blogspotting 2.0: 5 Lucrative No-Desk Jobs

by Vicki Salemi, ClassesUSA.com

Wanna think out of the cubicle? For some people, a desk job can put a hold on career satisfaction, says Laurence Shatkin, author of 'The 175 Best Jobs Not Behind a Desk,' (JIST Works, 2007). 'Some people are antsy and uncomfortable when they must stay seated all day.'
If you love the outdoors and feel chained to a cubicle, or simply crave variety and need a change of scenery, consider these five jobs, where you'll be far from chained to a desk.

Veterinary Medicine
'It's hardly ever the same day twice,' says Kimberly May DVM, MS, DACVS, assistant director of American Veterinary Medical Association's department of professional and public affairs. Animal doctors diagnose and treat animals, but they may work in related fields such as inspecting livestock, training workers who handle animals, and conducting quarantines when necessary.
After earning a bachelor's degree fulfilling vet school prerequisites, aspiring veterinarians enroll in a four-year veterinary school program before taking the required licensing exam. As for the most important skills? 'You need compassion and empathy for animals and the ability to interact well with people,' Dr. May explains.

Nursing
If you have a great bedside manner, nursing may be the antidote to your office ailment. According to Peg Hendershot, director of Career Vision, a career planning service, 'This career provides the opportunity to interact with different types of people and solve problems on a daily -- and sometimes hourly -- basis.'
Plus, there are tangible benefits. 'Typically, nurses can see the results of their efforts -- they are easing pain, giving confidence to patients and calming patients and relatives.' As for requirements, either a two-year associate degree in nursing, a hospital diploma program, or a bachelor of science degree in nursing will suffice; upon completion nurses take the NCLES-RN, a licensing exam.

Flight Attendant
If you enjoy travel and are friendly, patient, flexible, and tactful, consider a career as a flight attendant. According to Joe Belotti of Airline.com, an online resource for people pursuing careers as flight attendants, a high school diploma is required to take this job to new heights. 'Then there's four to six weeks of intensive training, usually at or near the airline's headquarters.'
After training in topics such as first aid, emergency procedures, federal aviation regulations, and in-flight passenger service procedures, flight attendants earn the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency. Flight attendants must periodically attend retraining and pass an FAA safety exam to continue flying.

Construction Management
Want to plan, direct, and coordinate activities outside an office? Construction managers do just that by managing the construction of buildings and other structures. While a bachelor's degree is typically required, according to John McKeon, vice president of communications, Construction Management Association of America, an organization devoted to interests of professional programs in this field, most construction managers come from an engineering or architectural background.
'This career is for people who enjoy learning how things work, creative people who take initiative, and for people who like to learn,' says McKeon. Patience and flexibility are key, since projects and schedules constantly change. 'Not to mention some projects take years to complete,' he adds.

Teaching
Rather than an office, the work environment of teachers is the classroom and beyond -- and can be quite fulfilling instead of stifling. 'It feels good to see students learning and it's a challenge to use creativity to find new ways to bring ideas and learning alive in the classroom.' Bachelor's degrees are required, and state licensure and certification requirements differ by state. Although teachers have their own 'homework' throughout the year with various lesson plans and grading, there are at least two initial reasons to pursue this rewarding vocation: July and August.