Hi. I've been working in IT for 15 years now, and are getting so bored of working in an office. I would like to have more of a fun/outdoors type of job. I'm not really concerned with the amount of pay I get. Any suggestions? Just wondering if any other members have gotton away from the office life, and what sort of work/jobs they are doing instead? Thanks, Dave
I know what you mean Dave, but I took the oposite approach. I also work in IT and I found an IT job that requires international travel. So while it's true that I still work in an office, it's often different offices with different languages being spoken around me. And it makes weekends a real blast.
Peace
Posts: 3 | Location: Georgia, USA | Registered: 28 February 2001
I'll try to get back to you with some more concrete resources, but off the top of my head something that comes to mind are programs involving kids. I know your background is IT - not exactly conducive to the great outdoors, but hey, I feel your pain - but there are tons of counseling programs out there that work with kids by getting them into the wild. There's lots of camping, and often some trekking; some organizations will do the Appalachian Trail, and I've heard of another that recreates a cross-country 'wagon train'. Would you be interested in things like that
Posts: 924 | Location: Eugene, OR, USA | Registered: 18 December 2000
Here in Oregon there's a whole movement following the 'natural food' idea. Many folks have started natural food stores and their own organic farm. I think this could be enjoyable, growing your own produce on a couple of acres intensively and either selling it at the local market or directly to local restaurants. Some people have even marketed their own product based on these goods, wheat grass juice, carrot juice etc.
I guess a starting place is to figure out what you like doing everyday, then figure out how you can make a living at it with your resources.
Good luck
nic
Posts: 1417 | Location: Bali | Registered: 18 December 2000
Good point, Nick - that's where he should start. Figuring out passions; figuring that 'what it is that makes me want to get out of bed in the morning' drive, and then going from there. If you're going to make a big change in your life after all, it should be something that fulfills a dream, something that you've wanted to do but haven't. Figuring that out is the place to start, and you follow your heart from there.
Posts: 924 | Location: Eugene, OR, USA | Registered: 18 December 2000
There's a company in California that trains you and gives credentials to be a river rafting guide and to lead white water rafting trips. Outdoors, adventure, and you can get a job anywhere in the world for special skills.
I'm another disillusioned IT worker, but I'm quitting it for good in a couple of months. Not sure yet what I want to do but I love the outdoors, surfing, trekking, the sea, nature so It'll be hopefully something along those lines. I definitely picked the wrong career path but when you're young you listen to people telling you what's right. Most people are only interested in a good well-paid job. Money was the motivation and I regret that as it's not the thing I want. When I ask myself what I like to do it rarely involves spending much cash. I'm travelling to Central America, Australia and New Zealand and plan to work (in Oz and NZ) in anything other than IT so I hope to get a few good ideas and get my mind straight. I'd love to hear from anyone if they have some good ideas or good contacts for something that I would enjoy. As they say Life's what you make it, and you should try to make it good.
Posts: 3 | Location: Ireland | Registered: 02 July 2001
I remember reading through this book while I was in university...it's jam packed with really cool opportunities - most of which are (unfortunately for me) only available to American citizens. A lot of them are "short term" jobs, but you never know, they may lead you to the career of your dreams. I'd recommend reading this book. Check out your local library to see if they have a copy.
You're spot-on, random. I picked that book up a while back, and it is brilliant. Tons and tons of resources... and you're right, too, that just because it's short-term, doesn't mean it can't turn into something. Every job you work can teach you something and open up new possibilities - like most things, it's all a matter of what you do with it.
A high, high recommendation to check out random's link!
Posts: 924 | Location: Eugene, OR, USA | Registered: 18 December 2000
I'm also an IT worker about to head over to Europe from NZ. While IT may not be that exciting if you can get into contracting while you're overseas it can also help you maximise your tripping times. I have heaps of friends working in Pubs in the UK for bugger all and they don't manage to get away much because they're forever saving, whereas a job like IT allows you to earn some decent money in a short amount of time, then you can travel more. Also my wife and I made a decision to live in France rather than UK (which would be alot 'easier' ) so hopefully the time we spend just living and working rather than tripping around will be more valuable as we're immersed in a foreign culture and so the working part won't be all that bad either
