31 Of The Best Non-Office Jobs To Drop Your Desk Today

If you’re fed up with working 9 to 5, 5 days a week, and feel as if you are chained to your desk, you may benefit from looking for some of the best non-office jobs in the UK. In this article, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of non-desk jobs to inspire you to make a career change today.

But if you’re looking to get away from your desk as soon as possible, OriGym’s personal training diploma offers the opportunity to work as a PT, where you’ll never need to sit behind a desk again. Download our comprehensive course prospectus today to learn more!

#1 - Personal Training Is One Of The Most Active Non-Office-Based Jobs In The UK

Average Salary: £27,000

As one of the more involved jobs that don’t chain you to a desk, personal trainers work one to one with clients in gyms or on a self-employed basis.

After becoming a personal trainer, your main role is to create training programmes tailored to each of your client’s goals, whether they are aiming to lose weight or build muscle, for example.

You’ll also guide them through their own exercise and nutrition plans, offering bespoke advice that’ll help them achieve their goals.

With one of the highest base salaries on our list of the best jobs without a desk, personal training offers a great choice if you’re already passionate about fitness, and want to take that a step further.

If you’re looking to pursue the highest-paying non-desk jobs like personal training, you’ll need to complete a Level 3 Personal Training Diploma, which sees you go from no prior experience, to a fully fledged PT in as little as 4 weeks.

It doesn’t stop there, either - personal training is one of the best non-office careers for personal and professional development.

You could choose to become a master PT by completing a Level 4 Personal Trainer course, which will allow you to specialise in a niche area of fitness such as:

• Sports Nutrition
• Lower Back Pain Management
• Diabetes Management Control
• Obesity and Weight Management

Becoming an expert in a specific field allows you to offer a specialist service to clients who have particular needs. You can therefore charge a premium price for your services and have the potential to earn up to £84,000 per year!

#2 - Try Becoming A Firefighter If You’re Looking For Non-Office Jobs For Women And Men

Average Salary: £27,000

Not only do they fight fires, but firefighters also respond to emergencies such as car accidents, bomb alerts, and floods.

This means that you’ll need to be physically fit in terms of strength and cardiovascular endurance to pass the practical selection tests for jobs out of the office such as this one.

You will also work with businesses and residents within the local community to promote fire safety. This includes everything from testing smoke detection alarms to giving talks on fire safety in schools and local businesses.

#3 - Teaching Yoga Is One Of The Most Creative Non-Office Jobs

Average Salary: £32,000

If you love practising yoga and are looking for well-paying non-desk jobs, why not turn your passion into a career and become a yoga teacher?

The main roles of a yoga instructor are to:

• Create and demonstrate sequences
• Promote the correct alignment of various poses
• Facilitate a non-judgmental space for students to conduct their asana practice

Teaching yoga is a highly rewarding career as it allows you to help students not only build strength in various poses, but also make progress in discovering their true inner selves.

Yoga instructors therefore help to create a place where clients can unwind, let go, and connect with their emotions.

To begin teaching yoga, you will need to gain a Level 3 Yoga Diploma, which consists of a range of practical-based workshops alongside online learning.

You can then go on to find a role teaching yoga within a studio, become a freelance yoga instructor, or even open your own yoga studio!

#4 - Become A Transport Worker If You’re Searching For The Best Non-Desk Jobs Without A Degree

Average Salary: £30,000

Whether you’re interested in driving a bus, flying an aeroplane, or simply providing travel assistance to customers, there are several options to choose from in the transport industry.

These options include, but are not limited to:

• Ship captain or crew
• Aircraft pilot
• Bus or train driver
• HGV driver
• Train conductor
• Baggage handler

These are some of the best non-desk jobs for you if you enjoy travel and would like the chance to broaden your horizons, whether in the UK or further afield.

The qualifications needed vary for different roles. 

For example, you can become a bus driver through a trainee programme that doesn’t require any academic qualifications, whereas you will need to gain an Air Transport Pilots Licence to fly an aircraft.

#5 - Tour Guiding Is One Of The Most Effective Jobs That Get You Out Of The Office On A Daily Basis

Average Salary: £24,000

Tour guides are experts on particular cities, landmarks, or buildings, and they use this knowledge by showing tourists around their chosen area.

Some of the most common locations that tour guides work in include:

• National Trust properties
• Cities and towns
• Art galleries
• Parks and gardens

Along with giving talks on the history and architecture of the location, they will also answer any questions that tourists may have.

To become a tour guide, you will need to gain a certification from the Institute of Tourist Guiding, which provides various levels of certification depending on your chosen location type.

#6 - Exercise Referral Is Another Of The Rewarding And High Paying Non-Desk Jobs On Our List

Average Salary: £25,000

As an exercise referral specialist, the only time you’ll spend behind a desk is when you are creating tailored exercise programmes for your clients.

Apart from that, you will spend most of your working day guiding clients with chronic or long-term health conditions through workouts that you have designed to help them manage their conditions.

For example, non-office jobs such as exercise referral benefit clients with illnesses and conditions such as:

• Diabetes
• Osteoporosis
• Arthritis
• Hypertension
• Asthma
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Non-specific lower back pain

These clients will be referred to you as patients from GPs or medical professionals, meaning that you will always have a continual stream of clients if you choose to pursue this career path.

If this sounds like an ideal choice for you, you can become qualified by completing a Level 3 Exercise Referral course. 

You can gain entry to this course by first becoming a Level 2 qualified Fitness Instructor, which will provide you with the basic skills needed to design effective fitness programmes.

#7 - Gardening Is Ideal For Those Wanting Alternative Non-Office 9-5 Jobs

Average Salary: £22,000

If you’re looking for non-office-based jobs in the UK that allow you to spend all of your time in the great outdoors, gardening is the most ideal role that you could choose!

Through rain or shine, gardeners help clients to maintain their lawns, trees, and flower beds, to keep their plants vibrant and healthy.

They may also offer landscaping services such as altering the structure of a garden to make it more visually appealing for clients and their visitors.

Gardening has been proven to have several mental health benefits, so much so that research suggests that the NHS should prescribe gardening as a form of therapy!

#8 - The Best Out-of-Office Jobs in the UK Include Offering Sports Massage Therapy

Average Salary: £28,000

If you decide to become a sports massage therapist, you’ll employ various massage techniques to help clients move and perform without pain during their everyday movements or sporting performance.

Whether working with professional athletes or office workers, therapists create treatment programmes to rehabilitate injuries and provide advice to prevent injury from occurring in future.

From working with individual clients in gyms to aiding sports teams pitch side, massage therapists work in a range of environments with a variety of duties, including:

• Conducting pre- and post-event massage
• Assess the severity of injuries
• Carry out movement and postural assessments
• Create warm-ups and cool-downs for athletes

Those considering pursuing SMT as an option for non-office jobs will first need to complete a Level 3 Sports Massage Therapy Course.

The course can be completed in just 8 weeks through both online learning and practical workshops, which will allow you to then apply for exclusive roles within sports teams, at gyms, or become a self-employed sports massage therapist.

#9 - Working In The Armed Forces Will Provide You With Another Of The Best Paid Non-Office Jobs

Average Salary: £21,000

Although some roles do require work in an office, most roles within the armed forces are non-office-based jobs which allow employees to work in a variety of outdoor locations.

For example, soldiers will travel around the world helping to protect their country.

One of the advantages of pursuing a career in the army is that there are a variety of roles appropriate for those with different skills and interests, including:

• Engineering
• First aid
• Catering
• Driving
• Communications 

Depending on the type of role that you choose, such as those that are highly skilled, you may be required to have a degree.

However, many careers in the armed forces offer on-the-job training and you will simply be required to pass a physical fitness test.

#10 - Lifeguarding Is One Of The Most Important And Best Jobs Out Of The Office In The UK

Average Salary: £20,000

Lifeguards have a huge responsibility on their shoulders, as their role involves keeping swimmers safe and aiding those in danger.

However, this is a highly rewarding role that allows you to stay active and save lives, hence why we’d recommend this as one of the best jobs out of the office in the UK.

Lifeguards can either work in pools or at beaches, and the qualification that you will need to gain depends on the location that you choose.

For instance, those wanting to work at a pool will need to gain a National Pool Lifeguard qualification.

In contrast, if you’d prefer to work at a beach, you should complete a National Vocational Beach Lifeguard qualification.

#11 - Becoming A Football Coach Is Ideal If You’re Looking For Non-Desk Jobs With Progression

Average Salary: £28,000

If you’re a lover of watching or playing football and are bored with your 9 to 5 job, then why not swap the office for the pitch and become a football coach?

Many coaches start by volunteering at their local Sunday league club whilst gaining their FA coaching qualifications and find themselves working their way up to coaching professional teams.

Whether you choose to work with athletes or young people, your role as a coach will be highly fulfilling.

This is because you’ll lead the development of your players in terms of skills, confidence and motivation, and be involved as you watch them progress in sporting competitions.

#12 - Pursue Photography If You’re Hoping To Find Creative Non-Office Jobs

Average Salary: £27,000 

As a professional photographer, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a variety of locations across the world to capture their beauty in a single snap.

There are hundreds of different roles available for photographers that allow them to work across a variety of industries, including:

• Weddings
• Journalism
• Fashion
• Nature

We’ve personally worked alongside fitness photographers as part of our industry, so we understand just how active and fast-paced this non-office job is.

You will spend some time sitting down editing images, but this is still one of the most creative non-office jobs that can be conducted in any location of your choice.

#13 - Bootcamp Instructing Is One Of The Non-Desk Jobs In The UK That Is Based Outdoors

Average Salary: £24,000

Being a bootcamp instructor involves designing and leading military-style, high-intensity workouts with short rest periods.

The focus of a bootcamp workout can vary based upon the expertise of the instructor and the target demographic of your bootcamp clients.

For example, niches that you may pursue include:

• Weight loss
• Fitness for females
• Bootcamp for parents
• Dance fitness
• Retreat bootcamp

However, most bootcamp instructors choose to combine simple bodyweight exercises with strength training, whilst aiming to improve the cardiovascular fitness, endurance, and strength of their clients.

If this sounds like one of the best non-desk jobs for you, you will need to complete a Level 2 Fitness Instructor course to gain the skills necessary to plan safe and effective bootcamp workouts.

You can then begin leading bootcamp classes at a gym, work for an independent bootcamp company, or start running your own fitness bootcamps outdoors!

#14 - Online Influencing Is Another Option For Non-Desk Jobs That Pay Well In The UK

Average Salary: £33,000

Influencers work with brands to promote products and services to their followers on social media by starting an Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok account.

They generate an income through partnering with brands, posting sponsored content, and posting affiliate links, all of which make social media influencing one of our recommendations for high-paying non-office jobs.

If this sounds like the career path for you, then you should ensure that your content is based on a subject that you are passionate or knowledgeable about.

For example, if you enjoy weightlifting and are a qualified fitness instructor or personal trainer, you may want to use your knowledge to help others and become a fitness influencer.

#15 - Jobs That Are Out Of The Office Include Working As A Flight Attendant

Average Salary: £20,000

Working as a member of a cabin crew is a great career choice for anyone who enjoys interacting with customers but wants to travel and is hence looking for a non-desk job.

Flight attendants are responsible for enforcing safety procedures, whilst ensuring that passengers are comfortable and happy on an aircraft.

As well as keeping you active, being a flight attendant allows you to visit a variety of countries and you’ll get time to explore many destinations as you work.

You will also receive benefits such as free or discounted flights that you can use at your leisure.

#16 - Floristry Is One Of The Best Non-Office Jobs For Females And Males To Pursue

Average Salary: £24,000

Florists spend time arranging bouquets, making floral arrangements for events, and making deliveries to customers.

They will also visit early morning markets to choose the best flowers to sell, meaning that they spend much of the day on their feet.

This is commonly thought to be one of the non-office jobs for females in the UK. However, this is an ideal option for anyone looking to move away from their desk!

Although this is mainly a non-office job, many florists run their own businesses, so will be required to spend some time conducting administrative, financial, and marketing tasks behind a desk.

If you are creative and floristry sounds like an avenue you’d like to pursue, you could gain a Level 2 or 3 qualification in floristry as part of an apprenticeship, allowing you to learn on the job.

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Still seeking inspiration for your new non-office job? Our additional articles can help!

• What Makes A Good Personal Trainer
• Should I Become A Personal Trainer
• How Hard Is A PT Course?

#17 - Consider Becoming a Gym Instructor If You’re Looking For Non-Desk-Based Jobs In The UK

Average Salary: £24,000

When you become a fitness instructor, you'll be responsible for programming, leading, and motivating groups of people through exercise classes within a gym or health club.

They also help out with general administrative and maintenance tasks within the gym, including:

• Running inductions
• Helping members on the gym floor
• Cleaning equipment
• Maintaining a safe environment for gym goers

To succeed in non-office jobs such as this one, you will need to know how to safely and effectively design fitness classes which consider the various needs and abilities of your clients.

You can gain these skills through a Level 2 Gym Instructor qualification, which will equip you with the fundamental skills needed to work with groups of clients in a gym environment.

You can also get this qualification along with your level 3 qualification that allows you to train clients one-on-one by enrolling on a L3 PT Diploma!

This is another of the well-paid non-office jobs that we’d recommend, as your earning prospects will increase as you gain more experience and build a loyal client base.

#18 - Chefs Have One Of The Most Fun And Well-Paid Non-Office Jobs In The UK

Average Salary: £25,000

Working as a chef in the hospitality or catering industry is one of the best non-desk jobs for you if you’re passionate about serving delicious meals to others.

From roles in pubs and restaurants to working in schools, hospitals, and even for individual clients, there are a variety of career options for chefs to choose from.

As a chef, you will be responsible for creating menus within budget and presenting them to a high standard, to help the company you work for gain credibility and great reviews within the hospitality industry.

Most people who become chefs either start as kitchen assistants or work as trainees whilst gaining an apprenticeship on the job.

#19 - Sign Up As A Police Officer For Life Saving Non-Office-Based Jobs

Average Salary: £26,000

You may think that the role of a police officer simply consists of chasing criminals and patrolling the streets.

However, working in the police force offers a range of different duties, meaning that no two days will be the same in out-of-office jobs such as this one. These duties may include:

• Responding to emergency calls
• Controlling large crowds at public events
• Giving talks within the local community on personal safety
• Promoting diversity, human rights, and respect for all.

Entry requirements vary from force to force, but generally you’ll need a minimum Level 3 qualification such as an A-Level or equivalent to become a police officer.

#20 - Les Mills Instructors Have One Of The Most Fun And Well-Paying Non-Desk Jobs In The UK

Average Salary: £32,000

From bodyweight HIIT and spin, to dance and martial arts, Les Mills instructors lead group exercise classes that combine science and technology with music and movements.

There are 21 different programmes that you may choose to teach, with some of the most popular being:

• BODYATTACK
• BODYPUMP
• BODYCOMBAT
• GRIT 
• RPM

When becoming a Les Mills instructor, you will join a community of 140,000 others in over 100 countries to represent the Les Mills brand values.

So, if this sounds like one of the best jobs that are out of the office for you, you will first need to become a Level 2 Gym Instructor, so that you are qualified to work in a gym.

Once completed, you can then attend an official Les Mills training event, which is often completed over the course of a couple of days.

This will teach you everything you need to know about running classes, upholding the brand’s reputation, and delivering a great Les Mills experience to all class members.

#21 - Try A Career In Zookeeping If You’re Looking For Interesting Non-Office Jobs

Average Salary: £17,000

Those who are passionate about animals and their welfare may consider working as a zookeeper when looking for alternative non-office 9-5 jobs.

Zookeepers care for a wide variety of animals on a daily basis, including feeding them, cleaning enclosures, and maintaining their health.

Within this role, you will also educate visitors by holding talks and demonstrations. This requires you to have a good level of knowledge of each and every animal within the zoo.

Although qualifications required vary from zoo to zoo, most budding zookeepers will gain unpaid work experience with animals before seeking employment.

#22 - Running Coaches Have One Of The Best Non-Office Jobs That Pay Well In The UK

Average Salary: £22,000

If you opt to become a running coach, you’ll be tasked with creating tailored training plans for groups and individuals to help improve their running performance.

They also help runners avoid injury by providing them with tips on:

• Balance
• Pace
• Strategy
• How frequently they should train

Whether you choose to teach on or off-track running, working with Olympic athletes to everyday runners, we’d recommend gaining a Level 3 Personal Training Diploma.

This will ensure that you can design safe and effective training sessions that consider the needs of each client.

You will also need to complete a training course accredited by UK Athletics, which is the national governing body for athletics in the UK.

Having this certification will show that you have undergone training to a high standard, which will increase your credibility with potential clients.

#23 - Physical Therapy Is Amongst The Highest Paying Non-Office Jobs

Average Salary: £42,000

If you’re looking for non-desk jobs that pay well in the UK and that will keep you active, you may want to consider physical therapy.

Physical therapists can specialise in one area of treatment if they so wish. For example, they may work with a specific audience or treat particular issues, such as:

• Paediatric therapy for children
• Orthopaedics for bone and joint problems
• Neurology (brain health)
• Cardiopulmonary (heart and lungs)
• Oncology (Cancer)

Although you will spend some time in an office creating bespoke treatment plans, you’ll spend most of your time conducting examinations and helping clients to perform rehabilitative exercises.

#24 - Non-Office Jobs Like Teaching Swimming Allow You To Develop Lifelong Skills

Average Salary: £28,000

As well as being one of the most well-paying non-desk jobs, becoming a swimming instructor is a highly fulfilling career option.

This is because you are likely to work with those who are afraid of water and can watch as they develop confidence in the pool.

Many swimming teachers work with children, providing them with lifelong skills that could save their lives in the future!

Alternatively, some teachers choose to work with adults who don’t know how to swim, whereas others coach professional swimming teams.

If you enjoy fitness, have experience in swimming, and want to teach outside of the classroom, then this may be the career for you!

#25 -  Strength And Conditioning Coaching Is One Of The Most Specialised Non-Office Jobs In The UK

Average Salary: £26,000

Strength and conditioning coaches are specialised trainers who work with clients to help them build their strength and endurance.

They typically work with those wanting to hit performance-based goals, from school sports teams to Olympic athletes.

Those S&C coaches who choose to work with professional athletes will benefit from one of the highest-paying non-office jobs, as they can expect to earn approximately £33,000, or £43,000 for those based in London!

However, many also work in gyms as the demand for bespoke strength and conditioning services from everyday gym goers increases.

Think you have what it takes to pursue this exciting career? Check out our article on becoming a Strength and Conditioning coach to learn how to get started!

#26 - Refereeing Is A Good Option If You’re Looking For Good Paying Non-Office Jobs

Average Salary: £30,000

Ever find yourself on the touchline of a sporting event keeping an eye out for rule violations? If so, you may make a great referee!

Referees can work in a variety of sports depending on their area of expertise, and offer an ideal way to secure your first job in the sports industry.

However, what all referees have in common is that they have a good level of concentration, attention to detail, and integrity that helps them to ensure the smooth running of the game.

It’s also likely that you will need to be physically fit to keep up with the sportspeople and properly monitor the game.

To become a football referee, you should complete The Football Association (FA) Referees course with your local county FA. 

From here, you can begin to gain experience working with your local grassroots team, before working your way up to professional teams if you so wish.

#27 - Instructing Outdoor Activities Is A Thrilling Career When It Comes To Non-Desk Jobs

Average Salary: £30,000

For those with a love for the great outdoors and a thrill for adventure, you may enjoy teaching challenging outdoor activities such as:

• Canoeing
• Canyoning
• Rock climbing
• Orienteering
• Cycling

You will spend most of your day preparing, demonstrating, and leading these activities, whilst ensuring that participants remain safe at all times.

One of the best things about jobs that get you out of the office such as this one is that you will encounter clients of all ages and backgrounds on a daily basis, especially if you work at an activity centre that attracts people from all over the country.

#28 - Pursuing A Career In Childcare Is One Of The Most Rewarding And High Paying Non-Office Jobs

Average Salary: £29,000

Working with children is a great way to get out of the office, enjoy a wide variety of activities, and gain a new perspective on life.

This is because you’ll not only be responsible for keeping children entertained, but you will also be overseeing their learning and development into confident young people.

There is a range of out-of-office job roles available in childcare, including:

• Childminder
• Teacher
• Teaching assistant
• Nursery worker
• Early years practitioner
• Live-in nanny

To pursue a career in childcare, you will therefore need to have a good level of patience, the ability to communicate well with young people, and a DBS check to prove that you are fit for working with children.

#29 - Teach Dance Classes If You’re Passionate About Dance and Are Looking for Non-Office Jobs

Average Salary: £32,000

For those looking for active, non-desk jobs that pay well in the UK, you may want to consider becoming an Exercise to Music instructor.

This is a great choice for those with a passion for dance and performing arts who want to share this and help to develop talent within other dancers.

There are many different choices when it comes to teaching dance, from various styles to the clients that you work with.

For example, you may run dance classes for children, or that are specially adapted for older adults. Alternatively, you could complete a Level 2 Exercise to Music qualification.

Upon completion of this course, you will know how to deliver freestyle and choreographed exercise to music classes.

You may then choose to work in a gym or as a self-employed instructor, delivering popular pre-choreographed dance sessions such as Zumba and Les Mills.

#30 - Exercise Physiology Is Another Of The Best Paying Non-Office Jobs In The UK

Average Salary: £30,000

By becoming an exercise physiologist, you’ll be tasked with using scientific principles to create exercise programmes for clients who need help with various fitness goals.

For instance, they may help to improve a client’s:

• Flexibility
• Cardiovascular health
• Body composition

Exercise physiologists typically work with athletes and sports teams and monitor their training through physical assessments involving metabolism, respiration, and the cardiovascular system.

Others work in clinical settings such as hospitals, creating fitness plans as a means of preventative care for those at risk of chronic illnesses or health complications.

You will therefore require a degree in a health-related subject such as biology or anatomy for this role.

#31 - Crossfit Coaching Is Amongst The Most Active Non-Desk Jobs That Don’t Require A Degree

Average Salary: £29,000

CrossFit has become a highly popular group workout method over the past few years, with more than 14,000 gyms popping up in 155 countries.

Becoming a CrossFit coach is therefore one of the most lucrative, well-paid non-office jobs in the UK!

CrossFit is a functional-style workout which uses principles of strength and conditioning to make fitness accessible for all ages and abilities.

You’ll need to have a thorough understanding of how bodyweight and weight training exercises can be adapted for beginners.

CrossFit coaches also need patience, determination, and the resilience to keep pushing clients through the Workout of the Day, whilst maintaining the motivation of your group!

Before You Go!

Now that you have an idea of some of the best non-office jobs in the UK, you should decide on the career path for you, complete the relevant qualifications, and move away from your desk!

The best way to do so is with a Personal Training Diploma, allowing you to hit the ground running after just 4 weeks of training! Enquire today, or download our FREE prospectus here to discover more.