5 jobs for people who don't want to work in an office

By Remington College Posted April 21, 2020

Are you looking for a job that does not require you to be an in office all day? Not every job out there involves sitting at a desk and typing at a computer. In fact, there are many hands-on occupations that allow you to break away from the 9-5 work schedule.

Need some inspiration? Check out some of these out-of-the-office occupations.

• Chef: For culinary experts, the kitchen is their office. If you have a passion for food and want to bring that to the next level, you might consider becoming a chef.¹ Chefs and head cooks are responsible for supervising and coordinating activities of cooks and other food preparation workers, planning menus and ensuring the quality of meals, developing recipes and more. Employment in this growing occupation is also projected to increase by 11 percent from 2018 to 2022.²
• HVAC technician: If you're looking for an out-of-the-office job that is in demand, consider becoming an HVAC specialist.¹ Typical duties an HVAC mechanic and installer might perform are installing HVACR systems, repairing and replacing worn or defective parts and inspecting systems and components. They can work anywhere from homes and schools to offices and factories, even traveling to several locations throughout the day.  A bonus? Going to school for HVAC could pay off, as employment is expected to grow 13 percent from 2018 to 2028 . ¹, ²
• Cosmetologist: If you love helping people look and feel their best, consider becoming a cosmetologist.¹ Working in salons and spas, cosmetologists are responsible for hair care, such as cutting, styling and dying along with recommending professional hair care products. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 72 percent of cosmetologists are self-employed meaning they can work from just about anywhere on their own schedule.² If you're looking for an out-of-office job and you are a creative person, this might be the perfect occupation for you.¹
• Medical Assistant: Working as a medical assistant means plenty of hands-on components to your job. Medical assistants typically record patient histories, measure vital signs, prepare blood samples for lab tests and help physicians with exams. Though they might work in a physician's office, if they specialize in clinical work, their duties will likely focus on hands-on tasks. As part of the booming medical field, this position is expected to grow 23 percent from 2018 to 2028.²
• Police Officer: Although police officers have to spend some time in the office, the majority of their work is done out with the public. Police officers are responsible for responding to emergency and nonemergency calls, arresting suspects, preparing cases and testifying and court and more. They regularly work at crime and accident scenes or out on patrol serving their communities.

¹ Employment not guaranteed for students or graduates.

² BLS statistics represent national job growth expectations and are not necessarily reflective of local market conditions.

Sources

• Work environment of chefs
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/food-preparation-and-serving/chefs-and-head-cooks.htm#tab-3
• Duties of chefs
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/food-preparation-and-serving/chefs-and-head-cooks.htm#tab-2
• Job outlook for chefs
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/food-preparation-and-serving/chefs-and-head-cooks.htm#tab-6
• What HVAC mechanics and installers do
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm#tab-2
• Work environment of HVAC mechanics and installers
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm#tab-3
• Job outlook for HVAC mechanics and installers
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm#tab-6
• What cosmetologists do
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/barbers-hairstylists-and-cosmetologists.htm#tab-2
• Work environment of cosmetologists
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/barbers-hairstylists-and-cosmetologists.htm#tab-3
• What medical assistants do
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm#tab-2
• Work environment of medical assistants
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm#tab-3
• Job outlook for medical assistants
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm#tab-6
• Duties of police officers
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/police-and-detectives.htm#tab-2
• Work environment of police officers
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/police-and-detectives.htm#tab-3