20 Jobs You Can Do Away From a Desk
Would you like to work in an environment where you can move around and not be tied to a desk all day?
If so, jobs away from a desk might be perfect for you.
You can do many jobs away from the office. Today we’re going to look at 20 jobs you can do away from a desk.
#1 – Construction Manager
A construction manager’s primary responsibility is to oversee the people responsible for a project and make sure it gets completed on time.
Construction managers need to have mathematics, engineering, architecture, or design skills because they’re often required to work with drawings and blueprints.
Working away from an office setting typically means going out into the field to check on progress and ensure work is meeting deadlines.
Construction managers may also need some experience in the construction industry or a related trade before their boss promotes them into this position.
#2 – Hydrologist
A hydrologist is in charge of researching and monitoring changes to water supply, quality, or distribution.
The job typically requires a degree in hydrology, civil engineering, or natural science.
A typical workday includes taking field measurements and readings from gauges located on water bodies like rivers or lakes.
The information is used to create maps that show changes over time and forecast future conditions based on the data collected.
This person needs to understand the geology, meteorology, and geography of their area to be aware of environmental issues impacting the water supply.
They may need to work out in the field doing research.
#3 – Petroleum Engineer
A petroleum engineer is responsible for a variety of tasks in the oil and gas industry including finding new resources, drilling wells, developing extraction techniques, managing production from an existing well.
They need to be able to understand geological data as well as possess skills in mathematics and physics so they can design equipment used in exploration or development.
Petroleum engineers are also in charge of designing, building, testing and operating equipment needed for production.
A petroleum engineer typically needs a degree from an undergraduate program that includes study engineering as well as some coursework in geology or chemistry.
#4 – Airline or Commercial Pilot
An airline pilot transports passengers and cargo.
A pilot has to be alert at all times and able to adjust quickly to changing weather conditions, mechanical issues, or an emergency happening onboard the plane.
Pilots are also required to have extensive knowledge of aviation laws.
They must understand the English language clearly to read and interpret instructions from flight controllers, airport personnel, company dispatchers, air traffic control supervisors, and so on.
In addition to this, pilots need how to fly an airplane in various weather conditions.
They also must know how to follow written procedures for takeoff and landings.
#5 – Atmospheric Scientist
An atmospheric scientist researches and studies the atmosphere and its natural phenomena.
The work usually includes:
- Assessing how weather patterns may change in the future
- Looking at data on topics such as pollution levels
- Studying climate change patterns
- Taking measurements of gases in the atmosphere
- Examining meteorological data
Atmospheric scientists are typically employed through a college or university. Some obtain jobs through environmental agencies.
A degree in atmospheric science is usually necessary for this field.
#6 – Physicist and Astronomer
An astronomer studies the Universe and its objects.
They examine data about stars, galaxies, planets, comets, nebulae, black holes, and other celestial bodies in space.
An astronomer needs knowledge of math and science, and some background in astronomy.
Physicists usually focus on Earth-based sciences like biology or chemistry.
They sometimes study what happens to matter at a molecular level or look for ways to improve energy production.
#7 – Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical engineers are often involved with the design of medical devices and instruments.
They use a wide range of knowledge, such as chemistry and biology, to create higher quality healthcare products for patients.
They can also be involved in designing artificial limbs or prosthetic devices.
Biomedical engineers are needed in research and development, as well as manufacturing.
This is a field that has experienced rapid growth.
#8 – Artist
An artist’s main job is to create artwork.
There are different artists, such as fashion designers, muralists, illustrators, sculptors, and more.
A person in this field can make money by selling their work or through grants from the government and other organizations that support art-related projects.
Artists need to have talent and work well in a variety of media.
They can also earn money by teaching art classes or being commissioned by the government or private organizations.
#9 – Nuclear Power Plant Operator
A nuclear power plant operator is the person in charge of the nuclear power plant.
The job is to monitor the various components that keep the plant operational, sometimes with only one worker on duty.
The plant operator must be on-site at all times and is required to watch the readouts continuously.
The nuclear power plant operator must also provide assistance in emergencies, such as coolant leaks or fires.
The pay for this job can vary greatly depending on the company and location of work.
#10 – Sales engineer
A sales engineer is a person who helps companies develop the right products for their customers.
They can analyze customer data, develop product prototypes, and implement marketing campaigns to promote company products.
Sales engineers are often self-employed and not tied to a specific location.
This job requires creativity, out-of-the-box thinking, strong communication skills, and an analytical mind.
A sales engineer is typically paid on salary plus commissions for each sale made.
This career can be very lucrative if you have natural charisma and a way with words.
#11 – Sales manager
A sales manager is responsible for leading and managing people involved with selling products or services.
Sales managers help their team sell and find new customers through cold calling, presentations at trade shows, internet marketing campaigns, and other methods.
They manage employees’ schedules and work on behalf of the company.
Sales managers need to be good at motivating people.
They also need excellent negotiation skills.
They will often have to negotiate on behalf of their company with customers or vendors for discounts or terms that are advantageous to the company.
This job is best suited for people who are outgoing and like to work with others.
Sales managers have a high potential for success if they can develop strong relationships quickly with customers, employees, vendors, or other stakeholders in their business.
#12 – Elevator Installers and Repairers
An elevator installer and repairer helps keep buildings safe by installing, maintaining, and repairing elevators.
This job is typically done in an industrial setting with limited contact with people.
Elevator installers are responsible for ensuring that the building’s design requirements are met with all necessary permits obtained before starting construction. They also must check that the structure is done in compliance with building codes.
Elevator installers typically work as part of a team and often do not interact directly with the public.
This job requires excellent attention to detail skills to ensure that all necessary safety regulations are followed.
If you like to work with machines and have a knack for math, this may be the perfect career choice for you!
#13 – Mining and Geological Engineer
A mining and geological engineer looks for minerals, natural gas, coal, and other resources.
They help companies explore the Earth’s surface to find new materials and understand how mining and geological engineers can use them in manufacturing processes or energy production.
Mining engineers may also work on more complicated tasks like improving mine safety through engineering design and construction.
Some mining engineers may have a degree in geology or civil engineering. Others attend specialized training programs after college.
Mining engineers must be willing to work long hours away from home since they will likely spend lots of time in remote locations.
This career is best suited for people interested in science and math. A mining engineer needs to understand how these natural resources can be used by society and the environmental impact of different extraction methods.
This job requires precision skills, so you will need to have good attention to detail to succeed.
#14 – Geographer
A geographer studies the Earth’s surface and maps it.
Geographers may take pictures or measurements of areas like mountains, rivers, and other features to create maps used for navigation.
They study how environments change over time by checking records on global climate patterns from ice cores, tree rings, and fossils.
Geographers also study the impact of natural disasters on human populations.
This job requires substantial knowledge in math and science since they need to understand how different phenomena can impact the earth’s surface.
Geographers will usually work in an office or research facility. Still, their job can take them anywhere.
This is not a career for everyone since it requires long hours and lots of time on your feet; however, if you are detail-oriented and love science, this may be perfect for you!
#15 – Yoga instructor
A yoga instructor is responsible for leading and instructing people in various types of yoga.
This career requires a significant amount of patience since you’ll be teaching others how to do the poses correctly, which takes time.
Instructors can’t always rush through at lightning speed.
You also need strong communication skills because, as an instructor, it’s your responsibility to give instructions and answer questions.
You’ll need a certain degree of physical strength. Some poses will require more balance or flexibility than others, so being comfortable in those positions is essential.
A yoga instructor may work at different locations like gyms or health clubs, community centers, and schools.
This career is best suited for someone who has patience, is good at communicating with others, and enjoys working out in a group setting.
You will work long hours and often need to work weekends since people may come in for a yoga lesson when they are off work.
This is not an easy career because there are so many different factors that go into each class.
If you’re passionate about it, this could be the perfect job!
#16 – Chef/Baker
A chef or baker is responsible for cooking foods to make them taste delicious.
Chefs and bakers need strong creativity skills because they are constantly creating new dishes with different ingredients, spices, and styles of food.
They also need excellent people skills if they want to work in a restaurant where customers rely on you to answer their questions about your dishes.
Chefs and bakers spend most of their time in the kitchen but may also need to work with marketing or sales teams when they’re trying to get more customers into the restaurant.
This is not a career for someone who doesn’t enjoy cooking because it’s challenging work; however, this could be the perfect job for you if you love food!
#17 – Freelance photographer
A freelance photographer is someone who takes pictures of different subjects and sells them to companies.
If you enjoy photography, this could be a perfect career for you. It’s flexible work, and you get paid well. The more professional and education level you have, the higher that pay will be.
You’ll need to have strong people skills since you’ll be working with clients to sell them on your services, but you also need knowledge of photography since that’s what will make or break the picture.
This is not a career that provides job security because it’s hard to know how many clients you’ll be able to work with. If photography is your passion and you’re willing to put in the hours, this could be perfect for you!
#18 – Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
An electrical power-line installer and repairer installs, replaces, or repairs power lines.
These people need a lot of physical strength because they have to climb poles often in areas with lots of trees or other obstacles. The higher you go, the more challenging it can be since there will be less room for error.
You also need to have a certain level of education because you’ll be working with high voltage wires that could kill someone if they touch them.
An electrical power-line installer and repairer may work at different locations like power stations, substations, or on the side of the road. This job is not one for people who don’t like heights.
This isn’t a job for someone who values their time because you may often need to work weekends and holidays, but if that doesn’t bother you, then this could be the perfect career!
#19 – Occupational Therapist
An occupational therapist helps people with disabilities or injuries live more independently.
This is a hard job because it’s emotionally demanding but also rewarding since you’ll get to see your patients improve and regain their independence.
You need strong communications skills for this career since you may be working in a group setting where not everyone understands what to do.
It’s also a difficult job because you may often need to travel between different locations.
If being with patients is what you love, this could be the perfect career for you!
#20 – Veterinarians
A veterinarian is a doctor that specializes in taking care of animals.
They might work at an animal hospital, vet clinic, or animal shelter.
They might specialize in large farm animals, small pets, exotic wild animals, or zoo animals. They might work with horses, cows, or pigs.
They’ll give a diagnosis and prescribe treatment for animals that are sick or injured.
They might administer vaccinations or dispense medications.
They’ll also educate owners about how to take care of their animals.
Final Thoughts
The list of careers is long, but they all have in common that they are jobs you can do away from a desk.
If your job involves sitting at a computer for hours every day and you want to get out more, consider one of these 20 jobs!
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