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
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.
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.
Click here if you want to read more about Jen’s career in hospitality.
3. Nurse
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.
4. Photographer
Click here if you want to read more about Stina’s career as a photographer.
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.
5. Animal Care Worker
Click here to read more about Carla’s experience in dog grooming.
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.
6. Fitness Instructor
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
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!
Browse Results
Diploma of Counselling
There is a growing need for people who can offer support services to adults and teenagers who may need support and guidance. If you have the desire to help people lead a happier life to reach their full potential, a career as a professional Counsellor...
Diploma of Nursing
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....
Graduate Diploma in Management
The Graduate Diploma in Management is an online postgraduate qualification that is ideal for busy senior managers, with a potential entry pathway through any of our Graduate Certificates and study that is highly supported, fits into your schedule, and...
Graduate Certificate in Management
The Graduate Certificate in Management is an online postgraduate qualification that is designed for newer and ambitious professionals, with entry possible through management experience alone and a study structure that easily accommodates full-time work...
Certificate III in Community Services (WA Only)
The Certificate III in Community Services is perfect for entry level community services workers who support individuals through the provision of person-centred services. Work may include day-to-day support of individuals in community settings or suppor...
Certificate IV in Fitness
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
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
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...
Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Nutrition)
Clinical nutritionists integrate traditional food wisdom and current scientific evidence to motivate individuals and communities to eat well and live healthier lives. The Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Nutrition) is supported by a strong underpin...
Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy)
Naturopathy is a whole medical system combining theory (philosophy and principles) and practise that uses an array of natural therapies to support healing and maintain health. Naturopaths aim to treat the underlying causes of illness and disease. The c...
Certificate III in Community Services (Perth Only)
Are you a natural when it comes to providing guidance to people? Would you like to kick start a career in Community Services? The Certificate III in Community Services (CHC32015) is the perfect entry-level qualification for prospective Community Servic...
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing OR Disability) (Perth Only)
If you have a passion for helping those most in need, this qualification is one way you can utilise your knowledge for the benefit of others. Package the Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing or Disability) (CHC33021) to save time and gain know...
Certificate lll in Early Childhood Education & Care (Perth Only)
If you love working with children and want to learn more about providing quality education and care in a range of environments, this course is for you. The Certificate lll in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121) can provide you with an entry-l...
Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) (SA Only)
The Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) is designed to equip you with the practical skills and knowledge to support people living with disability in a variety of care settings. With a focus on person-centred support, you’ll learn how to...
Certificate III in Non-Emergency Patient Transport (VIC Only)
Our Promise We are confident in the delivery of our training. On successful completion of the course, graduates will be guaranteed a telephone interview for vacant Patient Transport Officer positions in the Non-Emergency Patient Transport division. So...
Diploma of Community Services (Perth Only)
The Diploma of Community Services qualification reflects the roles of community services, case management and social housing workers involved in the managing, co-ordinating and/or delivering of person-centred services to individuals, groups and communi...
Certificate IV in Business (Perth Only)
This qualification is suited to those working as administrators and project officers. In this role, individuals use well-developed skills and a broad knowledge base to apply solutions to a defined range of unpredictable problems and analyse information...
Certificate III in Process Manufacturing (Perth Only)
The Certificate III in Process Manufacturing is designed for those working or looking to work in production, warehousing, or factory roles. This hands-on course equips you with the practical skills needed to operate machinery, follow safety procedures,...
Certificate III in School-Based Education Support (Perth Only)
Are you interested in becoming a teacher’s aide? Work with teachers to create a comfortable and supportive environment for children’s learning. You will ensure lessons run smoothly while also developing the student’s literacy, numeracy and resear...
Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance (Perth Only)
A Certificate III in Allied Health is your entrance into the world of health services! This course will teach you to support workers in a range of fields such as audiology to social work. You will use your qualification to gain an entry-level job in ei...
Latest Articles
Want to read more?
Have you considered submitting an expression of interest to your dream job? Here are some tips for crafting the perfect letter of interest to get your foot in the door.
Do you want to learn more about makeup artistry? Here's what you need to know about becoming a makeup artist.
Technology is changing the way we work and affecting future career choices, see what areas are growing, and which are on the decline.
