5 Outdoor Jobs that Break the 9-5 Grind

If you are over the monotony and constraints of working 9 to 5 in an office, the prospect of an outdoor job will probably interest you greatly.

The benefits of working outdoors are immediately appealing: fresh air, sunshine and the opportunity to be closer to nature. However, some people may feel threatened by the types of work that are typically done outdoors, but the good news is that many outdoor jobs can be done safely. For example, the job of a window cleaner working at heights may be perceived as perilous. Thanks to height safety specialist companies, equipment can be used, and strategies developed, to enhance worker safety. For more information and specific examples, get in touch with experts like Safe at Heights .

So, what are 5 of the best of the outdoor jobs that can set you free from the 9 to 5 grind?

Landscape architects

The current and projected growth rate for landscape architects is positive. Landscape architects work in both the public and private sectors and are charged with designing green spaces, for example in parks, beside major arterials and around buildings.

In some places, significant competition exists for landscape architect jobs in the public sector. It is believed that this increased competition has resulted from cuts in government budgets. However, the number of jobs for landscape architects in the private sector has increased.

Surveyors

The job of a surveyor is concerned with setting the official boundaries for land, airspace and water, In fact, surveyors have even been described as a combination of “detective, puzzle solver and mind reader”.

Surveyors can be engaged by homeowners, large organisations and any companies concerned with construction. The surveying industry now users sophisticated technology and so formal education and experience is necessary to become a surveyor.

In the decade spanning 2010 to 2020, the surveying industry is predicted to grow at a rate of twenty five per cent. This is rapid growth in comparison to many other professions.

Environment scientists

A career as an environmental scientist may suit you well if you really care about the protection of the planet. It follows, that for people with such passion, a job in this field can be very rewarding.

Essentially, environmental scientists are concerned with the identification of problems and the formulation of solutions that protect environmental health and the health of the planet’s inhabitants. Typically, environmental scientists gather and analyse data, and monitor environmental conditions. They are often required to work in all sorts of weather conditions.

Masons

Brick masons, block masons, and stone masons usually spend a great deal of time outside. Masons construct physical structures, including walls, fences, pathways and a range of other physical structures. While the work they do is physically demanding, there is substantial demand for jobs and a job growth rate of approximately forty percent.

Recreation workers

The need and demand for recreation workers is being stimulated by private groups, including recreational camps and sporting associations. Historically, recreation workers have usually been employed by the government.

The role of a recreation worker is highly varied. These professionals develop and lead leisure activity groups in a range of activities, many of which are done outdoors. The employers of recreation workers range from not-for-profit organisations, to councils and youth or senior citizen centres. Because of the nature of the work performed outdoors, some positions for recreation workers are offered on a seasonal basis.

With many outdoor jobs predicated to grow significantly in the coming years, the opportunity to break out of the nine to five grind is a likelihood for those looking to make a career change. What about you? Did you ditch the office job for an outdoor job? How did you make the transition? Leave your suggestions in the comments below.