5 Jobs for Entrepreneurs That Don’t Require You to Sit at a Desk All Day

Some careers to ponder when looking to go off on your own

GREY Journal Staff
GREYJournal
5 min readOct 28, 2021

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Deciding to go into business for oneself is a choice that requires much planning and consideration. Whether you are pursuing a freelance career or hoping to build a company from the ground up, it definitely comes with a certain level of risk. Regardless of the industry, successful entrepreneurs must possess specific skills in areas such as communication, management, leadership, etc. Needless to say, it takes a specific type of person to become a successful entrepreneur. What if you are that type of person, and are also the kind that does not like to be chained to a desk? What if you don’t enjoy sitting alone behind a computer all day? We have seen in recent years more and more people breaking away from the usual 9–5 desk job. With the Covid-19 pandemic bringing with it the massive work from home movement, many have begun to question the need to go into an office at all. Here are 5 career paths for entrepreneurial individuals that don’t require them to sit at a desk all day.

Construction Manager

Construction manager observing job site with colleague
Construction manager observing job site with colleague

Construction management is an excellent path for anyone with construction experience who enjoys working on-site and is no stranger to hard work. Construction managers have a handful of responsibilities as they oversee various building projects from start to finish. They are in charge of everything from cost estimation to hiring contractors and other personnel. There are several ways to enter this profession. It is rather common nowadays that those looking to become a construction manager have a bachelor’s degree with a construction focus. Like most professions, relevant experience is of great importance. Being an experienced construction laborer will certainly give you an advantage when hoping to make a switch to the managerial side. One can earn a great salary as a construction manager and it is an excellent venture for an aspiring entrepreneur with a passion for building. It is also a great industry to learn managerial and social skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur.

Marketing Manager

Marketing team working together on a pitch
Marketing team working together on a pitch

Like becoming a construction manager, pursuing a career as a marketing manager is an excellent path for an aspiring entrepreneur hoping to not be chained to a desk. Marketing managers are tasked with creating marketing campaigns geared towards attracting customers to buy from the company they work for and raise brand awareness. This is an excellent path for creative-minded individuals who enjoy working closely with others. Marketing can also be great for anyone who considers themselves a self-starter. Though most companies have their own sales and marketing departments, it has become rather common nowadays for some companies to hire independent marketing managers. Going the independent route can be beneficial for the company and manager in regards to finances, quality of work, dependency etc. This is a job that can be done from outside the office, which is good news for entrepreneurs hoping to enter the world of marketing.

Lawn Care Service

Landscaping crew hard at work
Landscaping crew hard at work

Here is another great path for anyone who enjoys working outdoors and wants to be their own boss. It is also a very accessible industry to gain knowledge and experience prior to going into business for yourself. Landscaping companies are frequently looking for dependable and able bodied employees which provides an aspiring entrepreneur with the opportunity to learn first hand the ins and outs of running such a company. Lawn care and maintenance companies are always needed on residential and commercial levels, which could make this a lucrative career decision. If you have the funding to hire a staff and some basic equipment and a trailer, then you can begin building clientele and get right to work. An additional plus is that working with your hands and beautifying landscapes can be a very satisfying career.

Event Planner

Event planner overseeing a location
Event planner overseeing a location

If you enjoy hosting events, directing others and are a very organized individual, then a career in event planning may be perfect for you. This is good for entrepreneurs who are quick on their feet and communicate well with others. Many event planners like to focus on a specific niche, such as weddings or corporate events. It not uncommon, however, to become a jack-of-all-trades within the industry and plan for a wide range of events. Event planners are tasked with structuring events and are in charge of all the moving parts. They do the hiring of caterers and entertainment, choosing locations, coordinating with vendors, managing the budget and much more. Running an event planning company comes with great responsibility, but can be very rewarding and pay off in big ways. It is definitely another great option for anyone looking to get out from behind the desk and be in a more active role.

Personal Trainer

Personal trainer helping client do pushups
Personal trainer helping client do pushups

Speaking of active roles, now more than ever can a person make a great living off of being a personal trainer. This is an excellent career for anyone who is knowledgeable and experienced in the world of fitness. Personal training is a multi-faceted career that can have many different aspects to it. Personal trainers can get their start by working at a gym or health club, before working independently with their own clientele. Additionally, the rise and prominence of digital media adds an entirely new level to this occupation. Trainers can use social media outlets such as Instagram and YouTube to reach an audience and build a brand. This also allows them to go beyond just training. They can also use the digital world to help others with nutrition, lifestyle tips, daily inspiration etc. Many who choose this path start small first, before ultimately scaling up in big ways such as opening their own private training facility. Arguably the most important part of this job is that you are helping others better their lives and reach their goals.

There are plenty of options out there for someone looking to both work for themselves and not spend all that time at a desk. As we all know, it is important to enjoy what you do. For many people, having a more active and hands on job can make work that much more enjoyable. Knowing you carved out your own path can even further that joy.

Know of any other entrepreneurial careers that do not require sitting behind a desk all day? Let us know down in the comments.

This article originally published on GREY Journal: https://greyjournal.net/hustle/grow/5-jobs-for-entrepreneurs-that-dont-require-you-to-sit-at-a-desk-all-day/

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GREY Journal Staff
GREYJournal

Founded in 2016, GREY is a lifestyle brand and magazine that celebrates the leaders and entrepreneurs disrupting their industries.