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The Best Careers if You Want to Avoid a Desk Job
Kristen Michaelides
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
$48,000
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.
$61,750
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
$69,890
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.
$54,370
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 $54,367. 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.
$40,000
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 $40,000 per year, with those at a senior level earning over $50,000 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
$41,450
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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Courses found:
Certificate III in Process Manufacturing (Perth Only) MSM30116
Advance your knowledge, gain more skills in Process Manufacturing. This course is tailored to students interested in advanced production work utilising a range of different support functions related to producing products. You will gain skills across va...
Certificate III in Business (QLD Only) BSB30120
Get the practical skills to succeed in business. This course introduces you to business processes, tools and technology, and is packed with practical real-life activities. Whether you are working in the business environment or hoping to kickstart your...
Certificate II in Electrotechnology Studies (Pre-vocational) (Geelong Only) 22261VIC
Are you looking to enter the electrical industry, or get a taste for the trade before undertaking an apprenticeship? This pre-apprenticeship course is designed to give you the core skills and knowledge for the industry, and increase your opportunities...
Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural) (Geelong Only) 22477VIC
This course prepares you for a career as a building designer, with the practical skills, knowledge and qualifications to work in the residential and commercial design and construction sectors. This course also gives you a great edge if you’re planning...
Certificate III in Horticulture (Geelong Only) AHC30716
If you enjoy being outdoors, have an interest in plants and gardens, and are looking for a hands-on career, then horticulture could be for you. This is a generalist horticulture course that will equip you with comprehensive skills and knowledge to succ...
Certificate III in Individual Support (Geelong & Werribee Only) CHC33015
Do you have a compassionate nature and good people skills? A career in aged care, disability, or home and community care could be for you. This is a new qualification that replaces the Certificate III in Aged Care, Certificate III in Home and Communit...
Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services (VIC ONLY) CPC40912
THIS COURSE IS AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS IN VICTORIA ONLY This course covers common skills relevant for the plumbing industry in addition to specialist streams relevant to drainage, gas fitting, roof drainage, sewerage and more. These plumbing training cou...
Certificate III in Hospitality (Perth Only) SIT30616
The Certificate III in Hospitality is the perfect qualification for those looking for a career in hospitality including working as barista, bar attendant, waiter/waitress. Whether you imagine working in a restaurant, hotel, motel, funky bar, café, club...
Certificate III in Individual Support (Melbourne Only) CHC33021
Are you compassionate and wanting to make a difference? Our CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support is a course designed for those wanting to help care for vulnerable people that need assistance. To be an individual support worker, you should po...
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) (SE Melb Only) CHC33015
If you are looking for a career that is challenging, diverse and offers you the opportunity to make a difference to someone else’s life, then a career in Aged Care could be for you! Aged Care is a rapidly growing industry and during the course you will...
Certificate IV in Ageing Support (SE Melb Only) CHC43015
Get the most sought after qualification in the caregiving industry. Aged care is a rapidly growing industry, thanks to an overall ageing population. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australia has a larger proportion of the population b...
Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (SE Melb Only) CPC50220
This course (CPC50220) is designed to meet the needs of people working in the building industry whose intention is to become a Registered Building Practitioner, satisfying the education requirements of the VBA. It is specifically designed for learners...
Certificate III in Information Technology ICT30120
Are you interested in the IT field but lack experience? The ICT30120 – Certificate III in Information Technology is a qualification that can help you develop the foundational skills needed to start an exciting career in the IT industry, either as...
Certificate III in Information Technology Focus on Programming ICT30120
Want to start a career in programming but lack the skills and experience? The ICT30120 – Certificate III in Information Technology – Focus on Programming is a perfect starter course for those wanting to learn some of the core aspects of the...
Certificate III in Information Technology Focus on Web Development ICT30120
Our ICT30120 – Certificate III in Information Technology – Focus on Web Development is a qualification that can provide you with the training across the ICT fundamentals and to explore some electives in web development. If you decide to go...
Certificate in III Information Technology Focus on Basic Cloud Computing ICT30120
If you want to learn the basics of cloud computing but are also keen to explore the general areas of ICT, our ICT30120 – Certificate III in Information Technology – Focus on Basic Cloud Computing is a great foundational course if you have l...
Diploma of Community Services (Case Management) CHC52015
The CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services (Case Management) is designed for people who are passionate about working with individuals and communities as a Case Manager or Caseworker. Working as a Case Manager entails supporting individuals and organiza...
Certificate in Travel & Tourism
Do you have a passion for travel and dream of making it your career? Are you interested in getting a foot in the door in the growing tourism industry? Do you love the process of planning holidays and discovering the best way to experience a destination...
Certificate in Teacher’s Aide
Are you passionate about children? Do you aspire to work in a teaching environment? Do you love being part of a child’s learning process? Do you want to learn more about behavioural and information processing theories? Then this course is for you. Desi...
Advanced Certificate in Equine Studies
The Advanced Certificate in Equine Studies delivers an advanced introduction to the equine industry, covering a broad range of topics, including caring for and breeding horses, understanding the health of horses, and the complex nature of horse behavio...
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