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Well paid jobs that require you to be physically active?

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Re: Well paid jobs that require you to be physically active?

#51

Post by hexis »

dermidgen wrote: post #25

Wow, this question could have been written by me. Here's what I've found. Starting on a new career path is a crappy proposition. Most of the trades that have been suggested do either require extensive training and preparation, or some degree of paying your dues (as with any industry). However, what really killed it for me is that basically I would be doing contract work (we all know how that goes - ebbs and flows) fo…

"for about 150% less than I do now"

Wouldn't that mean, instead of getting paid, you were paying them 50% of your current rate?

Re: Well paid jobs that require you to be physically active?

#52

Post by enjo »

ja27 wrote: post #50

I've had the same sort of thoughts, but I've been sitting at a desk for almost 20 years. I've often considered landscaping / lawnmowing, especially when my landscaper took off for a two-week vacation to Europe that I can't afford. A few of my firefighter friends have landscaping businesses on the side. My father-in-law works in environmental permitting. He spends about 4 days a week in the office (home or corporate)…

My startup works with small businesses. I've been amazed at the amount of income that good service professionals can bring in. Landscapers, air-duct cleaners, carpet cleaners... we have a couple of clients that have owners pocketing 7 figures yearly.

What I find really interesting is how much the process these really successful owners use mirrors what we do in technology companies. They try different pitches. They test different call-answering tactics. They hone in on the words, phrases, and ideas that resonate with customers. They test different advertising metrics and are obsessed with tracking and analytics.

Once they understand how to close deals and what the best sources of leads are... they scale. For instance, one of our air-duct cleaning partners (that clears 7 figures in profit) has grown to four crews and a full time booking agent. The booking agent is extensively trained and closes 60-70% of all leads. The owner spends her time focused on quality control of the actual crews for the most part.

The point being: There is PLENTY of room for small business owners to make a lot of money with manageable levels of scale. You still have to have a keen business sense... but outcome based decision making works no matter what business you run.

Re: Well paid jobs that require you to be physically active?

#53

Post by donaldc »

Generally, physical work is not as rewarded in modern society as intellectual work. Almost anything physically grueling a human can do, a machine can be designed to do it better. If the human in question is expensive, a machine has probably already been designed to do it better.

Personally, I just go for walks at random intervals during my workday. It keeps me from being completely deskbound, and also keeps my brain from getting stuck.

Re: Well paid jobs that require you to be physically active?

#54

Post by karmel »

Physical Therapist!

"Physical therapists practice in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private offices that have specially equipped facilities. These jobs can be physically demanding, because therapists may have to stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, and stand for long periods. In addition, physical therapists move heavy equipment and lift patients or help them turn, stand, or walk." And: "Median annual wages of physical therapists were $72,790 in May 2008." (From http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos080.htm )

Plus, you get to help people recover from ailments and improve their daily physical experience.

Re: Well paid jobs that require you to be physically active?

#55

Post by mattmaroon »

You can make decent money as both golf and tennis pros. I'm not sure how easy it would be to become either if you're not already pretty skilled though. I'm certain it could be done, and the younger you are the easier, but it would be some work if you don't have much skill at either.

You could also get a teaching certificate and become a coach. This may be a lot of work as well depending on your state, education, etc.

You can become a personal trainer with not too much effort if you're like spending time in gyms. It'll take awhile to build up and maintain clientele, but it's not a bad way to go.

Re: Well paid jobs that require you to be physically active?

#56

Post by mtw »

jobu wrote: post #27

I'm in a similar situation. Although not as athletic, I would love to have a more physically demanding job. Somewhat wishing I had made a more vocational career choice such as plumber or electrician. I have an interest in both and have done a significant amount on my own, but they both require training and apprenticeship to be officially certified in my state. Unfortunately it's a little late in life to make a career…

a treadmill desk is overkill however a standing desk might improve health dramatically http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/14/phys-ed-the-men-who...

Re: Well paid jobs that require you to be physically active?

#57

Post by rfrey »

mortuus wrote: post #29
gamble wrote: post #6

Oilfield roughneck. Work the rigs for a few years, then go back home and write software for the oil & gas industry.

Thanks for sharing, had to look the term up. roughneck (drilling): "A low-ranking member of the drilling crew. The roughneck usually performs semiskilled and unskilled manual labor that requires continual hard work in difficult conditions for many hours. After roughnecks understand how the rig operates and demonstrates their work ethic, they may be promoted to other positions in the crew." "This might actually refer…

I have not been a roughneck, but I grew up in Edmonton, Canada at a time when several of my Gr. 12 classmates went for 3 months in the summer and earned more than their teachers did in a year.

The pay is high (my friends earned about 12k/month) but it is dirty, dangerous work. You are isolated for weeks or months at a time. Drug use is extremely common, and your safety and even life often depends on the clear thinking and detail-orientation of someone who is hungover or high or both. There will be no internet access, although there is probably a communal television with satellite access. Many workers lose much of their money gambling: you can not participant and be isolated, or participate and lose, or participate and win and risk physical interventions.

My mom wouldn't let me go. :)

Re: Well paid jobs that require you to be physically active?

#59

Post by mtw »

tpanzarella wrote: post #44

Field robotics. Technically very challenging (involves computer science, math, physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, control systems engineering, etc.) and very fun. Provides many different areas to specialize in, e.g. perception, planning, learning, control, etc. And you get to spend time physically working with machines just as often (if not more) than sitting at your laptop writing code. For exa…

do you know if there are any successful bootstrapped startups in field robotics? for instance, 1 or 2 guys in a garage who succeed into designing and selling their own UAV? or maybe design a new wheeled robot toy?

Re: Well paid jobs that require you to be physically active?

#60

Post by nraynaud »

a related book, the story of Patagonia and Black Diamond: http://www.amazon.com/Let-People-Surfing-Education-Businessm...

My experience: I tried to start my company in the sports field, but I failed. At that time I was surfing 2h/day and running a bit. Now I'm employed, I gained 10kg, and I'm not really motivated and looking for a better way of living.

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