Last Updated on February 26, 2021 by Camilla Gill
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Simply put 9-to-5 jobs generally suck. You wake up, get your coffee and a rush to the office, sit around in said stuffy office, just passing time until lunch, completing tasks that down the line won’t even matter. Then at 5 you get stuck in some sort of traffic in your commute, and then try and make the rest of your limited free time special.
You’ve clicked on the article, which means you’ve done the google search, which means you too have been wondering if there is more your life your current job.
I want to help you break out of that, so I’ve complied a list of 60 alternatives to inspire you to make the change (and stick it to the man).
The good thing to know is that yes, there are loads more options than your current job.
And whats more, you don’t have to be some instagram perfect person to be living your best life.
So whether your dream is traveling the world from top to bottom whilst you work remotely, or if it is just getting to have more you time at home in the morning with your dogs, cats or mininture russian hamsters.
In the words of Regina George – ‘Get in Loser, we’re going shopping ’.
How To Find Alternatives To A 9-to-5 job
First things first, some positive affirmation – your dream life is possible.
Chances are though, most of you won’t want to put in the hard work to get there.
Most of you will be too scared to make the leap.
You care too much about what your friends think and are worried about going against the grain of society.
There’s a great book out called ‘The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F***’ which I recommend to everyone who is scared to make big changes in life.
Related: What To Do If You Hate Your Work
60 Different Alternatives To A 9-to-5 Job
Scroll down for the ultimate list of 60 Alternatives To A 9-to-5. Bear in mind though, that to change your life will mean being brave.
It will mean letting go of caring what people think a person should do with their life.
Changing your career often means taking a temporary pay cut, and maybe saying goodbye to those office perks you’ve come to enjoy.
But more importantly it means having control over your own life, instead of staying on the hamster wheel you feel like you are on. Running and running, wearing yourself out but never actually getting anywhere or seeing anything new and exciting.
I really recommend the fantastic ‘How Will You Measure Your Life’, it is written by a Harvard business professor who teaches career classes, and is a great book to invest in to help you gain a better understanding of the problem the majority of us find ourselves with relation to modern employment.
Related: How To Escape The Comparison Trap
How To Cut Free From The Office Life
My own story began 4 years ago. I simply decided the 9-to-5 life wasn’t for me. Obviously, I’ve never looked back.
The year before Covid-19 year I spent 6 months in Brazil on a beach, then I went to Argentina to learn the tango before finally backpacking around Ecuador.
And I did all this while working online earning over $4000 a month!
Related: How I Became A Digital Nomad Earning $4000 a Month
Upwork Your Way To Freedom
If someone told teenage me that my life would be spent travelling the world while working online, I’d be thrilled and proud I stuck to what makes me happy.
I choose my schedule because it’s all freelance work, on top of that I also don’t have a limit on my earning potential.
Yeah, I guess you could say that I’m finally in control.
Upwork, the freelancing platform, was my ticket to freedom. And it can be yours too.
I’m not saying it’s easy, but it is worth it.
Upwork allowed me to become a virtual assistant. Then through that and gaining experience over a period of time and hard work, I’m now working as an SEO freelancer, regularly being paid $35 an hour.
I’ll say it again, you need to be prepared for the initial cut in wages I mentioned before, at least until you can build your experience. But also when you are incharge of your own income potential, that drive to work will help you achieve your goals.
RELATED: How To Get Started On Upwork
60 Alternatives To Office Jobs
If freelancing isn’t your thing, then check out this list of jobs that don’t involve a typical office set up, and remember, ultimately the only that is important is your happiness.
There is a mix of all sorts here. I want to show you that the typical path of College to Career to Mortgage to Death. It doesn’t have to be YOUR path.
This list is by no means the only alternative options out there. But feel inspired and get planning your new life.
So, what would your dream job be? Let me know in the comments.
Related: The Best Remote Jobs In 2020
REMOTE JOBS
1. Remote Bookkeeper
2. Project Manager
6. Human Resources Coordinator
8. Marketing Support
9. Web Designer
11. Freelance Lawyer
12. Telemedicine
13. Winetasting
14. Online dance teacher
15. Yoga teacher
16. Tutor
17. Online Content Creator
18. Freelance Editor
19. Mixology teacher
20. Music Teacher
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OUTDOOR JOBS
21. Groundskeeper
22. Environmental Manager
23. TV Location Manager
24. Landscape Architect
25. Tree Doctor
26. Commercial Diver
27. Lineman
28. Race/Competition Organiser
29. Geologist
30. Tour Guide
31. Turf Manager
32. Sports Instructor
33. Marine Biologist
34. Forest Ranger
35. Tree Surgeon
Small Business Ideas For Women
JOBS WITHOUT A 9-5 SCHEDULE
36. Air Traffic Controller
38. Truck Driver
39. Petroleum Engineer
40. Real Estate Agent
41. Firefighter
42. Physical Therapist
43. Photographer
44. Hotel Concierge
45. Shark Tank Cleaner
How To Make An Extra $1000 A Month Online
MEANINGFUL JOBS
46. Nurse
47. Youth Outreach Worker
48. Social Worker
49. Teacher
50. Clergy
51. Marriage Counselor
52. Epidemiologist
53. Psychologist
54. Museum Exhibition Designer
55. Therapist
DREAM JOBS!
56. Chocolate Consultant
57. Beer Taster
58. LEGO Sculptor
59. Ethical Hacker
60. Bounty Hunter
So, there you go! You see, you don’t have to stay in your boring office job!
If you’re serious about stepping out of the 9-5 trap, have a think about Upwork. Check out my ebook here!
Thank you soooo much 🙂 Actually I was planning to take a break from my 9 to 5 job.. your post gave me a lot of alternative options :)?
love this list (especially the chocolate consultant)! Thanks for sharing!
This is right up my street at the moment as I’m looking for alternatives to the ‘regular’job life
That’s a great list of job options. I no longer care for the 9 to 5 lifestyle. It was so depressing. Thanks for showing us that there are so many more options available.
I love the chocolate taster idea haha!!!