Those of you that have jobs working outdoors, what do you do and how did you get into it?

Posted by FreedomEagle76@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 16 comments

Hey folks, 24m here and stuck in a bit of a rut. Worked in retail for the last year or two and about to start a new retail job today but I honestly can not stand it anymore and I need to get out and do something else. In June I am going to hopefully be driving buses but I don't want to do that all of my life. I have always wanted to do a job working outdoors, even better if I can get one with not a lot of contact with people. I have researched a few different career options like some kind of wildlife/park ranger, different trades like working on the motorway, fibre/telecoms engineer, etc but there are so many different career paths out there I feel a bit overwhelmed. Am also thinking about going back into education and maybe doing a OU degree since I only have basic qulifications and a L3 BTEC in health and social care. Thought that I would ask here since maybe hearing some of your careers would give me a bit of inspiration on where to go next.

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16 Comments

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rockdecasba@reddit

My first job was Removals. It was fantastic to me and really enjoyed my time there

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Houseofsun5@reddit

Mobile excavator mechanic, drive around the country fixing diggers. Just hang around waiting on a phonecall, it could be 3 hours driving for 10 mins work, but it's all in the rate. Desperate shortage of us so as a result the pay is pretty good, you're doing something wrong if you're not making 50-60k a year once you're actually useful. An apprenticeship and a considerable investment in tools required though.

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boobiemilo@reddit

I now work in farming. Manage a flock of sheep and a herd of cows. Both are rare breeds. I got the job by sheer luck. I have pretty much complete autonomy about how I do what I do. I’ve jumped on a few vet led courses these last 3 years, I devour books on farming and watch endless YouTube videos. I consider myself pretty good at what I do, it may not be how many farmers do what they do but it works for me and it works for my boss man. I love it and would never go back to the 7-5 grind EVER! Good luck

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Thread-Hunter@reddit

Construction industry or landscape gardening.

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Martinonfire@reddit

What about pest control?

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Cheap-Cauliflower-51@reddit

I was going to say this. Always recruiting, you'll need to get qualifications, but they should support you through this. Mix of inside and outside work, could specialise in bird proofing of really want the outside life. Pay is crap and progression is limited, but can go solo when you've got some experience under your belt and then earnings are all about what you want to make of it. Pretty much recession proof too as people always need pests taken care of.

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SecurityTemporary849@reddit

If I wanted to work outside I don't think I would want to do it in the UK, I would work outside in warmer climates with less rain.

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FreedomEagle76@reddit (OP)

Not really bothered by rain at all. The worse the weather is the happier I am being out in it.

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HornetOld9074@reddit

I've worked in a job that involves outdoor work and found it really rewarding. I think the key is finding something that matches your skills and interests. You could look into roles like park ranger, landscaper, or even something more technical like telecoms or utility maintenance. If you're unsure, maybe try some short courses or certifications in those areas before fully committing. One step at a time, there's no rush. :)

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FreedomEagle76@reddit (OP)

Yeah 100%, I have time to try out a few different career paths. I am just desperate to get out of retail lmao.

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HMSWarspite03@reddit

Have you tried Openreach, sky or virgin, they also use subcontractors such as Quinns, I'm a telecoms engineer, it has its downsides but I'm pretty much free from bosses most of the day.

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FreedomEagle76@reddit (OP)

I keep my eye on Openreach but didn't even think of the other two or their subcontractors. Thanks for the suggestion, I will keep my eyes open for vacancies.

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Scarred_fish@reddit

Walked up to the site foreman and asked for a job just over 35 years ago. Still here, job has evolved massively and involves a lot of computer/AI work now, but it's all mobile so still out and about plenty. I know I'm lucky, as I don't think I could handle a job that was indoors all the time, especially in winter.

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FreedomEagle76@reddit (OP)

Construction industry? I have had a think a few times about trying to get work as a labourer. Seems like a good starting point to see what sort of trades would interest me.

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Scarred_fish@reddit

Sure, go for it! Modern apprenticeships are great, and there is a serious lack of people. I'm in road construction mainly but the qualifications cover all aspects and you get paid to train. Lots of people don;t understand you can carry on to degree level if you like, it's up to you.

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