Last Updated on November 23, 2022 by Camilla Gill
Read on for 60 viable alternatives to your soul-sucking office job.
Simply put 9-to-5 jobs suck.
You wake up, get your coffee and rush to the office.
Then you sit around in a stuffy office, just passing time until lunch, completing tasks that down the line won’t even matter. T
When it’s time to go home, you get stuck in some sort of traffic in your commute, and when you arrive home you’re too exhausted to do anything other than scroll on social media.
You’ve clicked on the article, which means you’ve done the google search, and you’re currently wondering if there is more to your life than your current job.
I want to help you break out of that, so I’ve compiled 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 in your current job.
And what’s more, you don’t have to be some Instagram-perfect person to be living your best life.
So whether your dream is travelling 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 miniature 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.
Related: What To Do If You Hate Your Work
If you’re really serious about quitting your 9-5 then be prepared to step out of your comfort zone.
Changing careers will most likely involve taking a pay cut for at least a few months, you might also need to retrain or go back to school.
But, what’s worse – having to study again for a year or living the rest of your working life in a soul-sucking corporate office?
60 Alternatives To Office Jobs
Check out this list of jobs that don’t involve a typical office or corporate job set up. Remember that ultimately the only thing 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 doesn’t have to be YOUR path.
This list of alternatives is by no means exhaustive.
Yet I want you to 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 2023
REMOTE JOBS
This group of jobs are all ideas that can be done remotely. There are a few ideas in here that are typical 9-5 jobs but you could take them and turn them into a small business that can take you travelling all over the world.
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
There’s something to be said for working in nature. Lots of people love the chance to spend all day outside AND get paid for it!
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
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JOBS WITHOUT A 9-5 SCHEDULE
Maybe the worst part about an office job for you is the typical 9-5 grind. So, what about a job that works shifts or provides you with the flexibility to choose your own hours?
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
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MEANINGFUL JOBS
A lot of people quit their office jobs because it doesn’t give them a feeling of purpose.
This group of alternatives to 9-5 jobs focuses on career paths that could provide you with a high level of job satisfaction.
It would be nice going home at the end of the day with a warm fuzzy feeling knowing you made a difference!
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!
I mean, someone’s got to be a chocolate taster right?
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, you’ll have to 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!!!