Our increasingly sedentary lifestyles are making it harder for us to stay healthy. While the ways in which we use our downtime play a role in this unwelcome phenomenon, so does the way in which we work; jobs that require you to sit in front of a computer leave little room for physical activity.
Are you someone who loves to stay active and hates the idea of sitting at a desk for most of your life? If so, then you might want to consider finding a job where you’re on your feet for most of the day. These employment options are more common than you might think, and many of them pay better than you think too.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at several sectors where you can find work without being stuck behind a desk:
Nursing
There’s a major nursing shortage happening across the United States. That means there are many opportunities available to those interested in becoming registered nurses. The schooling is hard and so is the work, but it’s also rewarding. What’s more, RNs are on their feet for most of their shift. They may also need to do some heavy lifting when helping patients get in and out of hospital beds, examination tables, and wheelchairs. That makes nursing a great job option for those wishing to do something physically demanding.
Retail
From stocking shelves to operating the register to reorganizing merchandise after the day is done, retail workers are tasked with multiple duties requiring long hours on their feet. Since retail jobs now make up over six percent of the total U.S. workforce (roughly 10 million people), footwear companies are now designing specially designed shoes for retail workers to wear in order to avoid chronic pain and discomfort. While many folks see retail as a thankless job rather than a rewarding career, there’s no denying its powerful role in the overall economy.
Hospitality
Hotel employees, restaurant workers, and others in the hospitality sector are walking and standing for most of their shifts. Bellhops, housekeepers, front desk personnel, bartenders, servers, dishwashers, cooks, and valets all fulfill obligations that require them to be on their feet all day long. If you want a job where the only time you’re sitting down is when taking a break, then hospitality might be the right fit.
Emergency Services
Emergency first responders, such as firefighters, paramedics, and police officers, are responsible for saving the lives of people who find themselves in dire situations. Due to the physically demanding nature of that line of work, emergency services personnel are expected to stay in decent shape for the duration of their careers. Depending on how busy you’ll be, the work itself will keep you in shape. At the very least, first responders can expect to be on their feet for half their shift.
Commercial Aviation
Airline pilots tend to do more sitting than standing, but practically everyone else working in commercial aviation is on their feet all day long. Flight attendants, gate personnel, baggage handlers, aircraft marshallers, and airplane mechanics all do a lot of standing and walking. If you love airplanes, want to work on, in, or around them, and don’t mind being on your feet all day, then the aviation industry might be the right fit.
Postal Service
Mail carriers can walk anywhere from five to 12 miles each day, depending on their route. That means you can get all your steps in for the day and then some before you clock out! Postal service workers also receive excellent benefits, including health insurance and a retirement pension.
Education
Do you remember your favorite school teacher? If so, we’re willing to bet most of those memories consist of watching and listening as they write on the board and pacing back and forth, giving lessons. That’s because most teachers spend roughly half their time on their feet in front of their students. Not only is teaching a job involving a fair amount of physical activity, but it’s also one of the most rewarding career options out there.
Most people spend most of their time sitting down. That’s bad for our health as well as our well-being. If you’re someone who’d rather work in a coal mine than behind a desk, the good news is you’re not limited to those options. There are many great occupations out there that involve lots of walking and other physical activity.
Julie Steinbeck is a freelance writer from Florida. She enjoys writing about business, finance, and travel.
