Getting a job working outside can provide you the opportunity to earn a living while feeling physically active, free from office spaces, and more in touch with The Great Outdoors. For many people these are appealing prospects, but the increasing importance society places on computers can make you feel overwhelmed or unnerved at the thought of getting into an “unplugged” career outdoors. If you’re one of these people, don’t worry! There are hundreds of diverse opportunities for working outdoors that are suited for people of all different talents and interests; all you need to do is find one that works for you and appeals to your interests.
When first considering moving outdoors for employment, the best way to start is by investigating different types of outside jobs. An important consideration to keep in mind is that many outdoor jobs are seasonal, which means that the changing of the seasons will affect the availability of some positions. For example, whitewater rafting guides, fishing guides, farmers, and ski instructors must all adapt to the seasonal nature of their work. The most successful people who work outdoors learn to change their annual work plans to follow the changing of the seasons, and they usually plan on working different jobs during different times of the year. This can add variety and excitement to your working year, while also giving you the chance to form a cyclic connection with the land and environment. Backdoorjobs is a great resource for finding short-term outdoor jobs. When you’re just starting out, this website can be a great way to find fast work with few formal qualifications, which can help you learn what types of jobs suit you best. The Outdoor Industry Jobs Marketplace can also introduce you to ideas for outdoor jobs that you may not have thought of.
After getting an idea of what types of outdoor jobs appeal to you, it’s important to research the required and preferred qualifications for those work opportunities, as well as any and business requirements like licenses and equipment. While formal, structured education is sometimes required for certain jobs like park rangers, many outdoor jobs require little formal training. For example, How to Become a Fishing Guide gives you some great starting points for investigating fishing guide jobs. This website includes considerations for federal and local laws that may affect your work, recommended and required equipment to get your business started, and even guidelines for setting your prices. Alternatively, the National Recreation and Park Association includes information specific to finding one of many diverse jobs in the field of public parks, recreation, and conservation. By researching and planning for these types of business requirements you’ll be setting yourself up to successfully earn a living outdoors while also enjoying freedom outside of an office.
Once you’ve begun to focus on which outside jobs appeal to you, your success in these fields can be greatly increased by joining a professional society for your chosen job. Just as office-bound workers rely on professional networking sites to stay in touch with other people in their industries, there are also multiple professional societies for outdoor professionals that can increase your visibility and knowledge in your field.
Finally, establishing yourself in the world of working outside is ultimately dependent upon getting outside and working! Taking your first few outdoor jobs will begin to build your experience base and will start the process of forming relationships with your fellow outdoor professionals. One of the things that makes this step the most difficult is the patience that is required. It may take a few years for you to get the experience you need to stand out in your chosen field, and it is extremely important not to get discouraged early! If you’re truly committed to getting into a job working outside, then your enthusiasm for your selected trade will make most of your working days deeply enjoyable, which can help give you the persistence you need to keep working hard and establish yourself. At the end of each day, the job satisfaction and freedom you feel working in The Great Outdoors will be well worth your daily commitment and hard work.