When you have an adventurous spirit, the idea of sitting behind a desk and staring at a computer screen is unimaginable. Follow your passion for unusual, exciting experiences by pursuing a career that will give you grand opportunities while feeding your daring side.
Firefighter
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As a firefighter, you’ll respond to emergencies, tackle fires, and face dangerous situations. If you can stay cool during a disaster and love the idea of helping people, then firefighting is the adrenaline-pumping job for you. Shifts often last for 24 hours, and you hang out in the fire station for the duration in case of an emergency. You need a high school diploma and fire academy training. Firefighters make a median annual salary of $46,870.
Zoologist
If you love animals and want to study them in their natural habitats, become a zoologist. Zoology involves studying organisms in and out of the lab. Some zoologists focus on lab experimentation, whereas others focus on field work. Pursue a job in zookeeping or wildlife rehabilitation to get hands-on animal experience. Most people working in zoology have master’s or doctoral degrees, though some jobs are available for those who hold bachelor’s degrees. Entry-level zoologists may only make $30,000 per year, but after 20 years of experience, that figure can increase to $80,000 per year.
Truck Driver
Become a truck driver to explore the country while driving a gigantic vehicle. If you have a restless spirit and love to be on the road, a career as a truck driver might be the perfect option for you. Truck drivers need to exhibit responsibility, mechanical skills, and the ability to work independently. You need a high school diploma or the equivalent, a commercial driver’s license, and certification to become a truck driver.
New drivers can expect to make about $35,000 a year, but the average yearly salary for a truck driver is $50,385. If you want to learn more about becoming a trucker, check out the How to Start a Trucking Company article.
Forest and Conservation Worker
As a forest and conservation worker, you can take care of the nation’s forests. You’ll spend time outdoors, examining the conditions of the forest and finding ways to improve it. Many forest and conservation workers have backgrounds in firefighting, because dealing with fires is a major component in working with forests. You need a high school diploma to work in this field. Expect median annual earnings of $26,190.
Coast Guard Rescue Team Member
Head out into stormy waters to perform dangerous rescue missions as a member of the United States Coast Guard. To qualify, you have to be between 17 and 27 years old, be a United States citizen, have a high school diploma, and have two or fewer dependents. You also have to pass several military tests, then attend boot camp for eight weeks. Basic pay is about $20,000 per year, but depending on your rank and duties, you can make much more.
Don’t confine yourself to a job that dampens your adventurous spirit. Pursue something that gets you outdoors, that gives you an adrenaline rush, or that allows you to help save lives. You’re built for the kind of job not everyone can handle, so go after what you’ve always wanted.