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The Best Careers if You Want to Avoid a Desk Job

If the thought of spending your working life trapped behind a desk is a little too much for you to bear, never fear; there happen to be boundless ways to make a living while staying active at the same time. Here we’ll look at some of the best non-desk jobs for those who’d rather not sit all day long.
1. Day Care Workers
$65,000
Average Day Care Worker Salary
Are you great with kids and looking for an ultra-active job? If so, this is it! Between all the walking, running and playing to the inevitable lifting and carrying, daycare work requires a high level of activity just to keep up. This important role also entails a huge amount of mental and emotional energy, which makes it the perfect choice for those with a good imagination, plenty of patience, and a calm demeanour.
Australia’s 150,000 daycare workers make an average of $48,000 per year and most have completed at least a Certificate III in Education Support or another education course which are the perfect way to get the skills needed to enter this active and rewarding industry.
2. Chef and Hospitality Workers
Click here if you want to read more about Ben’s life as a chef.
$90,000
Average Head Chef Salary
This fast-paced profession requires far more than just a love of cooking, as you’ll also need plenty of strength, precision and endurance. If you enjoy working with others and have the ability to stay calm under pressure then this is the career path for you. The job doesn’t stop when food service is over either because chefs are also commonly tasked with shift planning, menu creation and staff development duties as well.
Most of Australia’s chefs get their start via apprenticeship programs which typically include a Certificate or Diploma of Culinary Arts as well as four years of on-the-job training, and executive chefs can make upwards of $100,000 every year.
Start Your Career in the Culinary Arts
Click here if you want to read more about Jen’s career in hospitality.
3. Nurse
$80,000
Average Registered Nurse Salary
Want a job where you get to be active and help people at the same time? If so, consider nursing. Not only will you be on your feet for every shift but you’ll need plenty of physical strength and endurance, with nurses being a vital service needed around the clock.
Nursing is also one of Australia’s most highly respected and in-demand professions with an average income of around $69,888 per year and the best way to get started is by taking medical science courses, such as a Diploma of Nursing to become an enrolled nurse in Australia.
Start a Rewarding Career in Nursing With a Diploma of Nursing
4. Photographer
Click here if you want to read more about Stina’s career as a photographer.
$65,000
Average Salary for a Photographer in Australia
If you feel more comfortable behind a lens than a desk you’ll love your life as a professional photographer, because in this creative role you get to spend most of your time playing with light, experimenting with angles and capturing some of life’s most special moments. You can choose to specialise in the type of photography that interests you most, such as weddings, sports, or photojournalism.
The chances of exploring the world and capturing moments through your lenses are what attracts so many to this profession. There are just over 13,000 professional photographers now working throughout Australia earning an average of $65,000. Better yet, many choose to become freelance photographers after undergoing a photography course so the ability to be your own boss is another benefit of this dynamic and creative industry.
Becoming Your Own Boss and Start Your Freelance Photography Business Today
5. Animal Care Worker
Click here to read more about Carla’s experience in dog grooming.
$60,000
Average Salary for an Animal Carer
If you are an animal lover looking for a job that isn’t so inactive, consider your search over, because any career working with animals will allow you to get a huge amount of exercise, have access to all the fresh air and sunshine your heart desires, and spend every day given unconditional love by a variety of animals.
An animal trainer or attendant can earn over $60,000 per year, with those at a senior level earning over $70,000 and qualifications in animal care vary according to these specific jobs. If you’re after a rewarding job surrounded by animals big and small, then this career is a perfect move and better yet, there’s almost no chance of being stuck behind a desk.
Want a Career in Animal Care? Start Your Course Today
6. Fitness Instructor
$80,000
Average Fitness Instructor Salary in Australia
This highly energetic job will essentially pay you to stay in shape, providing of course, that you’re willing to help others do so too. The majority of fitness instructors spend their days working in gyms showing members how to use equipment properly, while many also lead classes in specialised skills such as Pilates, Cross-fit and Kettlebell. Apart from being an extremely active job, you’ll also meet plenty of like-minded people and get to share in the joy of helping others to achieve their personal goals.
Whether you’re interested in becoming a personal trainer, coach or gym instructor, there’s plenty of fitness courses such as a Certificate III in Fitness available Australia-wide which can assist you in taking that first step towards this rewarding career path. This is also a rather lucrative job, as fitness instructors in Australia can make up to $83,000
Start Your Challenging and Fun Career in Fitness
The best way to find your ideal non desk job is by doing some research, sharpening your skills and seeking out tips and advice wherever possible. But whatever you do, aim for a job that you’ll look forward to every day; after all, the right job should do far more than just pay the bills, it should make you feel great to be alive!
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Complete Personal Trainer Program – Certificates III & IV in Fitness (VIC, NSW, QLD, SA & WA Only) SIS30321,SIS40221
Our Personal Trainer Program is a combined Certificate III and Certificate IV in Fitness course that is simply the very best way to become a fully qualified personal trainer. NHFA is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, implementation, and to d...
Diploma of Nursing (SA and WA Only) HLT54121
Build a meaningful career that makes a difference with the HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing. This nationally recognised qualification provides the essential skills, knowledge, and practical training needed to become a qualified Enrolled Nurse in Australia....
Certificate IV in Training & Assessment TAE40122
The TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment is a life-changing qualification designed to help everyday people pass on their wealth of knowledge and expertise to others. This entry-level qualification is the most current version of the Certif...
Certificate IV in Hospitality (Melbourne Only) SIT40422
Our government-funded SIT40422 Certificate IV in Hospitality offers comprehensive training, including RSA certification, Food Handler’s certificate, bar and cocktail making, beer knowledge, espresso coffee skills, food and beverage service, an introduc...
Certificate IV in Leadership and Management (VIC Only) BSB42015
This program provides participants with the essential knowledge and skills to undertake management positions. This includes assuming responsibility for their own performance, providing leadership, guidance and support to others. Develop the knowledge a...
Pilates Matwork Instructor Course
Standout in the fitness and wellness industry with an accredited Mat Pilates Qualification! This course is a great opportunity to add a new skill set to your existing career or bundle with fitness certifications to establish yourself as a diverse, mult...
Fast Track PT Course SIS40221
Turn your love of fitness into a career and get on the fast track to becoming a qualified Personal Trainer. After completing the nine Fitness Fundamental units, you’ll then launch straight into the SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness and complete all th...
Certificate IV in Fitness SIS40221
Take the next step in your career and gain the qualification you need to become a Personal Trainer. If you currently work in the fitness industry as a Gym or Group Fitness Instructor, elevate yourself to the next level by studying the SIS40221 Certific...
Certificate III in Fitness SIS30321
If you’re looking to begin your career in the fitness industry, studying the SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness is the perfect qualification to get you started. Gain all the knowledge and skills you need to enter the industry as a Gym Instructor or Gr...
Personal Trainer Course SIS30321,SIS40221
Join the fitness industry as a Personal Trainer and turn your love for fitness into a rewarding career by graduating in both the SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness & SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness. Enjoy the flexibility of being your own boss...
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing & Disability) (QLD Only) CHC33021
This Nationally Accredited Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing & Disability), will give you the skills and knowledge to work in the Ageing and Disability care industry and support those who are most vulnerable! Work in one of the most rew...
Certificate IV in Youth Work CHC40421
The Certificate IV in Youth Work is ideal for those who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people. You’ll gain the skills and knowledge to develop and implement programs that address their social, behavioural, health,...
Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
Why choose the Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)? The SSCP certification is recognised internationally as a benchmark for IT security expertise and is designed to validate the knowledge and skills necessary to implement, monitor and admini...
Project Management Professional – PMP
Why choose the Project Management Professional – PMP? The Project Management Professional Course is an in-depth course that enables project professionals to significantly improve their understanding of the intricacies and challenges of Project Manageme...
PRINCE2® Pathway
Why choose the PRINCE2® Pathway? PRINCE2® is a globally recognised project management methodology, and its adaptability lets you manage projects of all sizes, using industry best practice. Passing the PRINCE2® Foundation certification demonstrates your...
PRINCE2® Practitioner
Why choose the PRINCE2® Practitioner? If you’re looking to build on your foundational understanding of PRINCE2® Project Management methodology then this course is for you. PRINCE2® (Projects IN Controlled Environments) is a globally recognised framewor...
PRINCE2® Agile Practitioner
Why choose the PRINCE2® Agile Practitioner? PRINCE2® is a globally recognised project management methodology, and its adaptability lets you manage projects of all sizes, using industry best practice. The PRINCE2® Agile Practitioner course is an extensi...
PRINCE2® Foundation
Why choose the PRINCE2® Foundation? PRINCE2® is the global standard for project management, and this certificate gets you well on the way to a rewarding and lucrative role as a project manager. The course will give you a clear understanding of the PRIN...
PMP Pathway
Why choose the PMP Pathway? Providing a senior level training in Project Management, plus the foundations of Scrum and Agile. Our PMP Pathway elevates your expertise in Project Management and widen your skill sets too. By completing this pathway, you’l...
PMP and Change Pathway
Why choose the PMP Pathway? Providing a senior level training in Project Management, plus the foundations of Scrum and Agile. Our PMP Pathway elevates your expertise in Project Management and widen your skill sets too. By completing this pathway, you’l...
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