Many individuals find comfort in a structured routine. They wake up at the same hour each morning, grab their coffee from the same local café, and settle into their usual workspace, executing familiar tasks day in and day out.
However, if you thrive on excitement, a predictable work life just isn’t for you. The thought of monotony might feel stifling and uninspiring. For those who easily succumb to boredom, we won't dwell on the details. Let’s dive right into our curated list of 20 exhilarating careers perfect for the adventurous professional!
1. Flight Attendant
Average Salary: $68,370/year
Job Description: Flight attendants play a vital role in ensuring passenger comfort and safety on both short and long-haul flights. Their responsibilities range from serving refreshments to providing emergency medical assistance when required.
Path to Success: Candidates typically need a high school diploma and experience in a customer service position to apply for airline roles. Once hired, new flight attendants undergo rigorous training spanning three to six weeks, which is both challenging and enjoyable.
2. Coach
Average Salary: $45,910/year
Job Description: Coaches guide both amateur and professional athletes, helping them hone their skills and improve performance. They assess strengths and weaknesses, craft practice sessions, and motivate their clients to reach their goals.
Path to Success: While requirements can differ, many coaches earn a bachelor’s degree in sports science or physical education, along with practical experience in the sport they coach.
3. Chef
Average Salary: $58,920/year
Job Description: Chefs lead kitchen staff, create menus and recipes, and ensure equipment and workspaces are well-maintained. For food enthusiasts seeking a dynamic career, this fast-paced profession offers a stimulating environment.
Path to Success: Prospective chefs usually complete culinary programs at colleges or culinary schools, often including hands-on internships.
4. Surfing Instructor
Average Salary: $46,480/year
Job Description: Surfing instructors teach individuals of all ages how to surf while ensuring their safety in the water. This role is ideal for those who love the ocean and enjoy engaging with diverse people.
Path to Success: Mastering surfing is essential before becoming an instructor, followed by completing a certification course set by the International Surfing Association.
5. Event Planner
Average Salary: $56,920/year
Job Description: Event planners organize various social and professional gatherings, including weddings, festivals, and corporate events, handling everything from venue selection to guest logistics.
Path to Success: A bachelor’s degree in event management, business, or communications is typically needed. Earning a certification, such as the Certified Meeting Professional designation, can enhance job prospects.
6. Veterinarian
Average Salary: $119,100/year
Job Description: For animal lovers, becoming a veterinarian offers the chance to examine, diagnose, and treat various animals, ensuring their well-being while advising pet owners.
Path to Success: Aspiring veterinarians must earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, which requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field as a prerequisite.
7. Journalist
Average Salary: $57,500/year
Job Description: Journalists research and report news stories, keeping the public informed about current events and developments. They can work for various media outlets or freelance.
Path to Success: Most journalists hold a bachelor’s degree in journalism, English, or communications, coupled with strong research and communication skills.
8. Bartender
Average Salary: $31,510/year
Job Description: Bartenders serve drinks, take orders, and create cocktails in a lively social atmosphere, often providing entertainment and service to patrons.
Path to Success: Bartenders generally need to be of legal drinking age, with many employers preferring candidates who have completed a mixology course.
9. Correctional Officer
Average Salary: $53,290/year
Job Description: Correctional officers oversee inmates in penal institutions, enforcing rules and maintaining safety standards while supervising inmate activities.
Path to Success: A high school diploma is mandatory, while federal positions might require a bachelor’s degree in social science or a related field.
10. Food Taster
Average Salary: Variable
Job Description: Food tasters sample dishes and provide feedback on flavor and texture, working either independently or as sensory scientists for food companies.
Path to Success: Attending culinary school or studying food science can enhance one's skills, while palate training workshops can be beneficial.
11. Real Estate Broker
Average Salary: $56,620/year
Job Description: Real estate brokers assist clients in buying and selling properties, managing offers, and navigating legal matters related to real estate transactions.
Path to Success: Brokers must be licensed, which typically involves completing a real estate course and passing a state exam.
12. Amusement Ride Tester
Average Salary: Variable
Job Description: Ride testers experience new theme park rides to provide feedback on safety and enjoyment, often a thrilling gig-based role.
Path to Success: Working in an amusement park provides an entry point, where customer service skills are essential for this unique job.
13. Personal Trainer
Average Salary: $46,480/year
Job Description: Personal trainers develop tailored fitness programs, demonstrate exercises, and motivate clients to achieve their health goals.
Path to Success: Certification in fitness instruction is typically necessary, with many also holding a degree in a fitness-related area.
14. Tour Guide
Average Salary: Variable
Job Description: Tour guides lead groups on excursions, sharing interesting and educational information about sites and attractions.
Path to Success: Different guiding paths exist, so choose a focus area and research local requirements, including potential licensing.
15. Architect
Average Salary: $93,310/year
Job Description: Architects design buildings, meeting with clients to understand their needs while managing the technical aspects of construction.
Path to Success: A Bachelor of Architecture is typically required, alongside a three-year internship and licensing for practice.
16. Fashion Designer
Average Salary: $79,290/year
Job Description: Fashion designers create clothing and accessories, blending creativity with market trends to produce stylish pieces.
Path to Success: Many designers have degrees in fashion design or fine arts, along with a portfolio showcasing their work.
17. Game Developer
Average Salary: $130,160/year
Job Description: Game developers program and build video games, transforming creative concepts into interactive experiences.
Path to Success: A bachelor’s degree in computer science or software engineering is usually needed, along with proficiency in relevant programming languages.
18. Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $86,070/year
Job Description: Nurses provide essential patient care, assessing conditions and coordinating treatments in fast-paced healthcare settings.
Path to Success: Nurses must complete an accredited nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for practice.
19. Body Part Model
Average Salary: Variable
Job Description: Body part models participate in promotional photoshoots, showcasing specific body features for various products.
Path to Success: Building a portfolio is essential, while meeting client specifications for physical attributes is necessary for success.
20. Photographer
Average Salary: $40,760/year
Job Description: Photographers capture images across various domains, from product marketing to wildlife photography.
Path to Success: Although