I would choose the path of Gym Leader. I don't know how many of you have read the Pokemon Adventures manga, but there Gym Leaders are much more than simply "tests of strengh" to trainers. They protect the city, they take care of Pokemon, they (of course) test trainers, they help in whatever people needs, they help the Association deal with Pokemon-related problems (like the Groundon affair or the chase of Suicune)...
It looks like a very noble way to me. And of course, they are very respected through the world.
I would probably not choose a unique type. In the manga they say the type specialization is something the leaders choose to do, because they are experts on said type. I would try and do like Green on the Viridian City, and run a mixed team.
Apart from that, I would be probably involved in some charity projects with Pokemon. In real life I'm helping homeless pets, so... ^-^