Take Your Career Outdoors!

Hey, it takes all kinds to make a workforce. Some people can’t wait to suit up and hit the office, and for other folks, the idea of putting on a tie or high heels is sheer torture. If you are one of those people who cringes at the thought of sitting at a desk all day, fear not. Thanks to the green revolution and a growing interest in health care and preventative medicine, there are alternatives for the office-challenged.

Here are some options that offer open skies and great opportunities.

Landscape Designers – Concern for the environment and a growing awareness of the importance of developing and preserving green-spaces has made landscape designers a hot commodity on the job market. For creative types with green thumbs and a yen for the great outdoors, this could be the career for you. Excellent distance learning certification programs are affordable and offer scheduling flexibility. The average annual wage: $55,140.

Forestry – Our woods and forests are national treasure. Protecting and cultivating these environments has become a priority for conservancy organizations and federal, state and municipal governments. Forestry management involves more that trimming trees. Overseeing woodland watersheds, protecting wildlife and forest fire prevention is all part of the job. A career in forestry can take you to remote outposts or to suburban preserves, and according the U.S. Department of Labor, salaries average $51.190.

Fitness/Personal Trainers – If you’re a fitness fanatic, think about turning your passion into a career. In today’s health-minded world, getting and keeping fit is an important part of a sound ‘wellness’ lifestyle. Fitness trainers are finding opportunities beyond the gym or the health club – schools, hospitals, and senior centers are all offering more fitness programs and many busy professionals hire trainers for private, individualized sessions. The average yearly earnings from a health club or other facility are about $30,000, but developing free-lance clients can boost that considerably.

Recreational Therapist – For the disabled community and for people with chronic illnesses, getting physical exercise and participating in recreational activities can be a real challenge. Hikes, trail rides, water sports and crafts are just some of the activities that recreational therapists make accessible to these folks. If you are harboring an inner camp counselor and a yen to really make a difference in people’s lives, then a bachelor’s degree can give you a leg-up in starting this rewarding career. The average yearly wages: $35,000.

Filed in: College Preparation.

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