6 unexpected jobs that don't involve sitting at a desk.

By JACQUI PORTER

The average Australian spends 1728 hours a year at work.

For a lot of people, the thought of being chained to a desk for that amount of time is seriously depressing. But rest assured, while most of us do in fact have to work (because of that whole money doesn’t grow on trees thing), that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to slave away in a monotonous job you hate.

If the thought of a 9-5 desk job makes you want to sob into your morning coffee, why not think outside the box and consider one of the following.

1. Tour Guide.

You know that exciting feeling you get about your city when you show out-of-towners around? Why not do that every day?

You’ll get fit walking the streets and learn facts about your city that you never knew. You’ll get to meet new, exciting people every day and spend your time listening to travel stories and enlightening people about all the history of your city.

Plus, your friends will love that you have the inside scoop on all the great places to watch the fireworks on New Years, sample the best gelato and hear some great underground music.

Just as an FYI, you should know that this post is sponsored by Airservices. But all opinions expressed by the author are 100 per cent authentic and written in their own words.

2. Photographer.

Ok, so I kind of lied a bit with this one. There may be a desk involved during the editing process, but generally, being a photographer allows you to immerse yourself in some pretty awesome situations.

You’ll be involved in the happiest times of people’s lives with weddings, engagements, birthdays and babies and have the opportunity to travel the globe and see the wonders of the world from behind the lens.

Or, you could devote your life to chasing Bieber and his yellow Lamborghini around LA. If that’s your thing.

3. Florist.

If you don’t mind the early morning starts, being a florist is a pretty sweet deal. (Get it?)

Constantly surrounded by the beautiful scents, and immersed in a world of colour, how could you not be happy?

Flowers can brighten someone’s day like nothing else, and being a part of that is pretty special. Knowing that your work is about to make someone smile is a kinda cool way of spending the workday if you ask me. Plus, you’ll always smell incredible.

4. Nanny.

If you love children and think the idea of endless games of hide-and-seek sounds like a good idea, then a career as a nanny could be for you.

Being a nanny is an amazing opportunity, because you get to become great buddies with these little people and share in their development and learning, without committing to the role full time.

It’s never dull with kids around so if you like lots of laughs and a fast paced workplace, this could be it.

Just don’t wear your Sunday best.

5. Fire fighter.

I bet you didn’t think of this one, but having recently spoken to a female airport “firey”, I’m convinced it’s a pretty great job for anyone, man or woman.

The four day on, four day off roster is perfect for mums, because it means that you get to spend quality time with your children and you don’t miss out on their activities, like you would with a nine to five. (Plus, I hear the annual leave is pretty good).

The opportunity to work at airports all over Australia means that you’ll never get bored.  Ongoing training is always available which means you can go as far as you want in the field, and full training is provided from the get go, to ensure that you never feel under prepared.

It’s fast paced and suited to those who love an active lifestyle.

And of course, it’s incredibly rewarding. If you’re a sporty type who loves getting stuck in, a job as a fire-fighter could be for you.

6. Personal Shopper.

Is the best kind of therapy the retail kind? Do you have enviable style and taste, and understand that purple velour has no place in today’s society?

Why not consider becoming a personal shopper? Some people hate nothing more than the thought of hitting the shops, hence the role of a personal shopper was born.

You’ll get paid to trawl the shops and get pretty fit with all the walking in the process.

What’s your dream job? 

If you’re after a little inspiration, click through our gallery of career advice from our favourite successful women…

Airservices is committed to creating a diverse work force and encourages applications from women and men, including those from Indigenous and non-English speaking backgrounds.

Airservices aviation rescue fire fighters provide a valuable emergency response service at Australia’s busiest regional, domestic and international airports.Airservices fire fighters provide vital first aid services and save lives! It is an exciting and rewarding career, but it is also physically challenging and demanding.  The job presents opportunities to work across Australia, provides ongoing training and career development and job security. The flexibility of rosters offers great work/life balance to spend more quality time with your family and friends.