5 Amazing alternative careers to your regular 9 to 5 job!

Let’s face it. Working Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm isn’t exactly the “dream job” many people hoped for. After all, in an increasingly interconnected world with a greater emphasis on work-life balance, it’s not uncommon for people to look for alternative careers with high earning potential, more flexibility, and minimal effort. 

If you’re also in search of these lucrative opportunities, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll attempt to answer the following commonly-asked questions:

• What are some unusual career choices?

• How do I choose an alternative career?

Top 5 alternative careers worth considering

While some alternative careers involve specialized education, others may rely on certain skills. Here’s a look at five unusual career choices that won’t necessarily require you to work 9-to-5.

1. Personal trainer

If you have a passion for fitness, why not turn it into a well-paid job? As a personal trainer, you’ll get to help people of all ages and body types meet their fitness goals. Whether someone wants to lose weight or gain muscle mass, you can help them out by providing assistance with exercise, preparing a diet plan, and sharing tips on staying healthy and fit.

As a personal trainer, you can work with your clients at a gym, at their homes, or even in public places, such as parks. However, some states require personal trainers to complete a fitness and/or nutrition certification course. 

2. Freelance writer

Freelance writers are primarily responsible for creating a wide variety of content, including articles, blogs, web copies, social posts, product descriptions, press releases, and ebooks. Typically, freelance writers work with multiple organizations on a contractual or freelance basis. This means that they get to set their own working hours and project timelines. Another benefit of freelance writing is that you can work wherever you want - be it from the comfort of your home or your favorite coffee shop.

3. Truck driver

Truck drivers make a living by safely transporting goods from one place to another. Their journeys can be intra-city or intercity. As a truck driver, you might be expected to work long hours, especially if you have to transport goods from one city to another, but your working hours might not be 9 to 5. Also, in order to drive a truck, you will require a valid driving license to operate trucks and other heavy vehicles.

4. Virtual assistant

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in the demand for virtual assistants with good administrative skills. Virtual assistants are typically responsible for answering and forwarding calls, typing and responding to emails, and ordering new inventory when needed. In most companies, virtual assistants have flexible schedules, and they’re required to work for a few hours a day or a few days a week.

5. Realtor

Realtors typically work for themselves, but they can also be a part of a real estate agency. In order to become a realtor, you might be required to obtain a license to practice. Real estate agents work odd hours and don’t follow the usual 9 to 5 office timings. Some also work on the weekends. This type of career is ideal for those with excellent interpersonal skills and a keen interest in buying and selling properties.

Tips on how to choose the right alternative career

Here are a few tips to help you find an alternative career that best suits your interests and needs.

Gain experience in a profession

The first step toward selecting a career is to gain some experience in that sector. If you’re inexperienced, you can consider taking a short course in that field. For instance, in order to be a freelance writer, you must have some previous experience in writing and editing and/or a degree/certificate in English, journalism, or creative writing.

Find a mentor

They say that the best type of learning happens on the job. If you’re venturing into an alternative career, look for people who are highly successful in that field and learn from them. For example, if you want to start your career as a real estate agent, you can consider working as an assistant to an established realtor to gain some experience. 

Create a portfolio

Certain jobs, such as writing, graphic designing, and arts, require individuals to have a portfolio of established work. In a sense, your resume is also a portfolio of your education, skills, accomplishments, and previous experience. Make sure to have a portfolio of your previous work ready with you. 

Key takeaways

1. A standard 9-to-5 job is not ideal for everyone.

2. There are several unusual careers with amazing earning potential.

3. Before selecting a career, make sure to do your research and assess your skills and needs.