At some point in our working lives, most of us find ourselves unhappy or unfulfilled with our jobs. This could be due to a variety of causes. Maybe it’s a bad boss or terrible co-workers. Perhaps your schedule is too demanding, or you feel you’re not using all your talents.
This feeling is often temporary, and most workplace problems can be resolved. But sometimes, no matter how much we try, we can’t get away from that feeling of dread every time we step foot in the office. This feeling could mean it’s time to pivot jobs.
A job pivot means a change in career path. This might mean staying in the same field and just changing companies or locations. In other instances, a complete pivot may be needed. If you’ve decided that your current job has burnt you out to the point of no return, we have some suggestions for jobs you may not have thought about yet.
1. Become A Scientist
If you’ve grown tired of office life, or your job has become too boring to take, the world of science offers a plethora of opportunities for job pivots. It’s especially great if you already have a degree or some experience in the scientific field. There are two main career paths scientists can take. The first is in the area of research. These scientists usually work at universities and have teaching as part of their duties.
The second area is in industry. These scientists work for corporations or the government, developing and testing new products. For example, a job at Dow Chemical would have scientists using low temperature test chambers to see how well products hold up in different climates and altitudes. No matter what your area of interest, science offers a job for it. From zoology and meteorology to botany and microbiology, science is a vast field.
2. Work In Alternative Medicine
Alternative medicine is a popular career path that offers many opportunities for job pivots within the healing community. Alternative medical practices are often used alongside traditional techniques. For example, an Ayurvedic practitioner, often referred to as a detox doctor, works on ridding the body of toxins and negative energy. They use a variety of methods, including herbs, vitamins, Reiki, meditation, massage, and salves. A detox doctor will also offer nutrition and lifestyle counseling.
Another area to consider is that of acupuncture. This is where thin needles are inserted into pressure points in the body to relieve pain and other conditions. While a degree is not necessary for most alternative medicine positions, it is recommended. Most states require a license for acupuncture and massage, so classes are necessary to pass the licensing exams.
3. Become A Bail Bond
When someone is arrested, they often need to post a bond to be released. Some bonds can be set in the tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Since most people don’t have that kind of money lying around, they will employ the services of bail bond agents.
The bail agent will put the bail money up, which serves as a promise that the accused person will appear in court. If you’re looking to pivot jobs to an excitement-filled career that never has a dull moment, being a bail agent might be for you. To pursue this career, you must be at least 18 years old, pass a 20-hour course, and obtain a license from the state.
Bail agents often simultaneously work as bounty hunters. When someone forfeits their bail by not showing up to court, the bounty hunter is tasked with locating them and presenting them to the court. Though it’s not quite as exciting as you may see on television, most agents use law enforcement contacts, people in the community, and social media to find their fugitives.
4. Work In Law
If you’re a fan of justice and have an appreciation of seeing it served, a career in law may be right for you. Should you choose to pursue a law degree, there are many facets in which to work, from being a public defender to a criminal defense lawyer. You can also work in real estate or child custody law. Social Security attorneys are also in high demand.
Being a lawyer allows you the option of working for a group firm, private company, or striking out on your own. Being a lawyer requires an undergraduate degree as well as three years of law school. The bar exam is also required. Another career to consider when looking to pivot jobs toward the law is a paralegal. These professionals work at law firms assisting lawyers with research and day-to-day tasks. There’s no need for law school, but special training is required.
Becoming a law enforcement officer is another way to work in law. There’s a variety of positions to consider, including air marshal, correction officer, and forest ranger. You may also choose to go into private security, where you protect private clients.
5. Consider Unique Jobs
If your whole reason for wanting to pivot jobs is to do something different, well, there are plenty of jobs that fit that bill. Take, for example, working as an engraver or designer at a headstone company. It may sound a tad macabre, but you are helping comfort people in their time of need. You’ll have the opportunity to help a family give their loved one a proper send-off with work that will be cherished for decades to come.
If working in the death business is not attractive to you, try the very lively profession of tattoo artist. You’ll get to use your creative artistic skills while meeting interesting people and setting up your own hours. Most tattoo artists spend some time apprenticing in a shop before working independently.
If you like showing folks around, being a tour guide is a nice job that offers flexible hours and a chance to meet new people. If you’re not big on human contact but enjoy the virtual world, being a video game tester pays well, and you can do it from your home. Maybe you’re looking for something more refined. In that case, you might enjoy being a sommelier. These are wine experts who work in vineyards, upscale restaurants, hotels, and clubs. They are in charge of purchasing wine lists and often work with chefs on proper pairings.
Another unique job is that of a professional bridesmaid. While you won’t necessarily walk down the aisle, you will be asked to take care of the various duties involved. Sometimes a bride may not have anyone to help. Other times they don’t want to load a bunch of work on their bridal party. Your duties in this career may involve things like organizing parties, meeting with photographers, organizing seating, sending out invitations, and even dress shopping. These are just a few, but there’s a job out there for just about every interest and talent.
6. Work With The Human Body
If you’re ready to pivot jobs and the human body has always been an interest, there’s a variety of careers that may be of interest to you. Chiropractors, for example, get to work closely with several areas of the human body, including muscles, tendons, and the spine. They use a variety of techniques to relieve pain and increase mobility. They perform everything from manual manipulation to heat therapy.
In order to become a chiropractor, one must have an undergraduate degree, then complete 3–4 years of chiropractic school and pass the licensing exams. If chiropractic is not your cup of tea, think about becoming a massage therapist. It’s much less training than chiropractors need, and you still get to work directly with the human body. You’ll get to help relieve pain and stress and generally help people relax.
Another great career area is in physical and occupational therapy. Physical therapists concentrate on helping people regain movement and mobility after an injury or surgery. Occupational therapists focus on helping people with daily living skills and fine motor movement typically suffered after a neurological event. They may also help older people and people with a variety of disabilities.
Both occupations require an advanced degree and in-depth knowledge of anatomy and physiology. You can also think about being a physical or occupational therapist’s assistant, which requires an associate degree. If you’re into physical fitness and want to help others, personal training may be a field worth looking into. Personal trainers work with clients on workout and nutritional plans to help get them in top physical form. This profession offers flexibility in when and where you want to work.
7. Work Outdoors In Landscaping
If you’ve been working in an office for years and are now looking to pivot jobs to the great outdoors, give landscaping a try. Landscapers maintain gardens, lawns, and the general outdoor areas of homes and businesses. Some landscape professionals even work for towns and cities in the public works department.
On any given day, you may see a landscaping crew mowing grass, trimming trees, raking, weeding, removing debris, and planting shrubs. Numerous landscapers even provide tree services like trimming and pruning. Often, a larger landscaping company may install pathways, ponds, retaining walls, and accent lighting.
During the winter, these professionals will make ends meet by performing snow and ice removal. Being a landscaper offers the opportunity for plenty of fresh air and exercise. There’s flexibility in doing this job as well. You can make your own hours, work for yourself or a company, and choose if you want to work for private clients, a town, or a large business like an apartment complex or golf course.
8. If You Love Interior Design, Sell Houses!
If you love interior design but aren’t quite ready to make that leap, consider selling homes. Surprisingly, when people decide to pivot jobs, real estate is one of the top choices for a second career. Selling homes is more than just showing a house to potential buyers. Realtors must often lead the charge in fixing up homes, staging the homes to make them look inviting, and giving tips to owners about ways to make the house look inviting.
Realtors often use interior design knowledge to inspire potential buyers about light exposure, paint colors, and architectural details. There’s a lot of possibility to make excellent money. Realtors can choose to work for themselves or a company.
Either way, a real estate license is required. So you’ll need to take classes and an exam. If you want to pivot jobs in this direction, keep that in mind.
9. Or Work Inside The Homes!
If working outside is not your thing, there are plenty of interesting jobs to do inside of homes. When you decide to pivot jobs, a trade position could be the perfect fit. Jobs like plumber, electrician, or HVAC can allow you to stay indoors while working with your hands and meeting new people. Who doesn’t love and respect people who restore their light, cool their homes, and give them the ability to shower?
In order to become a trade professional, you’ll need to first serve an apprenticeship. Most of the time you’re paid, but before you pivot jobs, make sure you do your research. If you’re more of a creative type, try being an interior designer. This profession allows you to use your talents indoors while creating a warm and inviting space for your clients.
Another indoor job is being a nanny. This is great for someone who loves kids and working in a family setting. It offers flexibility if you’re taking classes or have a family of your own. If you have that entrepreneurial spirit, consider starting an in-home business like a daycare, cleaning service, or pet sitting.
Final Thoughts
Too often, it’s easy to stay in a job you’re not happy with. The thought of wanting to change careers and pivot jobs can be scary. But taking that leap can lead to happiness and a whole new outlook on life. We all deserve to be happy in the workplace. We hope this list helps in your decision.