If sitting behind a desk isn’t for you, don’t worry. There are plenty of jobs that are out of the office routine that you’d like better. Here are 15 great examples to consider as you start in the working world or begin a career change.
1. Chiropractor
Treat patients for issues with their musculoskeletal system or back as a chiropractor, using therapies or physical adjustment techniques. This process often involves considerations of the patient’s lifestyle and general well-being, as well as previous medical history.
With goals that include reducing pain and improving mobility, as a chiropractor, you can feel proud of how you enhance the quality of other peoples’ lives. A newly emerging area is animal chiropractic care.
2. Police Officer
For men of color, a position in this field can hold special importance. As communities of color often benefit from seeing law enforcement that can authentically connect with them. Also, upholding the law in this noteworthy position that won’t involve a lot of desk work. Patrol neighborhoods and respond to calls from citizens as a police officer.
From making arrests to keeping an eye on traffic and interviewing suspects, this job is one that will challenge you. Physical fitness is important in this role, as is controlling your emotions, and good judgment.
3. Food Inspector
Evaluate food processors, distributors, and manufacturers for their ability to follow guidelines and report violations as necessary. Rather than sitting 9-5 behind a desk, go to restaurants and other locations to ensure proper standards are met food-wise for best health.
After completing an inspection, meet with those in charge of the premises to point out any corrective measures necessary. Keeping a written record of activities is a must for documentation purposes, especially if legal matters must be taken later.
4. Film Producer
Coordinate and oversee movies in this exciting job role, either as an entrepreneur or working for a company. Tasks can include managing finances and talent.
Specifically, you will make crucial decisions, such as hiring the director, cast, and crew. You might also work on TV shows and commercials, depending on what you like the best.
5. Hospital Doctor
While there’s no denying that there will a whole lot of schooling required and some paperwork, you’ll spend a lot of your time away from the desk rather than behind it. Expect to be on your feet a lot as you perform health checkups and tests, form treatment plans, and prescribe medications.
Wear orthotics designed to help correct foot issues that affect walking so you can be at your best all day. Your patients will thank you, whether you specialize in neurology, pediatrics, or another department.
6. Lifeguard
There is perhaps no bigger way to ditch the office routine than to hit the beach. Monitor pools and open waters as a lifeguard. You’ll have the responsibility of handling any emergency, so you must be a strong swimmer and know how to act quickly, including performing CPR. Also, make sure those in the water abide by safety regulations.
7. Farmer
For those that are not urban dwellers. Or simply love the outdoors No two days will be the same as a farmworker. While the exact activities vary according to the type of farmer, the chances are good that you’ll have a lot of duties, from plowing to tending livestock and overseeing crop harvesting. Other activities lesser-known that farmers often handle include ordering supplies and selling fresh produce at local markets.
8. Freelance Photographer
Turn your love of photography into a career that will take you around the city (and even the country) and introduce you to a lot of new people. Take photos and edit them, as well as marketing yourself and growing the business.
Make time to network with others in the industry to build new connections that could lead to future work opportunities. Decide whether you will have a specialty, such as weddings, or take gigs as they come at first while you build up a portfolio.
9. Caterer
Plan menus for events, such as weddings, rehearsal dinners, and corporate gigs. Manage everything from meal prep and delivery up until the cleanup at the end of the night.
You’ll need to be an organized person and have strong communication skills to excel in this role. Teamwork and creativity are part of the skillset of a successful caterer, whether in the private or public sector.
10. Realtor
As a real estate agent, your primary tasks are to secure clients and help each one to buy, sell, or rent a property. Those who stand out are the realtors that go above and beyond for their clients. For instance, you might offer free cleaning of the suite for sale to ensure it looks its best when it goes on the market.
While there’s undoubtedly paperwork to do at a desk as part of this job, you’ll be out at homes and other properties more than you’re in an office. Home in on your communication skills in this career to make your way to the top.
11. Travel Guide
There are many types of tour guides, from city guides to those who take people on safaris. You might drive clients around or, instead, lead them on hikes.
What you decide to specialize in (and where), depends on your interests. Always looks at weather forecasts before heading out with a group to ensure it’s safe from storms or other turbulent weather, for everyone’s safety.
12. Dance Teacher
For those salseros, merengue or bachata lovers. Turn that love of dance into a dream career. There’s no formal training required, although you’ll need skills to be able to teach others in a certain dance style. Begin the class with a warm-up session to help avoid any muscle strain and train students in your favorite type of dance.
Train groups or individuals, depending on your preference, and instruct in your home or at a studio. Being able to work with people of any age is a must.
13. Truck Driver
Transporting materials, food, and other items from one site to another makes your work as a truck driver an essential part of the economy. You must follow traffic laws and have a special driver’s license.
Travel the world while working, all while having a sense of freedom and career stability. Instead of being at a desk, you’re behind the wheel of an awesome truck.
14. Construction Worker
Assist tradespeople on the construction site with drilling, carpentry, drywalling, roofing, and more. Primary duties include loading, unloading, and distributing supplies, as well as directing traffic, mixing and pouring concrete, and erecting and demolishing structures.
At the entry-level, construction workers don’t have set educational requirements, although apprentices typically have a high school diploma or equivalent. Balance and eye-hand coordination are some of the vital job skills.
15. Interior Designer
Your love of décor could become the center of a high-paying and satisfying career. Choose to decorate homes or businesses, listen to your clients, and provide what they envision. Coordinate with architects to fulfill the project, including furniture, art, and paint colors.
Along with having an artistic flair, you’ll also need to be a good problem solver and planner. Many people also don’t realize that you’ll have to read blueprints and know building codes.
Final Words on Jobs not Tied to an Office Routine
If the thought of working behind a desk makes you unhappy, then it’s likely not for you. As seen above, it’s evident that there are plenty of work opportunities that don’t involve an office and still can provide a fulfilling sense of achievement as a career.
The jobs above could involve working alone, or you might coordinate with a team to complete projects. If you don’t like any paperwork, then delegate this task to someone else or figure out how to do it as efficiently as possible. You’re not stuck in a 9-5 office job if you don’t want to be. Enjoy what you do professionally to make the most of this life!
This article is a partnered post that contains affiliate links.