Nowadays, the traditional nine-to-five job doesn’t guarantee financial freedom and job security. Not everyone is cut out to go to the office for five days a week and be glued to a computer screen. Are you creative? Do you prefer hands-on work? Maybe you like to start work earlier in the day? Or are you already stuck in a monotonous ‘desk duty’ job and craving to break free and choose a different career path? There are plenty of alternatives to a ‘desk duty’ job.
For some of these jobs, you can shadow someone, work as an apprentice, or you may need to gain a certificate to be considered. Once you’ve established a good reputation, you can become your own boss. If you’re already doing one of these jobs as a side hustle successfully, you can turn it into a full-time career and quit your desk duty job.
This article offers a range of intriguing choices as you consider the career you want, from working as a roofing contractor to becoming an arborist. There are exciting outdoorsy jobs that will prove to be fulfilling since they combine physical exercise, creativity, and problem-solving. Let’s take a look.
1. Roofer
Despite their sturdiness, roofs need maintenance to ensure their longevity. There’s always work available, regardless of the season. Repairs also need to be done, to prevent a small crack from causing mayhem. As a roofing contractor, you’ll install new roofs, replace entire roofs, carry out repairs and restoration, and clean and maintain the roof and gutters. You can be a specialist in resident roofs, commercial roofs, or both.
To become a roofing contractor, you may learn by being an apprentice or taking classes at a technical college and passing the exams. Depending on the state you’re in, you may need certification. You’ll also need a license and the right type of insurance. Get more information from your local roofing association.
Be ready to work in different types of weather conditions. Abide by the rules and always wear safety equipment. Stay informed with the latest roofing trends. Focus on client satisfaction and quality and this will guarantee positive reviews and referrals.
2. Plumber
A career in plumbing may be the ideal choice for you if you like to fix things again and solve complex problems. A good plumber has the potential to earn more than a college graduate. Learning plumbing doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. You can learn and earn some cash at the same time. There is also job advancement. From a plumber, you can go high up the rung and be a project manager. There will be no shortage of plumbing jobs or plumbing repair jobs, and you’ll constantly face new challenges.
Plumbing doesn’t only entail house calls and fixing leaky faucets. You could be a commercial plumber, or a water supply plumber or, even specialize in designing plumbing systems.
To become a plumber, you’ll need vocational training. Then, apply for a plumbing apprenticeship to further develop your skills. Inquire with the local plumbing companies for apprenticeship programs. You’ll need to get a plumbing license to work as a plumber. Plumbing is a great getaway from a ‘desk duty’ job.
3. Mover
If you’re someone who likes to be physically challenged and be part of a team, then working in a moving company is a great alternative to desk duty. You’ll have flexible hours but also be expected to work during the weekends.
To become a mover, there’s no formal education. You do need physical strength and good customer service skills. Your responsibilities will include packing and unpacking items, safely handling fragile items, and assembling and disassembling furniture as well as appliances. To widen your scope within moving companies, think of getting a commercial driver’s license as well. You can be a driver or a mover.
You can either work for a local moving company or an interstate moving company. Once you’ve got the required skills, you can open your own moving company. Register your business and come up with a detailed business plan. A moving truck, packing materials, and dollies will be some of the equipment you need. Moving companies also need licenses and insurance. Start small and then expand. This would be a good job for those who love to be out and about and no doubt it’s a great way to stay active.
4. Septic Tank Professional
While this may not sound as glamorous as other professions, there are several career options to choose from within a septic company. There are septic tank installers, septic system technicians, engineers, environmental specialists, and plumbers.
If you’re interested in working with mechanical equipment and excavation, you may want to think about becoming a septic tank installer. A septic tank cleaner is responsible for pumping the contents from the septic tank using a special pump truck. You can also be an environmental specialist. They assess the impact of septic systems on the environment. They also ensure that there is compliance with environmental regulations.
As more emphasis is placed on eco-friendly practices, septic companies are becoming popular, and present a wide range of career prospects.
5. Interior Designer
An interior or home designer specializes in creating an aesthetically pleasing space to live in. If you’re an imaginative person, this job will unleash your creativity and talent. This is where you’ll work with homeowners and understand their tastes and lifestyle. By combining color and texture, you’ll come up with ideas that reflect the homeowner’s vision. Based on the client’s budget, you’ll recommend the type of furniture and flooring, and enhance the ambiance with the correct type of lighting.
To become a home designer, a bachelor’s degree in a related field as well as knowledge of computer-aided design and rendering is desirable. You have the freedom to work independently and set your own hours. Or you can be part of an interior design firm where you’ll work with architects and builders. You’ll be working on multiple projects, so good organizational and communication skills are a plus.
Challenges you’ll face are being creative on a budget, learning to find simple solutions to complex problems, and handling demanding clients. Build a portfolio and stay on top of industry trends. Your work will speak volumes, so give every project your best. A fabulous career option with limited ‘desk duty’.
6. Lawn Contractor
Do you love nature and being outdoors, no matter the weather? Are you stuck on desk duty, and do you yearn to be outside soaking in the sun? A lawn contractor is another terrific option to consider. Lawn contractors provide various services relating to the upkeep and improvement of lawns and landscapes.
These services include mowing lawns, applying fertilizer to promote healthy growth, and keeping weeds at bay. Lawn contractors also practice pest control and also ensure the lawn is properly watered and advise on the type of irrigation system to use.
As a lawn contractor, you can opt to work independently, or as part of a landscaping team. To become a lawn contractor, get hands-on experience, or obtain a degree in horticulture or a related field. Knowing about the different types of grass and soil is important. Identifying different types of pests and knowing how to control weeds is also essential. You’ll also need special equipment such as a mower, a leaf blower, a lawn aerator, shears, rakes, and other tools.
Check with your local authorities if a license is required. Insurance is essential, so get the appropriate type of cover. Note that although the hours can be flexible, this type of work is seasonal and physically demanding. However, if you provide quality services, this can be a lucrative career.
7. HVAC Contractor
With the current erratic weather changes, most people either have an HVAC system or will need to get one installed. An HVAC contractor installs these systems and carries out regular maintenance and repairs when needed. This job is for you if you’re good with your hands and adept at technical skills.
Depending on the size of the building and the requirements, HVAC contractors choose the appropriate equipment, design its layout, and install the components where needed. Maintenance is carried out to keep it functioning at optimum levels, where components are cleaned, and certain parts are replaced.
There is a constant need for HVAC services, so job stability is almost guaranteed. Obtain a high school diploma and enroll in a technical school for a training program. Apply for apprenticeships with contractors or HVAC companies. Find out how to get a certificate and an HVAC license. With continuous changes in technology, keep studying to gain new skills to get ahead in your field.
8. Towing Service
Do you like to help people in need? Is driving long distances something you enjoy? Towing service is a great getaway from the monotony of desk duty. By providing towing services, you’re helping those whose car is stuck or involved in a crash. You’ll also be towing abandoned and illegally parked cars.
To become a tow truck driver, you need to be 18 years or older. A valid commercial driver’s license and a clean driving record is an important requirement. Being in good shape and being able to work in different weather conditions is another prerequisite. Shadow other drivers and gain some experience and basic knowledge of vehicles. You can also apply for an apprenticeship. Pursue certification to expand your opportunities.
You may be called to work at odd hours, rush hours, and during the weekends and holiday season. There is more likelihood of breakdowns in harsh weather, so towing services will be in higher demand. This career offers flexible hours and a good opportunity to help people.
9. Mechanic
This is a dream job for those who love being around cars, getting their hands dirty, and far away from desk duty. Car repair jobs are numerous, ranging from fixing them to carrying out scheduled services.
To become a mechanic, finish high school, and enroll in an automotive repair course. Apply for an apprenticeship as there’s nothing like hands-on training in this area. This is where you’ll apply what you’ve learned, as well as obtain new skills in diagnosing various car problems and using different tools to carry out repairs. There are different areas of the vehicle that you can specialize in, such as engines, brakes, suspension, and alignment.
Obtain certification to show you’re competent to potential employers. This career offers job satisfaction and there’s never a shortage of cars to be fixed. Once you’ve gained a wide range of skills, you can open your own car repair shop.
10. Arborist
Did you climb trees as a kid? If you love nature, being an arborist may be your calling. Arborists, or tree surgeons, are specialists in trees. You need to have the skills to plant trees, care for them, and remove them safely if necessary.
Trees will also need to be inspected for disease and pests. You’ll also need to correctly prune or trim the trees. Providing advice such as where to plant trees, depending on the soil, environment, and location, is another huge responsibility.
Pursue a degree in arboriculture, horticulture, or forestry to put you ahead of the pack. Gain hands-on experience and get your certification. Arborists climb trees and use heavy machinery, so don’t neglect safety protocol. There are many related careers, so widen your skill base to expand your horizons. This is a great way to positively impact the environment and enjoy the great outdoors instead of being stuck behind a desk.
It’s never too late to change career paths, and working in a fancy office may not be as glamorous as you think. There’s a new respect for those who take on physical jobs and follow their passion. Whether you like to work with your hands, engage your creative side, or prefer being outdoors, the jobs mentioned above offer stability and scope to grow both professionally and personally.
More importantly, for some of these careers, you don’t need to invest heavily in education. You can study and earn a few bucks at the same time. It is advisable to finish high school and pursue the training required to get a certificate to enhance your job prospects. Don’t be confined to desk duty, follow your dream instead.