10 Exciting Careers for People Who’d Rather Be Anywhere But the Office
If the thought of sitting at a desk from 9 to 5 feels like a personal nightmare, you’re not alone! Thankfully, there are plenty of high-paying, fulfilling careers that take you far beyond the confines of a traditional office. Let’s explore ten career paths that let you work in dynamic settings, require little or no office time, and offer exciting opportunities for people who crave variety, adventure, or just a different kind of workspace.
1. Wildlife Biologist
Average Salary: $64,650
Projected Openings: 4,500+ annually
Degree Required: Bachelor’s in Wildlife Biology or Ecology
Ideal Personality: Adventurous, detail-oriented, nature lover
Work Interests and Values: Outdoor work, environmental conservation, scientific research
Why It’s Great: Wildlife biologists spend most of their time in the field, studying animals in their natural habitats. This career offers a mix of physical work, data collection, and conservation efforts.
How to Get Started:
Earn a degree in Wildlife Biology or a related field.
Gain field experience through internships or research assistant positions.
Build connections with conservation organizations or research labs.
2. Freelance Photographer
Average Salary: $45,440 (can vary widely)
Projected Openings: 3,700+ annually
Degree Required: No formal degree required, but courses in Photography help
Ideal Personality: Creative, self-motivated, loves travel
Work Interests and Values: Creative expression, visual storytelling, flexibility
Why It’s Great: Freelance photographers get to capture beautiful moments or scenes in various locations, from weddings to wildlife to fashion shoots.
How to Get Started:
Build a portfolio showcasing your unique style.
Network with other photographers, clients, and agencies.
Develop skills in editing and marketing to attract clients.
3. Marine Biologist
Average Salary: $66,350
Projected Openings: 2,000+ annually
Degree Required: Bachelor’s in Marine Biology, often a Master’s for research roles
Ideal Personality: Curious, loves water, science-driven
Work Interests and Values: Environmental protection, aquatic research, exploring marine life
Why It’s Great: Marine biologists explore life under the sea, researching everything from coral reefs to marine mammals. It’s a career for those who find peace in the ocean.
How to Get Started:
Get a degree in Marine Biology or Environmental Science.
Apply for internships at marine research labs or aquariums.
Earn scuba certification for fieldwork.
4. Travel Nurse
Average Salary: $75,330
Projected Openings: 194,500+ (high demand due to healthcare shortages)
Degree Required: Associate or Bachelor’s in Nursing
Ideal Personality: Caring, adaptable, loves travel
Work Interests and Values: Helping others, healthcare, flexibility
Why It’s Great: Travel nurses work in different hospitals and clinics around the country, allowing them to explore new places while making a difference in people’s lives.
How to Get Started:
Earn an RN degree and pass the NCLEX exam.
Work in a hospital setting to gain experience.
Apply with a travel nurse agency to start accepting assignments.
5. Archaeologist
Average Salary: $63,670
Projected Openings: 7,000+ annually
Degree Required: Bachelor’s in Archaeology or Anthropology
Ideal Personality: Inquisitive, patient, enjoys outdoor work
Work Interests and Values: History, excavation, research
Why It’s Great: Archaeologists are like detectives of the ancient world, spending their time digging for artifacts and studying ancient cultures. Much of the work happens outdoors and in historical sites around the globe.
How to Get Started:
Study Archaeology or Anthropology.
Gain field experience through archaeological digs or research programs.
Build connections with museums, universities, or archaeological firms.
6. Solar Photovoltaic Installer
Average Salary: $47,670
Projected Openings: 6,100+ annually (rapidly growing field)
Degree Required: High School Diploma with technical training
Ideal Personality: Practical, physically fit, environmentally conscious
Work Interests and Values: Renewable energy, hands-on work, environmental protection
Why It’s Great: Solar photovoltaic installers work outside installing solar panels on buildings, a growing field with strong environmental impact and lots of active, hands-on work.
How to Get Started:
Complete a vocational training program in solar technology.
Get certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
Apply for positions with solar energy companies.
7. Commercial Diver
Average Salary: $60,360
Projected Openings: 1,000+ annually
Degree Required: No degree required, certification needed
Ideal Personality: Physically fit, loves water, risk-tolerant
Work Interests and Values: Adventure, underwater work, hands-on projects
Why It’s Great: Commercial divers work on underwater construction, repairs, and even treasure recovery. It’s a job for thrill-seekers who don’t mind getting a little wet at work!
How to Get Started:
Complete a commercial diving program.
Obtain your diving certification (such as through the ADCI).
Apply for jobs with diving contractors or construction firms.
8. Event Planner
Average Salary: $51,560
Projected Openings: 10,000+ annually
Degree Required: Bachelor’s in Hospitality or Communications
Ideal Personality: Organized, outgoing, creative
Work Interests and Values: Planning, making people happy, variety in work
Why It’s Great: Event planners organize weddings, corporate events, and more, constantly moving between venues and meeting clients—no two days are the same.
How to Get Started:
Earn a degree in Hospitality or a related field.
Get hands-on experience through internships or assistant roles.
Build a portfolio of successful events.
9. Park Ranger
Average Salary: $49,830
Projected Openings: 2,000+ annually
Degree Required: Bachelor’s in Environmental Science or Forestry
Ideal Personality: Nature lover, protective, enjoys public service
Work Interests and Values: Conservation, education, spending time outdoors
Why It’s Great: Park rangers work in nature reserves, national parks, and forests, protecting wildlife and helping visitors understand and enjoy the natural environment.
How to Get Started:
Study Environmental Science, Forestry, or Parks and Recreation.
Volunteer with local parks or conservation programs.
Apply for a park ranger position with state or federal agencies.
10. Film or Video Editor
Average Salary: $67,250
Projected Openings: 8,600+ annually
Degree Required: Bachelor’s in Film, Media, or a related field
Ideal Personality: Creative, detail-oriented, tech-savvy
Work Interests and Values: Visual storytelling, creativity, flexible schedule
Why It’s Great: Film editors often work remotely or in studios, piecing together footage for films, TV, and online content. It’s a dynamic role with a creative focus that doesn’t require office time.
How to Get Started:
Study Film or Media Production.
Gain editing experience through freelance or internship projects.
Build a demo reel showcasing your editing style.
Each of these careers offers the chance to work outside the traditional office while earning a competitive salary. Whether you’re drawn to underwater repairs, event planning, or studying wildlife, there’s a career here for anyone who wants work that goes beyond the four walls of a cubicle.
