Career Guidance


What are well-paying careers that don't require only sitting behind a desk all day?

Hi all. I would like some career advice as I’m feeling kind of lost. I’m a 26yo male from a european country holding a masters degree in finance and risk management. After graduating I started working for a software company as a functional consultant. Initially I thought it was a nice gig. The job had a lot of financial perks, I liked the colleagues as well and I was learning new things everyday. But having to sit behind a desk all day started to weigh on me after a while. Two years in I decided to make a big career switch and got accepted to join the military. I was excited to start this new journey, thinking it would be both the physical and mental challenge that I needed in my life. However everyone that is joining the army in my country has to start from scratch and has to go through the same initial training in a very strict boarding school. Long story short, the training was extremely boring and the drill sergeants were very passionate about making our lives miserable and treating us like children. The mentality was also very old-fashioned and unambitious and I started to feel like I was in the wrong place pretty soon. About one month into the training (which would be 6 months total) I decided to resign. Now we are two weeks later and I’m feeling kind of lost. I started a temporary job as a waiter in a restaurant but I don't see myself doing this for too long.

I don’t want to only be working behind a desk for the rest of my life but I also want to make good money and am ambitious to build out a good career. 

I have thought about learning a trade and starting from there but the initial pay will be very low + I don’t want to jeopardize my health too much. I have also thought about becoming a land surveyor but that would take me another 3 years of going back to school so I’m not sure if I have the patience for that. 

I have interests in renewable energy, construction, sports, sales, etc.


JobAdvisor:

Finding a Career That Suits You

Understanding Your Priorities

It sounds like you're seeking a career that offers a balance of intellectual stimulation, physical activity, and financial stability. Based on your interests, here are some potential career paths to consider:

1. Renewable Energy Field

  • Roles: Project Manager, Field Technician, Solar Installer, Wind Turbine Technician
  • Benefits: Combines technical skills with physical activity, and there's a growing demand for professionals in this field.
  • Considerations: Requires specific certifications or training, and the physical demands can vary depending on the role.

2. Construction Industry

  • Roles: Project Manager, Site Superintendent, Estimator, Construction Foreman
  • Benefits: Offers a mix of office and fieldwork, and the industry is always evolving with new technologies.
  • Considerations: Can be physically demanding, and project timelines and budgets can be stressful.

3. Sports Management

  • Roles: Agent, Scout, Team Manager, Event Planner
  • Benefits: Combines your interest in sports with business skills, and can offer opportunities for travel and networking.
  • Considerations: Requires strong interpersonal skills and a deep understanding of the sports industry.

4. Sales and Business Development

  • Roles: Account Executive, Sales Engineer, Business Development Manager
  • Benefits: Can offer a competitive salary, opportunities for advancement, and the ability to work independently.
  • Considerations: Requires strong communication and negotiation skills, and can be demanding in terms of meeting sales quotas.

5. Outdoor Education or Adventure Tourism

  • Roles: Guide, Instructor, Program Coordinator
  • Benefits: Allows you to spend time outdoors and work with people from diverse backgrounds.
  • Considerations: Can be physically demanding and may require seasonal work.

Additional Tips:

  • Networking: Connect with people in your desired fields to learn more about their experiences and career paths.
  • Skills Assessment: Identify your strengths and weaknesses to determine which careers align best with your abilities.
  • Internships or Part-Time Jobs: Gain practical experience in your chosen field to see if it's a good fit.
  • Consider a Hybrid Approach: Explore careers that combine office work with field activities, such as environmental consulting or construction management.

Remember, finding the right career path takes time. Be patient with yourself and explore different options until you find something that truly resonates with you.

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