Office life has its benefits: security, stability, regular hours. It can also be stressful and tedious—the same faces, the same routines and the same walls, day in and day out.
As numerous studies have revealed, a sedentary working environment can also be hazardous to our health—not to mention our sense of adventure.
Dreaming of a job where the ‘office’ might a sun-kissed beach in Malaysia, or a majestic elephant park in Thailand? Perhaps you’re (wander)lusting after a role where no day or location is the same.
Whatever the case, here are the careers that look suspiciously like never-ending holidays. Take your pick…
STAGEHAND/ROADIE
Source: GIPHY
Live music lover? Theater fan? Then the stagehand/roadie life might be for you.
Bands, musicians and production companies frequently rely on the profits that come from touring their shows, and always require an entourage to work behind-the-scenes and keep the show on the road.
Interested? The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees website is a good place to start if the boards are your passion, while would-be roadies can pick up some helpful tips here.
JOURNALIST
Source: GIPHY
Whether freelance or in-house at a publication, many journalism roles require people who can pack up and ship out, happily, at a moment’s notice.
If you cover music, it’s likely you’ll be jetting across the globe to interview rock stars and pop icons, poolside or backstage; if politics is your remit, expect to rack up air miles traveling to press conferences and embassy meetings, laptop in hand.
ARCHEOLOGIST
Source: GIPHY
This option should appeal to Indiana Jones fans and Adèle Blanc-Sec devotees.
While supernatural adventures may be unlikely, extended adventures across the globe are guaranteed.
There’s a good deal of studying involved if you’re considering this career—degrees in archeology or anthropology, along with some field experience—but the payoff will be more than worth it.
You’ll get to hunt for rare and wonderful artifacts, while camping in remote and mysterious regions.
FLIGHT ATTENDANT
Source: GIPHY
Archeology may involve rigorous, time-consuming study, but a role as a flight attendant is infinitely more accessible.
No specialized degree is required, and you can use customer-service experience from any previous job—in retail, civil service or health—as a transferable skill.
The hours are long and erratic, and your schedule will be consistently inconsistent.
But in return you’ll get to be a professional globetrotter, enjoying mini breaks galore, and free or discounted flights for you and your family when you’re not on the clock.
PA/MANAGER TO THE STARS
Source: GIPHY
Whether they’re in film, TV, music or fashion, jet-setting celebrities never travel alone.
Wherever they go—be it press trips, premieres, location shoots, the festival circuit or even on holiday—they’ll have a trusty PA or two with them to smooth the way, manage their schedule and balance their diary.
You’ll not only enjoy the confidence of the famous, but you’ll get to accompany them on their hotel-hopping travels. Not a bad perk of the job, eh?
VOLUNTEER
Source: GIPHY
Whether it’s helping at-risk communities, displaced people or endangered wildlife, volunteering can be a rewarding, life-changing experience—one that could take you to some of earth’s wildest and most wonderful climates.
The opportunities to make a difference are endless; from aid work in villages affected by famine, war, poverty and natural disasters, to wildlife conservation and ESL (English as a second language) tutoring.
IMPORTER/EXPORTER
Source: GIPHY
Trade is one of the oldest and largest global industries, from the ancient tea and spice routes chartered by galleon ships in olden times to more modern channels navigated by planes, trains and automobiles.
The map-hopping aspect of import/export makes it a natural business for travel-savvy go-getters. Whether it’s fashion and art or produce and medicine, this is a job where wanderlust is a prerequisite.
CONSULTANT
Source: GIPHY
Specialized knowledge is a commodity. If you’re an expert in your field and find yourself tiring of the nine-to-five grind, why not hot-desk around the world as a consultant?
You’ll get to travel the continents using your specific knowledge—in any field, from engineering to PR—while skill-sharing and troubleshooting for brands, companies and governments, experiencing the flavors of new cultures along the way.
SEASONAL SPORTS INSTRUCTOR
Source: GIPHY
Surfing and skiing are evergreen tourist trades, and experienced instructors are always in demand at resorts and hotels.
Being proficient in either (or both) of these sports is a boon for people who prefer to move with the seasons.
In winter, Canada and the French Alps are the destinations for snow-sports aficionados, while summers in the warmer parts of the world—Australia, the West Indies and Southeast Asia—are a favorite of surf fans.
TRAVEL BLOGGER
Source: GIPHY
If full-time travel writing is your dream job, start with a blog. Many seasoned critics start this way nowadays, using their online platform as a springboard for bigger things.
All that’s required is a passport, a camera phone and a passion for documenting your adventures in luxurious detail.
A colorful, witty and interactive portfolio like this is the best kind of CV for would-be travel critics.
Do you have an awesome job that involves traveling for a living? Share with us using #momentumtravel.
Photo: Shutterstock and GIPHY
