From veganfoodandliving.com
Dreaming of a more rewarding job? Green Heart Recruitment founder Aoife Dobson shares her expert tips for finding purpose-driven work
It’s a common vegan dilemma: what should you do if your job doesn’t align with your values? Whether you’re flipping burgers for a living or working at a pharmaceutical company, it’s not a topic that’s always black and white.
If you’re hoping to move into a more ethical, rewarding job, check out Aoife Dobson’s advice below to learn how to make the switch and prepare to navigate a kinder career change.
Why do you think more people are becoming interested in purpose-driven work?
One of the biggest reasons is a growing awareness of the global challenges we face. From climate change and biodiversity loss to inequality and public health, people are becoming increasingly conscious of the impact these issues have on all of us. Many no longer want to feel like passive observers; they want their work to contribute to positive change.
Greater accessibility has also played an important role. The rise of remote and flexible working means people are no longer as limited by geography when pursuing mission-driven careers. Someone can now contribute to an organisation making a difference on the other side of the world without needing to relocate, opening up opportunities that simply weren’t available to many people before.
Don't be afraid to ask questions about a prospective workplace's ethics, environmental policies, or social responsibility during interviews. Photo © djrandco/Adobe Stock
At the same time, people’s priorities have shifted. Work takes up such a significant part of our lives that many are asking themselves whether they want to spend that time simply earning a salary or contributing to something they genuinely care about. More people are looking for careers that reflect their values and allow them to make a meaningful impact alongside building a successful career.
What’s particularly encouraging is that this isn’t just a trend among younger generations. I’m seeing people at every stage of their careers reassess what matters to them and explore opportunities that better align with their values.
Working in mission-driven recruitment, I’ve witnessed this shift first-hand. Candidates today ask very different questions than they did a decade ago. They’re increasingly interested in an organisation’s environmental commitments, approach to diversity, equity and inclusion, treatment of employees, and the tangible impact they’re making. Salary and progression remain important, but for many people, purpose has become just as significant when choosing where to work.
What misconceptions do people have about ethical careers?
One of the biggest misconceptions I come across is that people believe they need to start from scratch if they want to transition into a more ethical career. I regularly speak to incredibly talented candidates with years of valuable experience who assume their background isn’t relevant because they haven’t worked in the non-profit or impact sector before.
In reality, it’s often the opposite. While experience in a mission-driven organisation can be beneficial, it’s certainly not essential. Skills developed in commercial roles – whether that’s leadership, fundraising, marketing, finance, operations or HR – are highly transferable and can bring enormous value to purpose-driven organisations.
Another common misconception is that pursuing an ethical career automatically means sacrificing financial security. While it’s true that some organisations operate with tighter budgets, many mission-driven employers offer competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.
Increasingly, they’re recognising that attracting and retaining great people means investing in them. As a recruiter in the ethical space, I see part of my role as helping candidates recognise that they don’t need to leave their experience behind to make a positive impact.
They can take the skills they’ve spent years developing and apply them to a mission they genuinely believe in. That combination of expertise and purpose can be incredibly powerful.
Which sectors are currently leading the way in terms of ethical employment?
This is a tricky question, because ethical employment isn’t defined by a sector alone – it’s defined by an organisation’s actions and commitment. As sustainability has become more mainstream, we’ve seen more companies promoting their ethical credentials, but it’s important to look beyond the messaging and understand the real impact they’re having. Purpose should be demonstrated through action, not just marketing.
That said, there are several sectors that I believe are genuinely leading the way. Animal welfare organisations continue to make an incredible impact through rescue, advocacy, conservation and policy change. The alternative protein sector is transforming food systems and creating innovative solutions that benefit animals, people and the planet. Sustainability and ESG teams are also growing rapidly as businesses work to reduce their environmental impact and embed responsible practices into their operations.
Health and wellbeing is another area seeing significant investment, with organisations placing greater importance on supporting both physical and mental health.
One of the most encouraging shifts I’ve seen is that people no longer have to choose between having a successful commercial career and having a meaningful one. Increasingly, organisations are proving that purpose and commercial success can go hand-in-hand, creating careers that are both impactful and rewarding.
Working for animal charities or vegan food companies are obvious choices, but plenty of other sectors offer ethical career options. Photo © guteksk7/Adobe Stock
If someone wants to transition into a more ethical career, what steps should they take?
My first piece of advice would be to be loud and proud about your values. If you’re hoping to join an organisation where you’re valued as more than just a number, don’t hide the passion that brought you there in the first place. Employers in the ethical space are looking for people who genuinely care about their mission, so let that come across in your application and interview. Your passion is part of what makes you unique.
It’s also important to tailor your CV and personal brand to the roles you’re applying for. Highlight your transferable skills alongside the experiences, volunteering or interests that demonstrate your commitment to the cause.
One lesson I wish I’d understood earlier is the importance of building your network. Connect with people on LinkedIn, attend industry events, join webinars, and don’t be afraid to reach out to people whose work you admire. The ethical sector is incredibly collaborative, and many opportunities come through conversations and relationships.
Finally, keep learning. We have access to an incredible amount of free or affordable knowledge through podcasts, books, webinars and online courses. The more you understand the sector you’re hoping to join, the more confident you’ll feel and the more you’ll have to offer.
Ultimately, transitioning into an ethical career is less about reinventing yourself and more about redirecting the skills you already have towards a mission you genuinely believe in.
What are the biggest challenges people face when pursuing ethical careers?
There are a few common challenges, but I’d say the biggest is competition. Ethical and purpose-driven roles have become increasingly sought after, which means organisations often receive a high volume of applications for every vacancy.
It can be disheartening for candidates when they don’t hear back, but it’s worth remembering that many mission-driven organisations operate with small teams and simply don’t have the capacity to provide detailed feedback to everyone.
Another challenge is confidence. Many people underestimate how transferable their skills are and assume they need direct experience in the sector before they’ll be considered. In reality, organisations are often looking for talented people who can bring fresh perspectives and expertise from other industries.
There’s also the balance between purpose and practicality. Most people want work that aligns with their values, but they also need fair pay, career progression, flexibility and financial security. The encouraging thing is that more purpose-driven employers are recognising this. They’re investing not only in meaningful missions, but also in creating workplaces where people can build long-term, rewarding careers.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone wanting their career to make a positive impact, what would it be?
Don’t hide your passion. It is what has shaped your journey and is one of your greatest strengths. Don’t feel you need to tone down what you believe in to fit into a role. The right organisation will value your passion because it reflects a genuine commitment to its mission.
Draw on both your professional and personal experiences, and let them shine through in your applications and interviews. Skills can be learned, but authenticity and purpose are much harder to teach.
Most importantly, remember that an ethical career isn’t about finding the perfect job; it’s about finding work that allows you to contribute to something bigger than yourself.
When your career aligns with your values, the impact you can make extends far beyond the work you do each day.
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