including executives from all the Fortune 500 companies-across an array of industries, LinkedIn is an essential tool for anyone looking to advance her career. But how do you stand out among the vast network of job seekers and employers? Here are six tips to make sure you're using the social networking site to its full potential:

1. Craft a Specific and Searchable Headline
Employers actively search for new hires on LinkedIn; they'll be looking first at your professional headline and summary and finding you based on the key words in your profile. Post a headline and summary that are creative and concise and that include targeted language for your field. Show that you have a grasp of the trends and goals in your industry. For example, instead of "Media specialist seeks position," try something like "Versatile Communications Expert Creates Strong Branding Messages."

2. Recruit Recommendations
You need three recommendations to