Most of us spend a huge chunk of our waking hours sitting at desks, working in offices or cubicles. But there are plenty of rewarding careers to be found outside of that traditional office setting.
From travel blogging to auto mechanics, there is no shortage of exciting and lucrative career paths for those who don’t need the comfort (or confinement) of four walls and a computer screen.
Looking for a Career Change – Office Desk Burnout?
Are you feeling overwhelmed, unfulfilled and drained at your desk job? It might be time to look into other career options that don’t involve sitting behind a computer all day.
For some people, the thought of changing careers is daunting. But there are many exciting and rewarding opportunities available away from office desks, offering a chance for personal growth and job satisfaction.
Negative Effects of standing in front of a desk all day
Prolonged desk work can have a number of negative health effects that can impede productivity, concentration and job satisfaction. Some of these include physical pain, such as neck and lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and eyestrain. Mental fatigue and stress are also common consequences of extended desk work, resulting in a lack of motivation, impaired concentration and decreased productivity. It is important to become aware of these negative effects before running away from your desk job and sending your resignation letter.
Brain Fog and Mental Fatigue
The rise of brain fog and mental fatigue in recent years has been attributed to the increasing prevalence of desk-bound work. Sitting in front of a computer screen for many hours a day can lead to feelings of mental exhaustion, disorientation, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty remembering details. Such symptoms can be compounded by the lack of regular breaks and physical activity, making it difficult to remain productive and engaged. Therefore, it is important to assess potential career options that offer more opportunity for physical activity and regular breaks away from the desk.
Careers that prioritize values over money are more rewarding.
Rather than chasing money or simply settling for a job that doesn’t make you happy, consider looking into careers that prioritize values over money. These jobs will not only help you break away from the desk fatigue, they also offer a sense of purpose, personal growth and job satisfaction. When you choose a career that aligns with your values, you will be rewarded with a deep sense of fulfilment at the end of the day, rather than the feeling of simply counting down the days to the next pay check.
What are some job ideas that don’t involve sitting at a desk?
Whether you’re looking for something in the public sector, medical field or creative industry, there are plenty of opportunities to explore. Here are some rewarding careers away from a desk that might be perfect for your needs:
Public Service Worker
Working as a public service worker can involve anything from helping people with their day-to-day needs to mentoring and supporting homeless populations. This can be incredibly fulfilling work as you get to help people in need while also contributing to the community.
Healthcare Industry
For those looking for rewarding careers away from a desk, the healthcare industry can provide a valuable and satisfying opportunity. Whether it is in a nursing home, looking after elderly people, tending to disabled people, or providing care and comfort to sick children, healthcare offers plenty of chances to serve others and help them feel better. People in this field can benefit from direct interactions with other individuals as they strive to make a positive impact in their lives. Additionally, emotional support and comfort for patients can be equally rewarding.
Medical Professional
If you’re looking for a career that involves working directly with patients, then becoming a medical professional or a pediatric dentist could be a great option for you. You have the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives by providing them with the care and assistance they need. Medical professionals are able to experience the sense of accomplishment that comes from making a difference in a patient’s life. Every day offers something new as you encounter a different patient and a different case, allowing you to gain valuable experience and develop your skills.
As a medical professional, you will also need to perform a certain amount of manual work in order to help the patient feel better. This manual labor can be an incredibly rewarding experience as it allows you to make a tangible difference in a person’s life. As such, you will always have a sense of purpose and accomplishment at the end of the day. If you opt for pediatric dentistry, making little souls feel better and smile healthier is also very rewarding.
Creative Professional
If you’re more interested in something creative, then a career as a creative professional might be the perfect fit. This could involve anything from graphic design to photography or writing and will give you the opportunity to use your skills while also getting paid for it. The digital age has provided us with a plethora of opportunities to learn new skills and live off our dreams.
Whether you’re interested in knitting, photography or graphic design, there are numerous platforms such as Udemy and YouTube that offer a wealth of knowledge and resources to help you hone your skills and get started. This is a great option for those seeking a career away from a desk, as you can work from home and do something you love. Not only will you save yourself from the physical and mental fatigue of desk work, you will also be rewarded with a sense of purpose and accomplishment at the end of the day.
Becoming a pilot
Piloting planes is an incredibly thrilling job and not one that requires you to sit in front of a desk all day. The hours can be long, but the pilot lifestyle provides many opportunities to see different parts of the world and experience amazing places. There are various flight schools that have training programs for any age and can allow you to fulfill your dreams.
Working on-site
Working on-site in the construction, engineering, and automobile industries can be a great way to get away from a desk job and use your physical skills more. It can also provide the opportunity for personal growth and job satisfaction. Working on-site can involve hard labor, such as digging, lifting heavy objects, and building structures. It requires physical fitness, knowledge of safety regulations, and problem-solving skills. It can also be very rewarding, as you get to see the development of a project from start to finish. Additionally, working on-site offers the chance to travel to different locations and explore new places.
Travel Blogging
For those who love to travel, blogging can be a great way to make money and stay away from the desk. Creating content for an audience that reads it can be very fulfilling and rewarding. You have the opportunity to share your experiences and insights with readers while also making a living out of it.
No matter what profession you choose, remember that having a career that is meaningful and rewarding is more important than the amount of money you make. If you find something that aligns with your values and fulfills your passion, then it will be an incredibly valuable experience in the long run.
