Not everyone wants to spend their days in front of a computer at an office. Most people don’t know about these fantastic alternatives to corporate jobs that are still active and profitable today. Choosing a different path often means being in control of your schedule, getting to exercise, and being out on the field. Let’s find out more so you can pick a career that makes you passionate.

1. Roofing Contractor

Going into construction is one of the leading careers people consider when they need alternatives to corporate jobs. The field will always be in demand, and the opportunities are endless. You can learn and focus on several aspects of building and repairing a home structure, but it’s often better to specialize in one area.

Becoming a roofing contractor may be your best choice. Fixing a roof has become pretty costly in today’s world, but it’s the kind of thing people don’t put off. Roofing emergencies are impossible to ignore. Most people understand that maintaining a good structure is essential to protecting their property and keeping its value. Once you enter this field, try to get certified, experience as much as possible, and find a mentorship.

That’s where you’ll learn the ins and outs of fixing, replacing, and installing roofs. You’ll also discover what dealing with clients is like, which is a massive part of the job. You can choose a more specific specialty, such as becoming a hail damage roofer. However, it’s better to be the kind of roofer who can repair any issue.

2. Home Remodeling Worker

Construction is anything but boring, but you may not enjoy working on the structure and integrity of the house. Many people prefer to beautify a space, so you should consider becoming a home renovator. Your building knowledge will come in handy if you have to do the remodeling yourself in the future. You also get to be a little more creative at your job. A home remodeling worker has to think about the appearance and sustainability of the design.

Some may not be designers, but their jobs require them to make the plan happen. Consider all the benefits of this industry, like the fact that it’ll never go out of style. People will always want to change things in their old house or when they buy a new one. Everyone has different tastes. Even durable materials deteriorate over time, so people replace them eventually.

Choosing a high-demand trade is always better, and home remodeling is one of the best alternatives to corporate jobs you can pick in that case. Furthermore, you’ll learn how to remodel things yourself, so you won’t have to hire anyone else if you want to change up your home. Just remember that renovating and roofing are intense careers that will keep you in shape.

alternatives to corporate jobs

3. Door and Window Installer

If you’re interested in construction and home renovations but the previous alternatives to corporate jobs didn’t sound exciting, it’s time to take another route. This field has endless job opportunities, which can all be profitable if you work hard. Consider becoming a door and window installer, as these are critical aspects of any house. Even iron doors are often more susceptible to damage than a roof, so it may be a more lucrative choice.

Being an installer may also be less tiring. However, you’ll still need much knowledge and experience to become an in-demand contractor. You’ll need to know about styling trends because not every window will look great in every home. Your clients should be happy with your work, so you must know what to recommend depending on their desires.

Once you gain experience in this field and can install any type of door and window on the market, you can expand your career. For example, many installers eventually make their own companies and become their own bosses. Some start doing custom work. You can subsequently become a manufacturer as well. You’ll never be bored in such a diverse career.

4. Solar Panel Technician

Becoming a technician in a specific field is another one of the fantastic alternatives to corporate jobs on this list. The key is to find a relevant industry that will be around for a while. Residential solar panels are becoming more popular, especially with the rising cost of other types of electricity. More people are investing in private panels to take advantage of the natural heat and sun in most areas of the country.

Therefore, training and getting certified as a solar panel specialist is worth it. You can learn how to install them, the wiring requirements, what kind of wattage they’ll produce, and much more. Knowledge of electricity and cable running is essential, so you should also consider getting an electrician certificate. Afterward, you can specialize in this type of power and start looking for a job in the field.

These companies thrive in sunnier parts of the country, so be open to relocation if you get a solid job offer. You can start your own business once you get enough experience and move wherever you want. Getting as much experience as possible is best before venturing into entrepreneurship alone.

5. Exterior Home Service Worker

Residential exteriors play a considerable part in any house’s curb appeal and value, so people often hire service workers to fix, install, and maintain all the aspects of a property. Roofers and landscapers are considered exterior home service workers, but other specialties exist. For example, you can go into retractable awning installation because most homes nationwide have awnings.

It’s also the kind of addition that will get damaged after a few years due to the elements, meaning it’ll need to be replaced regularly. Therefore, it’s a steady and in-demand job. However, there are other types of exterior home services to consider, such as power washing. You can easily buy or rent a power washer and start a business or side hustle cleaning up people’s yards.

Power washing is a fantastic way of removing grease stains from driveways and brightening the concrete walkways without having to repave. You may also consider siding repair, another critical part of a house. Many homeowners have siding because it protects their property more efficiently than other materials and because they don’t have to worry about exterior painting often. Becoming an exterior home service worker could be one of the best alternatives to corporate jobs.

6. Tree Service Professional

Have you ever considered what happens when a tree or branch falls over a power line? A tree removal specialist has to fix that. It’s not an easy job and certainly not something any regular person can do. A tree service professional can offer removal services and much more, such as pruning and trimming, which is just as essential.

Removing an entire plant because it may become a hazard in a few years is not smart. If trees are kept in good health and shape, they’ll never become dangerous. Additionally, being surrounded by nature is much better for property values, so people are likelier to hire maintenance work than total removal. Still, it’s a good idea to become the kind of professional who can provide any service in any particular field.

You can help homeowners replant and grow new trees to make their gardens and exteriors more attractive. Some trees don’t grow naturally or suffer when moving from one place to another. Therefore, specialists are needed to ensure its health. They prevent diseases from infecting the plant and pests from infesting it.

7. Roadside Assistance Professional

How often have you called a tow truck or seen your parents do it? Cars break down, and accidents happen. Most don’t know how to change a flat tire or check the oil. Some don’t even notice their gas running out until their vehicle stops. Therefore, everyone needs a roadside assistance professional at some point, so this is one of the many alternatives to corporate jobs you need to consider.

You can work for a company with its towing trucks and just be a driver, or you could get your own truck and start a service. However, being an entrepreneur is tough, so getting some experience before investing in semi truck roadside services for your community would be best. Some people only work as dispatchers for roadside assistance companies if driving is not their forte.

Conversely, that’ll be more similar to office work. If you want to avoid sitting at a desk, typing on a computer, and making phone calls all day, getting your driver’s license, learning how to use a towing truck and all the proper tools, and looking for jobs. You’ll have to work up in this industry until you feel ready to venture independently.

8. Auto Mechanic

You may have considered this job if you’re already familiar with cars or have seen your father maintaining an engine or using jumpstart cables. It’s a fantastic industry because many people get attached to their vehicles and want to keep them for as long as possible. They also want their car’s street value to stay the same, so they invest in repairs and maintenance.

Mechanics perform other tasks like adding new tires, changing oil, checking air pressure, replacing ruined parts, etc. Some technicians are specialists in particular brands, like BMW or Mercedes, which is helpful because people prefer experts who know where to buy the right pieces and how to install them.

Other people focus on learning how to fix the exterior of a car, which is another huge concern. Dentless paint repair has become a massive trend recently, so getting certified in it would be wise. You can learn how to fix bumpers, replace side mirrors, add new headlights, etc. Vehicles aren’t going anywhere, so this is the kind of career that will always need workers. It may not be lucrative in most cases, but you can make a living from it if you’re smart.

alternatives to corporate jobs

9. Bounty Hunter

This may be one of the most adventurous alternatives to corporate jobs on this list, mainly because it’s not the type of career people consider in school. Bounty hunters are responsible for going after people who have skipped their bond payments. They may also provide bail bondsman services or own such a company.

This industry has many benefits besides not being stuck at a desk. You may have to file some paperwork, but it’s less tiring than a regular office career. You can set up your own schedule and earn a lot if you’re good. People will always need your services because not everyone has readily available funds to make bail, so they turn to companies and think it’s smart to skip town.

Once they do, you can use your detective skills and know-how to catch them. A great benefit of this career is that you don’t need any college education, but criminal justice and law enforcement training is wise. You’ll also need to develop social skills to work with clients and the police daily.

10. Physical Therapist

Becoming a physical therapist is the final option on this list of alternatives to corporate jobs. This career is an excellent option if you’re passionate about physical health and using your body to help others. People who get into accidents often have injuries that limit their mobility. You can assist in their recovery with specific exercises and movements. It’s also a lucrative career if you can work hard, learn more, specialize, and attract more clients.

Some people choose to enter pet physical therapy, which is becoming even more popular because pet owners want the best for their furry companions. This increases your client base and earning potential. Furthermore, you can do this job almost everywhere in the world, so it’s worth considering if you have difficulty settling in one place. You also don’t have to restrict your services to a clinic or medical practice. You can work in schools, sports teams, nursing homes, etc.

However, you’ll need to earn a degree as a doctor in physical therapy from a proper institution. The work-life balance for physical therapists is much better, which is one of the main reasons people search for these alternatives. Settling for an office job when you want adventures or to be physically active is not right. You must find your passion.

Now that you understand more about these alternatives to corporate jobs, it’s time to decide your future. Remember, these are not the only options, but they’re worth exploring. Consider how your daily work routine will differ from those in offices. If that sounds good, start your new career path right now.