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Inspiring Stories
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Stories of everyday people using their jobs to do good

Luke Mickelson

Mike Coppola | GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA | AFP

Luke Mickelson of SHP accepts an award onstage during the 12th Annual CNN Heroes.

Cerith Gardiner - published on 11/20/21

The daily grind can be a way to effect positive change in your community and beyond.

There has been a lot in the press recently about people losing, or changing, their jobs due to COVID and the present economic climate. While career uncertainty is very stressful, it does provide the opportunity to think how you might be able to use your job as a means to serve others.

We recently shared a collection of stories of chefs, such as José Andrés, using their culinary skills to lend a helping hand to those in need, and committed teachers giving their all, but here is a small collection of others doing great work in their everyday careers.

Proving money isn’t everything

Luke Mickelson abandoned a financially rewarding job to provide beds for vulnerable kids who needed a good night’s sleep. He then went on to set up chapters throughout the States for others to join him in his good work.

He gave up his lucrative job to build beds for kids who didn’t have them

Caring for the lonely

At just 32, Mike Niles decided to make a huge career change and began caring for the elderly, offering them some company. He went on to create a charity to encourage other like-minded people to help end loneliness among seniors.

Man gives up high-paying job to dedicate his life to the elderly (Video)

Using wisdom to effect positive change

While judges have to consider a lot of factors when making their decisions, this particular judge also used his wisdom, empathy, and personal time to help a man take a positive new direction in his life.

How one compassionate judge profoundly changed a man’s future

Going the extra mile

This kind bus driver makes sure his passengers feel loved and safe on their way to school. He takes the time to get to know all of the kids, gives them gifts on special occasions, and designates jobs to each of the pupils to give them responsibility and a sense of belonging to a community.

Meet the school bus driver who views his job as a mission

Relieving financial stress

In his 30-year career as an oncologist, not only did Dr. Omar Atiq care for his patients’ physical health, he gave them mental relief through his personal financial sacrifice.

Compassionate doctor wipes out his patients’ $650,000 debt

Regularly stepping up to help those in need

Jim McIngvale, or “Mattress Mack” as he’s affectionately known, has used his furniture store chain as a trampoline to help others. Whether it’s using his stores to offer shelter during weather disasters, or providing an education for youngsters to have a future, the philanthropist seems to care more about helping others than increasing his profits.

“Mattress Mack” to open a charter school that offers free vocational training

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Catholic LifestyleInspiring storiesWork
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